04/02/2009 - Businesses suffer more burglaries
Businesses in England and Wales have suffered a jump in the number of burglaries and break-ins as the recession takes hold, according to Home Office figures.
But fears of a `credit-crunch crimewave` have been played down by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith prior to a meeting in London of police, retailers, insurers and charities. She told BBC Breakfast: "I don't think there is anything inevitable about saying that because we have a recession, burglary needs to rise."
To make sure that does not happen, she said, the Government is determined that businesses and householders should receive the best possible advice on how to protect themselves. Figures for July to September last year showed that burglaries of commercial premises were up, while break-ins at homes rose to 69,000, the first increase in seven years. Overall, she said, burglary has fallen 55% since 1997.
Ms Smith announced the launch of a £1.6 million crime-prevention campaign that includes a three-minute internet-based test for people to check their security measures.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
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