Police warn reforms will spark crimewave

POLICE are preparing for a surge in crime of up to 6% in one year if govern- ment plans to cut the number of shorter prison sentences and release some crimi- nals earlier go ahead.

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Service bosses are bracing for thousands more offences to be committed in the immediate aftermath of the planned changes, as more offenders are on the streets rather than in prison.

Plans proposed under the Sentencing Bill to ease the prisons overcrowding crisis include limiting the use of short prison sentences and releasing convicted criminals earlier in their jail terms.

Police chiefs estimate that the extra strain on policing will cost £300 million to £400 million, but say it is currently "an unfunded consequence".