The hit US crime drama CSI is helping criminals in Malaysia escape justice by showing them how to cover up their tracks, lamented a senior police officer.

Deputy inspector-general Musa Hassan said 'Crime Scene Investigation',which specialises in high-tech forensics and gory close-ups, made criminals more efficient by giving them an insight into investigation techniques.

"CSI and a few other series teach how to remove traces of crime," he was quoted as saying by Bernama .

Police were now faced with the challenge of how to remain "a step ahead of criminals," he said.

Crime has increased

The show is screened here on cable and free-to-air television. The critically-acclaimed CSI has become a wordwide hit since it made its debut

However, Musa said no matter how wise criminals become, the police will not be tharwated.

He said the police have an advantage in terms of intelligence gathering and public cooperation.

Meanwhile, Musa also expressed regret over the rise in criminal cases in this country.

Last year saw an increase of 700 cases from 166,313 in 2004.

On the same note, Musa said the police have also solved more cases last year from 45 percent in 2004 to 48 percent.