A resource crunch has prompted the UK's largest police force to unveil a new crime assessment policy, which will see Scotland Yard prioritising the investigation of serious crimes over minor offences.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Mark Simmonstoday said that the Metropolitan Police has to find savings of around 400 million pounds by 2020, with fewer number of officers at its disposal and a heightened terror threat.
This means officers will have to make a judgement call on whether it would be "proportionate" to continue further with an investigation in some lower level crimes, the force said.
"Of course we are not talking about things like homicide, kidnap, sexual offences, hate crime or domestic violence, but the lower level, higher volume offences such as shoplifting, car crime and criminal damage," Simmons said.
"This is not to say these cases will not be investigated further, however by applying the assessment policy we will be able to determine very quickly if it is proportionate to do so," he said.
With the pressure on resources, the Met Police said it is not "practical" for officers to spend a considerable amount of time on burglaries looking into something where for example, the value of damage or the item stolen is under 50 pounds, or the victim is not willing to support a prosecution.
"We need our officers to be focused on serious crime and cases where there is a realistic chance that we will be able to solve it. We also want them to be available to respond to emergencies and go to those members of the public that need our help the most," Simmons explained.
The UK Home Office defended the changes, saying the government is investing 175 million pounds in the police transformation fund this year to help all forces become more productive and manage pressures.
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