THE Home Office tries to dismiss a connection in the rise in burglary in Oxford and elsewhere and the flagging economy as ‘simplistic’.

Yes, it is simplistic.

Because it is largely true. In tough economic times acquisitive crime – things like burglary, theft and robbery – go up because there are more unemployed and less money to spend on the nicer things in life.

We also now have the added aggravating factor in that our society has become far more consumeristic, so if people want more of those glittering toys a certain percentage will break the law to keep their lifestyle at a level they believe is theirs by right.

Why can the Government not just accept this is a truism?

While Oxford police are doing a decent job tackling the other acquisitive crimes such as robbery and shoplifting, perhaps another Government fallacy could help on the burglary front.

The Big Society is largely nonsense, but why can’t we appeal that a feeling of community at least guilts some into shunning the cheap spoils of burglaries being offered by thieves and fences.

Less demand may trickle down to less supply.

Also we do need to help the police by ensuring that your home is permanently secure.

Tough economic times may be an excuse for these thieves but don’t make it any easier for them.