Its facile to suggest that more police = less crime. Police are in some ways a function of crime, as if there is more crime there is more work for them to do, but the causes are generally due to lack of education, and social status.

Educated people (and Im including the readers of forums such as this as educated people) are deterred by prison sentances, but they are not the ones who are likely to commit crimes.

People who struggle to get by are more likely to commit crimes if its made easy for them. My place was burgled last year, but with some simple alterations (aided by the police) I have made it (I think) far safer.

Putting people in prison increases the tax burdon on us and breeds more crime, whereas removing the reason for people to commit crimes probably costs the same and makes a safer society. The former doesnt appeal to Mail readers (or indeed politians, these days it seems)..