Credit Crunch May Lead to Increase in Crime
Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary, has expressed concerns that the economic downturn may lead to a 19% rise in crime. In a leaked draft letter intended for the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary outline possible impact a recession may have on crime figures. The document warns that a downturn may lead to:
• significant increase in smuggling in particular of fuel, alcohol and tobacco
• an "upward pressure on acquisitive crime" as well as property crime, such as burglary
• increase in illegal working if migrants' opportunities for legal working decline and employers are seeking to save costs
• a fall in incidents of drunken disorder in town centres unless drinks companies respond to the downturn by aggressive price cutting
The Home Secretary also expressed concern that the economic situation may lead to Police forces having to reduce the number of officers on the street.