TODAY'S crime figures confirm the suspicion of the British public. That our fear of crime is wholly justified, and that violent crime is on the increase.

The Home Secretary's assertion that increased wealth and the drinking culture among youths are factors in rising crime has some justification.

But the influence of these factors must not be used to excuse this Government's failure to keep a lid on the spiraling number of serious offences.

As the poor detection rates clearly demonstrate, the main reason for rising crime is that criminals believe they have a good chance of avoiding arrest.

And Jack Straw has to carry the burden of blame for the high number of crimes going undetected, and the high number of criminals not being apprehended.

The influence of social and cultural factors and shortcomings of previous policies must not overshadow this Government's failure to give the police the adequate resources to tackle crime effectively.

There needs to be an increased visible police presence on our streets.

That may make any drunken youth think twice before undertaking some act of wanton vandalism or violence.

That may make any robber think twice before mugging some defenceless individual.

It will certainly increase the chances of offenders being caught. And it will have the additional benefit of reducing the fear of crime which is rapidly infecting every household in Britain.

With its spending review today, the Government has the opportunity to make some real progress by targeting extra resources into the front-line battle against crime.

Family in torment

WE can only imagine the torment being endured this morning by the family of Sarah Payne.

The discovery of a girl's body only a few miles from where the eight-year-old disappeared was their worst nightmare.

For more than two weeks they have shown immense courage.

Sara and Michael Payne won the admiration of the nation after repeatedly undergoing the harrowing ordeal of going before the media during the search for their daughter.

One suspects, however, that they were able to summon the will to stay in the media spotlight because they clung to the hope that their 'little princess' was still alive.

Today our prayers are with them.