POLICE officers in the Thames Valley force fear budget cuts will cause crime to rise, a survey has revealed.

Officers believe the Government cut of 20 per cent over the next four years and a reduction in police officer numbers will mean the public get a poorer service.

Ninety-nine per cent of Thames Valley Police officers who took the online survey – organised by the Thames Valley Police Federation, which represents officers up to the rank of Inspector – said that morale had fallen due to the planned budget cuts.

Eighty-five per cent said reducing officer numbers will cause crime to rise, and 78 per cent said workload had already increased or would increase in the future.

Ninety per cent said there would be a decline in service to the public due to cuts.

Graham Smith, the chairman of the Thames Valley branch federation, said: “The message from police officers in Thames Valley is loud and clear.

“They feel they are being hit from all sides by this government who, in addition to attacking their terms and conditions, are imposing a 20 per cent cut on the service which will undoubtedly lead to increased levels of crime and a poorer service for the public in Thames Valley.

“The federation is not opposed to change and accept that policing must play its part in public sector cuts.

“However, if this government truly believes in considered and informed change for the better then they should have the courage of their convictions and establish a Royal Commission on policing.

“Cuts of this magnitude are criminal and, despite the very best efforts of rank and file police officers, will undoubtedly lead to a poorer service for the residents and businesses in Thames Valley.”