UK downturn will fuel crime - leaked government letter

The Tories have obtained a leaked letter from Home Secretary Jacqui Smith which anticipates rising crime levels as a result of the economic downturn.

The draft letter to Downing Street says rising crime figures and increased hostility to migrants are likely.

It also forecasts more smuggling of fuel, alcohol and tobacco.

The Home Office said the letter was draft advice which had not been cleared by the home secretary and had not been sent to Number 10.

The credit crunch will spark a rise in crime, a leaked Home Office memo has warned.

Burglary, violence, racist behaviour and terrorism could all soar as the economic downturn bites harder, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith says.

She fears police funding will be hit leaving fewer officers to crack crime as forces cut back numbers to save money.

Ms Smith's message, leaked by a Whitehall insider, is spelt out in a draft letter to Gordon Brown.

It warns theft and property crime could leap eight per cent this year and by a further two per cent in 2009 - based on the recession of the early 90s.