Government accused the Opposition of spreading fear despite falling crime rates during yesterday's budget debate.

Sen. David Burch attacked Opposition Home Affairs Spokesman Michael Dunkley for saying crime was going up when the statistics proved crime was going down, then saying there was a perception that crime was going up.

He said: "They can't have it both ways.'' "We are trying to get away from anecdotal views and perceptions and deal with the reality -- let's not fuel fear in the community.

"That is not to say the recent increase in handbag snatches isn't causing the community justifiable concern.'' Government and the Police had a plan to curb bag snatches said Sen. Burch but he said the strategy had to be kept secret in order not to tip off the muggers.

He said the Opposition had a duty to help fight crime rather than speculate in the manner of talk show callers.

"At least base things on fact rather than innuendo.'' he said.

But United Bermuda Senate Leader Maxwell Burgess said people were failing to report offences which led to falling crime figures.

Sen. Burgess said: "More and more people don't think it's worthwhile to report crime.

"If people are not buying into the statistics there has got to be a reason why.

"People are saying they are not as safe as four, three, two years ago. The public are very concerned about crime at present.'' Sen. Burgess also suggested a new approach to prisons as he attacked the policy of jailing those who had failed to pay family support.

He said such people should be helped to find jobs so they could afford payments and be given a course in parenting.

Sen. Burch attacked 30 years of inaction on prisons by the UBP and accused Mr.

Dunkley of "malicious, almost criminal behaviour'' in creating bad publicity for the prison service.

"The former government commissioned report after report and then ignored the recommendations,'' he said.

He said the service had its most committed Minister ever in Paula Cox who was tackling things left undone by the UBP.

Sen. Burch said: "We are talking about basic things such as a succession plan, proper performance evaluations, upward mobility.

"Rest assured we are cleaning up this mess.''