Exporting crime...

That is what Romania is doing to Britain...

The influx of Romanian migrants has led to an explosion in crime in this country, it emerged last night.

As recent members of the EU, Romanians have had free access to Britain only since January 1.

Yet in the first six months of this year, police say, they were responsible for 1,080 offences.

During the same period in 2006, only 135 such crimes were recorded.

In an ironic twist Romanian authorities say crime there is dropping, fuelling suspicions that some offenders may have moved here.

The figures, obtained by More4 News under Freedom of Information laws, will raise concerns that criminals are exploiting their newfound freedom.

A leaked Home Office memo, written last year, revealed anxiety in the Government that known offenders would travel to Britain.

Superintendent Bernie Gravett, of the Metropolitan Police, said 'organised' criminal gangs were now operating in the UK, particularly in London.