Credit crunch could lead to crime wave, Home Office warns Downing Street

The economic downturn is set to lead to more crime, fewer police, more illegal immigration and a rise in far right extremism, a leaked Home Office letter reveals.

A blunt assessment of the pressures that a recession will bring on law and order is detailed in a document which is to be sent to Number 10 from Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary. 

It outlines the potential rises in crime, including violent crime, that could occur because of the credit crisis. Overall crime is expected to rise as a result of the more difficult economic times, which could also fuel terrorism, it warns. 

The document also claims there will be an increase in "hostility" towards migrants as people question the financial assistance newcomers are given by the state. 

The Conservatives said the revelations "ripped the veil" off complacent statements made by ministers about improving performance at the Home Office. In particular there is concern about lack of resources at Britain's border security operations. 

The letter - titled 'Responding to Economic Challenges' - says in the tougher economic climate "we should expect increased public hostility to migrants." It adds that "sensitivities about access to services and employment could be heightened." 

It also warns that there could be an increase in far right extremism that could in turn lead to those targeted turning to terrorism. 

The letter states: "There is also a risk of a downturn increasing the appeal of far right extremism and racism, which presents a threat as there is evidence that grievances based on experiencing racism is one of the factors that can lead to people becoming terrorists." 

Stopping illegal immigrants entering Britain will also be hampered, the Conservatives say, after the bleak assessment of funding pressures by the Home Office. 

The details are in a draft document which is set to be sent to Number 10 after Gordon Brown ordered all the major Whitehall departments to report how they would be affected by the economic downturn. 

It says that with visa numbers generally coming down the revenue that the UK Border Agency needs to monitors Britain's border security could be hit. Smuggling and migrants working illegally are also set to rise as some employers seek to "save costs." 

The letter states: "Reduced revenue will put the agency's activities under pressure, in particular major programmes, including those at the border, and caseworking activity". 

Damian Green, the Shadow Immigration Minister, said: "This rips the veil off the complacent comments we have been getting from Home Office ministers about how their performance is improving. It is clear that in almost all areas of the Home Office things are going to get worse. 

"Ministers need to come clean on which operations at the border agency are under threat. If it includes any enforcement activities or the e-border system then our safety is under threat as result of Gordon Brown's economic mismanagement. 

"If they are looking for ways to save money they should scrap the expensive and pointless ID card scheme straight away." 

A lack of cash could also hamper police attempts to tackle crime, the Home Office claims. 

It warns that police authorities could be unwilling to fully use their budgets and that "this, along with other cost pressures, such as high fuel costs and rising salaries, might leave forces facing financial pressures and require difficult decisions over officer numbers and priorities." contiunes here

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