Minister guarded on effects of police cutbacks

'It's too early to say' whether police cutbacks have hampered the force's ability to investigate serious criminal cases.

That's what Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson told colleagues in the House of Keys this morning (Tuesday).

Restricted budgets mean the constabulary is closing two stations, reducing the overall number of officers and changing the way it deals with some matters.

There have been 47 reported burglaries and nine attempted break-ins around the Island since the start of January.

Mr Watterson said he would not reveal how many burglaries had taken place in recent weeks due to 'operational reasons'.

The Minister also admitted there had been difficulties recruiting officers to the constabulary but denied a lack of officers had caused delays investigating the collapse of the Louis Group.

It was wound up last year and accused of mis-selling investments.