The public will cop it?

A top cop warned last night crime will rocket as police spending is slashed. Meredydd Hughes said budget cuts will hit every area of his South Yorkshire force. Mr Hughes warns cuts will mean more crime predicted, increasing unemployment, shrinking prisons and fewer bobbies on the beat would be an explosive mixture. He also said there would be fewer units to tackle serious and organised crime while cuts in support staff would saddle officers with extra duties away from the frontline.

In a report to his police authority, Mr Hughes says: “The reduction in prison places may result in prolific offenders living in our communities as opposed to serving time. We can anticipate an increase in unemployment. This will bring additional pressures on some individuals to commit crime. All this takes place against the backdrop of fewer police and staff able to provide support to communities.”