Police chiefs call for cuts to number of forces in England and Wales

Reduction from 43 forces to as few as 12 could save money and end postcode lottery' for crime victims, leaders say

Police chiefs in England and Wales have told ministers that the number of forces should be cut to end the postcode lottery for victims of crime", the Guardian has learned.

They believe a reduction from the current 43 forces would save money, cut overheads and boost crime-fighting efforts.