THEY break into homes and snatch precious belongings, so is it right to let convicted burglars escape jail?

It is, according to new plans by the Government in which thousands of burglars and shoplifters will be given community punishments to ease prison overcrowding.

Clr Colin Oliver (LD) has recently been a victim of crime himself. His home on Canada Close, Fearnhead, was ransacked by thieves who snatched his phone, laptop, and digital camera and tried to steal his car.

He said: "It is a ridiculous idea. It sends out the wrong message to thieves if, once convicted, they are allowed out on the streets.

"Others will go and commit similar offences while there is nothing to prevent them re-offending.

"It is so hard for the victims of crimes like this - my wife does not like to be at home alone now. Letting these criminals off from a custodial sentence would be another insult to those badly affected.

"They need to be taught a lesson and that means prison."

The radical policy could mean that all sentences, fewer than 12 months for non-violent crimes, would be scrapped.

The controversial move is an attempt by the prison service to reduce an all-time high in jail population Current rules mean anybody who breaches the terms of their release can be returned to jail until the original sentence is complete.

But the law could be changed so that those convicted of non-violent crimes can only return for a maximum of 28 days.

While it is believed a number of convicted burglars have already escaped jail, Cheshire Police said they were unable to comment on national issues.

But the plans remain in the distant future for the moment, as the measures require a change in the law following a lengthy review.