Crime is falling in Britain, but with police numbers under threat as budgets are squeezed, how will that affect the rate?

And while crime is falling, hate crimes have risen, especially since the EU Referendum. This section will cover the main crime and policing stories across the UK.

Crime & Police

The Met could lose 2,000 officers

Met Police could lose 2,000 officers as force's budget 'may be slashed by £450 million'

Chris Philp

Police 'losing confidence to use powers' after murder trial of officer who shot Chris Kaba, claims Tory MP

Metropolitan Police officers

'Offensive speech is not illegal', Tories say, as they urge ministers to let police 'protect public and catch criminals'

Yvette Cooper has warned that police need reform

'Policing by consent at risk if forces are not reformed', Home Secretary warns, as she launches national overhaul

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Starmer says police should focus on 'what matters most' - as free speech row over investigation into columnist tweet grows

South Yorkshire Police Headline Image

Elderly woman in life-threatening condition after prison transport vehicle collides with pedestrians

The first recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem include two police officers killed in the line of duty

First emergency services workers honoured with 'Elizabeth Emblem' for those who die in line of duty

Firearms officer who shot and killed Jean Charles de Menezes following failed 21/7 attacks speaks for the first time

'We're gonna die': Firearms officer who killed Jean Charles de Menezes speaks of 'painful' memories for the first time

Mohamed Al Fayed

Met Police refer themselves to watchdog over handling of sex assault claims against Mohamed Al Fayed

Suzy Lamplugh disappeared in 1986, with John Cannan the prime suspect

Prime suspect in disappearance of Suzy Lamplugh dies in prison 40 years after estate agent went missing