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04/02/2009
Home Secretary Holds Burglary Summit
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith led an anti-burglary conference in London today, which focused on reducing the crime as the recession continues.
Despite the number of domestic burglaries halving since Labour came into government, recent statistics have pointed to an increase in break-in, which experts have warned could be an effect of the economic slump.
Last year, a leaked memo from the Home Office to Downing Street warned that a recession could lead to more "acquisitive" crimes.
Ms Smith told the BBC: "I don't think there's anything inevitable about that happening."
However, the minister said it was best to take preventative action.
"I want to get in early with simple practical action which will help people to be, and feel secure," she said.
Today, Ms Smith met with the police, charities, DIY stores, the Association of British Insurers, and Crimestoppers to look at ways of allaying possible crimes and improving general homes security.
Over £20m is to be made available by the Home Office to boost personal security measures across the country.
"A large proportion of domestic burglaries occur where no security measures have been taken so there is also a clear opportunity for householders to take their own crime prevention measures," said Ian Johnston from the Association of Chief Police Officers.
(PR/JM)
Despite the number of domestic burglaries halving since Labour came into government, recent statistics have pointed to an increase in break-in, which experts have warned could be an effect of the economic slump.
Last year, a leaked memo from the Home Office to Downing Street warned that a recession could lead to more "acquisitive" crimes.
Ms Smith told the BBC: "I don't think there's anything inevitable about that happening."
However, the minister said it was best to take preventative action.
"I want to get in early with simple practical action which will help people to be, and feel secure," she said.
Today, Ms Smith met with the police, charities, DIY stores, the Association of British Insurers, and Crimestoppers to look at ways of allaying possible crimes and improving general homes security.
Over £20m is to be made available by the Home Office to boost personal security measures across the country.
"A large proportion of domestic burglaries occur where no security measures have been taken so there is also a clear opportunity for householders to take their own crime prevention measures," said Ian Johnston from the Association of Chief Police Officers.
(PR/JM)
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