UPDATED 4.39PM: The Police Minister's backing a new police policy on burglaries.

As of today all break-ins will be attended by police, with burglary being reclassified as a priority offence.

The policy, which comes into effect today, is a response to an increase in burglaries over the past 12 months - although Police Minister Judith Collins said the rate is still below that of recent years.

Collins is welcoming the move, saying it shows police have been listening to public concerns about burglary rates.

"This policy means that it's a very clear signal that police are taking the matter seriously." 

Collins indicates she believes that should always have been the way police treated burglaries.

"I think most people expected it was the default position, and certainly I'm very pleased that the commissioner has come to this view."

She said it also sends a message to offenders, which is needed. 

Ms Collins said she has been assured other policing areas will not suffer as a result of the new focus on burglaries.