Public not confident police will even turn up

Poll shows victims' fear

- Michael Knowles

POLICE chiefs have "lost control of many of our towns and cities", ministers have been warned.

Almost half the public are not confident officers would turn up and properly investigate a burglary or car theft, shock poll results say.

For over-65s that rose to 54% and one in 10 were put off calling 999 as they could not rely on the response.

David Spencer, the head of crime and justice at leading think-tank Policy Exchange, told the Daily Express: "The police have lost control of many of our towns and cities.

"Ministers and police chiefs need to understand that this is part of the definition of a failed state. This is not just about more money - this is about policing in a different way and actually sending criminals to prison.