Police expecting 'crime boom' as 40C heatwave combines with cost of living crisis
dailystar.co.ukCrimes are expected to rise due to the ongoing heatwave and the cost of living crisis, according to police. With calls to emergency services already said to be "going through the roof", forces are being urged to make preparations for expected increases in vandalism, fights, theft, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour, by police and crime commissioners (PCCs).
Speaking at a press conference in London, Festus Akinbusoye, the PCC for Bedfordshire said he believed this summer would pose challenges for police due to be being the first in three years out of any sort of lockdown.READ MORE: Twisted killer admits sick 'dress rehearsal' murder telling victim 'you can't scream'“If it continues to be this hot, that’s another challenge and the trifecta that adds to that is the cost of living," said Mr Akinbusoye."Having that combination could potentially create a challenging and demanding time for policing.“I know that in my force and some others as well we’re looking to plan ahead to mitigate any risks.”Research in the US and other countries consistently shows a link between increasing temperatures and increasing crime, according to Steve Turner, the PCC for Cleveland.To stay up to date with all the latest news, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.“We see that in this country as well, over the summer crime will spike,” said Mr Turner. “You’ve got people outside, you’ve got barbecues, street parties, people consuming more alcohol, spilling outside pubs and clubs.
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