Council blames credit crunch for 27 per cent increase in burglaries

The credit crunch is being blamed for a rise in burglaries in a London borough.

There were 1,029 cases across Enfield from April to the end of August - an increase of 27 per cent compared with the same period last year when there were 812.

Now Enfield council has urged residents to make sure their doors and windows are locked.

Matthew Laban, cabinet member for community safety, said: "Although we do not have any solid evidence, it seems that this rise corresponds to the worsening economic situation.

"We all need to be extra vigilant over home security."

Enfield council figures revealed at least 20 per cent of burglaries last year were due to windows and doors being left either open or unlocked.

A recent survey by security website AlertME.com also found that people were worried about the effects of the economic turmoil on crime.

The survey of 1,000 adults showed that 51 per cent believed crime would increase as the economy worsened. A total of 71 per cent were "worried" about protecting their property.

Police refused to speculate on the reason for the increase.