by Martin Jefferies

Kent's rank-and-file police officers believe force cutbacks will cause crime to rise in the county, it was revealed today.

A survey by the Police Federation found almost nine in every 10 in Kent Police officers think the number of offences will increase.

An estimated 500 officers and 1,000 staff will be lost between now and 2015 after the government announced it was cutting the county's police budget by 20 per cent.

In total, 1,536 local officers responded to the survery.

Of those, 98 per cent said morale had fallen, while 87 per cent said officers will want to leave the force as the cuts start to bite.

Do you think crime will rise? Or do you think Kent Police can cope? Post your comments in the box below.