Recorded crime in England and Wales rose by seven per cent last year, according to the latest crime figures.
However, British government officials claim five per cent of the overall rise - the steepest for a decade - is down to new police rules on recording offences. But they admit a 28 per cent rise in robberies was unaffected by the statistical blip.
Home Secretary Mr David Blunkett says he will continue giving street crime high priority.
But the Conservatives claim the figures show gangs and the drug dealers are in charge of Britain's inner city estates.
There were 5.52 million crimes recorded by police in 2001/02, 356,239 more than the previous year.
According to the figures the total amount of violent crime rose 11 per cent to more than 812,000 incidents.
But Home Office experts said most of the extra crime total is down to the new National Crime Recording Standard.
The new guidelines see police recording more of the offences reported by the public, especially those involving minor violence or criminal damage.
In fact, Home Office officials say, recorded crime was only up two per cent and was "stable" compared with last year.
PA