HC Deb 22 May 2000 vol 350 c667
8. Ms Hazel Blears (Salford)

What targets for burglary reduction he has set for Greater Manchester police. [121538]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Paul Boateng)

Local crime reduction targets for police forces are set by local police authorities. Greater Manchester police authority has set a target of achieving a 25 per cent. reduction in domestic burglary by April 2005.

Ms Blears

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. I am delighted that Salford has recently received nearly £1 million to tackle burglary in the city and to help meet the 25 per cent. reduction target. However, we have serious criminals who launder money. I am particularly pleased by the announcement of plans to seize the assets of criminals.

Does my right hon. Friend recall that the criminal career of Al Capone was brought to an end by convictions for tax evasion rather than murder? Will he, like Eliot Ness, pursue serious criminals in equally innovative ways in future?

Mr. Boateng

I am not so sure that Eliot Ness and the Untouchables are the immediate analogies that spring to mind, but the answer is yes.