British police are preparing for a wave of violent crime and public disorder as the United Kingdom grapples with a worsening cost-of-living crisis, the Daily Mail reports.

Police leaders are reportedly developing contingency plans to deal with the potential consequences that could arise when millions of Britons face financial hardship this winter.

UK law enforcement leaders are concerned that "economic turmoil and financial instability" could lead to an increase in crime, according to a leaked national strategy document. Authorities fear there will be an increase in shoplifting, burglaries, car thefts, Internet fraud, blackmail and other crimes that "rely on exploiting financial vulnerability."

The concern arose when the cap on household bills rose 80% to £3,549 starting next month, raising concerns about gas and electricity costs for nearly 88% of U.K. adults.

Authorities reported that Britain may have to buy back gas exported to Europe to maintain electricity this winter.

Without its own storage facilities, Britain usually buys gas from the continent during the winter. This will lead to higher prices and market chaos this year if Russia goes further, the media noted.

The strategy document, prepared with input from the National Council of Chiefs of Police, argues that there are "more complex and unpredictable risk" and a "greater chance of civil unrest" as British residents struggle with the rising cost of living.

The document, seen by The Sunday Times, says officials are concerned that "prolonged and painful economic pressure" will lead to a surge in criminal activity.

In addition to crimes based on financial vulnerability, some police forces are preparing for more children to become involved in drug gangs. Others fear that women will become victims of sexual exploitation.