16/05/2011
Police budget cuts could lead to soaring crime levels, a survey has suggested.
Around 42,000 officers were questioned across England and Wales for the study, with results hinting that the public can expect a poorer service as morale drops among forces following the cuts.
This could spark a flurry of interest in improved home insurance policies to safeguard possessions in the face of increased crime.
The findings have been revealed just days before Home Secretary Theresa May is due to give a keynote speech to disenchanted rank-and-file officers at the annual Police Federation conference.
Almost all - 98 per cent - of the respondents said morale has dropped due to warnings over declining police numbers and potential cuts to take-home pay packets.
Paul McKeever, chairman of the federation of England and Wales, said research shows officers "feel they are being hit from all sides".
The Government "appears intent on pushing terms and conditions back decades ... which will undoubtedly lead to increased levels of crime and a poorer service for the public", he added.
More than 85 per cent of officers believe cutting numbers will have a detrimental effect on crime levels, with 78 per cent of respondents saying their workload has already increased, and 91 per cent saying there will be a decline in service delivery.
The survey stands in contrast with the Government's vow that cuts to policing are achievable without crime rising.
Chief Constable Peter Fahy, in charge of workforce development for the Association of Chief Police Officers, said forces would be determined that the criminal fraternity will not have an easier time "whatever the pressures".
A Home Office spokesman said: "We are confident that the police service can maintain the drive to cut crime while becoming more efficient, and we are helping officers by tackling bureaucracy, sweeping away targets and restoring professional discretion."
