Met to investigate 'solvable' crime

The move is aimed at using limited police to tackle serious crimes such as murder and rape.

It is being adopted across the force after it was piloted in Southwark and Enfield last year.

But shadow home secretary Oliver Letwin said the guidelines were "straight out of Alice in Wonderland" and accused the government of giving burglars "total tolerance".

" During the last week burglars have been sent a clear signal that they won't be investigated, and that even if they are investigated they won't be sent to jail "
Oliver Letwin MP, shadow home secretary

A Scotland Yard spokesman said that once the initial investigation into a burglary is completed, it will not be followed up by detectives unless there is a reasonable chance it can be solved.

He added that the priority crimes were serious offences like murder, rape, street crime, the supply of class A drugs, offences against children, terrorism and gun-related crime.

If further evidence came to light about a lesser offence like burglary, then the case would be reopened.

But shadow home secretary Oliver Letwin said burglars had in effect been "given the green light to carry on burgling".

"This is straight out of Alice in Wonderland," he said.

'Total tolerance'

"During the last week burglars have been sent a clear signal that they won't be investigated, and that even if they are investigated they won't be sent to jail.

"Instead of zero tolerance, we are faced with total tolerance."

Burglary victim Beverley Smithers from Southwark, south-east London, told BBC London News that people needed to be reassured.

"I'm very concerned because it's giving the message that criminals can get away with their crime. I think the police should get more resources."

The Met's Acting Assistant Commissioner Richard Bryant said burglary was still a priority crime.

"The Met takes burglary serious because people in London take it seriously", he told BBC London News.

"Burglary in London is at a 23-year low and is reducing because we are constantly look at new ways of tackling this problem."

Scotland Yard claims the initial six-month pilot scheme made a "significant improvement" to detection rates and there were no complaints from members of the public.