Caesar went on record today to say that he was 'becoming deeply concerned' with the rising levels of knife crime in Rome, and feared where it may end.

"After consulting the latest crime statistics and my personal aurors it is clear that Rome is becoming besieged by blade wielding barbarians who have no respect for the peaceful Roman way of life" Caeser told the Senate, "indeed we may even see violence in this very chamber unless something is done soon."

Some scholars have been quick to blame a decline in family values and increasing levels of violence in games, which can easily be attended by children at the Colosseum. There have always been problems with certain sections of Roman society, thugs, goths, visigoths, but the level of crime is rapidly worsening.

The governance of Rome has increasingly been called into question, with many unhappy with Caesar's rule, particularly with rising levels of crime. This recently came to the fore after the Rome Secretary resorted to wearing a stab proof toga on a recent fact finding visit to a deprived area of the city.

Caesar is aware of the damage being caused to his administration, and a crisis meeting to discuss the way forward has been scheduled for late March / early April.

Original idea from simonjmr's story below.