Underfunded police predict crime rise in shake-up of crowded jails

POLICE are steeling themselves for a crime surge of up to 6% in just one year if more crooks end up on the street under sentencing reforms.

- BY MARGARET DAVIS

The government plans to ease jail overcrowding by limiting the use of short prison sentences and by releasing some inmates early.

Police chiefs support the move but say the extra strain on resources will cost £300m to £400m, calling it “an unfunded consequence”.