London riots were not about politics or protest, but theft: Cameron

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The riots which tore through London and other major English cities for four days had nothing to do with politics or protest but were motivated by theft, British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Thursday.

Cameron also said more than 1200 arrested in connection with riots and looting.

The rioting was 'not about politics or protest, it is about theft', Cameron told parliament after lawmakers were recalled from their summer recess to debate the worst looting and violence for decades.

Cameron said he would 'not allow a climate of fear to exist on our streets'.

He admitted there were 'far too few"' police officers deployed as the riots reached a peak on Monday night and the tactics they had used had failed to work.

The prime minister, who returned early from holiday in Italy to deal with the riots, announced a package of measures to help homeowners and businesses affected by the riots.

Massively increased police numbers and heavy rain in many parts of the country led to a quiet night overnight on Wednesday, leaving Britain to start to count the cost of the violence.

Four people have died in the riots, including three Asian men mowed down by a car in Birmingham in central England.

On Thursday, police began raiding homes across London to make arrests over the riots, with more than 100 warrants issued already, a senior Scotland Yard officer said.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Steve Kavanagh announced the raids after a heavy police presence on the streets of London and other cities prevented a fifth night of the unrest.

"In the early hours of this morning we started knocking on doors to arrest people," Kavanagh said.

"We have got more than 100 warrants which we will be working our way through over the coming hours and days.

"With so many officers on duty we want to use their time by going out there and arresting burglars, robbers and thieves -- those people who cause concern and crime in our communities."

So far the Metropolitan Police have arrested 888 people in connection with violence, disorder and looting since Saturday, and 371 people have been charged.

There have been more than 300 arrests in other English cities.