INDEPENDENT charity Victim Support has warned that thousands of people in the region will find it harder to get help under Government plans to change the Code for Victims.

Ministers have proposed that victims should not be automatically referred to support services in the aftermath of a crime unless it is “serious” or they are “vulnerable”.

Instead, targets of crimes including assault, burglary and robbery will have to find out for themselves what practical help and emotional support is available.

Wayne Stevens, Victim Support Division Manager for Swindon and Wiltshire said: “We have serious concerns that people who need help will fall through the cracks unless the principle that all victims of crime are offered help is restored.”

Between April 2012 and March 2013, 8,700 crime victims in Swindon and Wiltshire were referred to the charity.