Britain could see a shoplifting and burglary 'crime wave' amid proposals to scrap short prison sentences, MPs have warned.
Major reforms to be published this week are expected to recommend scrapping most sentences of up to a year.
It would mean burglars, shoplifters and those convicted of low-level assault would not face jail time – with the reforms aimed at tackling prison overcrowding.
The recommendations are set to be part of the government-commissioned Sentencing Review by David Gauke, the former Conservative justice secretary.
The report is expected to provide a blueprint for the Sentencing Bill, which will be introduced to Parliament this summer.
