Jack Dromey MP, Labour’s Shadow Policing Minister, responding to leaked figures showing a rise in muggings, burglary and theft in some parts of the country, said:

“Today’s warnings of sharp increases in a raft of crimes in parts of the country are deeply worrying, and lay bare this Tory-led Government’s shocking complacency on crime and policing.

“We now learn that HMIC has called an emergency summit to discuss spikes in muggings, burglary and theft. Senior officers are also reporting a surge in the number of people shoplifting, including first-time arrests of people stealing food items.

“We have continually warned the Government that its cuts of 10,000 frontline officers make things harder for the police service and take risks with public safety. We are already seeing sharp declines in those accused of rape, child abuse and domestic violence being referred for prosecution and now we have this warning from the senior police officer involved of signs that certain crimes could be rising again.

“With numbers of officers slashed and morale at an all-time low, with policing powers being weakened and with a Home Secretary seemingly oblivious or complacent on these figures, it is clear these issues need to be addressed not ignored.”