The number of house break-ins rose sharply in the final months of last year, official figures reveal today.

The increase is being linked to a "credit crunch crimewave" sparked by the recession.

Recorded crime figures from police forces in England and Wales show a 4% rise in domestic burglaries between October and December.

Statistics from the British Crime Survey show a 25% rise in thefts.

Merseyside Police say local figures are to be released later today.

More later.