Last week I held a second crime summit, in Wallingford. The first one was held in Wantage and came as a result of increasing reports I was receiving from constituents about crime, particularly anti-social behaviour and business break-ins.
We had a very good discussion with Thames Valley Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) about how they were handling these incidents and they agreed to go away and look at how they were handling certain types of crime in order to increase the public’s confidence.
I held a second one last week as I was approached by Jacqui Bradney on behalf of Wallingford residents, again due to increasing incidents of particularly anti-social behaviour, damage to property and drugs. I’m grateful to Waitrose to hosting it for us and to PCC Matt Barber, Superintendent Lewis Prescott-Mayling and Inspector Neil Byrne for attending.
It was another productive event in which we discussed a range of topics – both types of crime that local residents are experiencing as well as areas such as how best to deter crime. There was an interesting discussion about CCTV – whether we need much more of it or whether the widespread use of doorbells with cameras and mobile phones make this less necessary – as well as about police patrols.
Police patrols are something the public find reassuring in deterring certain types of crime, although they don’t of course do anything to deal with crimes like fraud, which too many experience, so there is always a balance for police commanders about how to deploy people.
I was grateful for the way in which Thames Valley Police and the PCC engaged with local residents and there were a number of things they committed to go away and look at, including the length of time it takes to complete the police’s form for reporting anti-social behaviour incidents (which sounds too long).
There was also a discussion about the community’s role in helping to tackle crime. The police stressed that members of the public should never endanger themselves by challenging criminals themselves, but there is an important role for members of the public in reporting what they see.
The police also always need volunteers who can help coach or mentor young people to avoid a life of crime, something I am very supportive of given my previous career working with young people.
The Government recently exceeded the 20,000 new police officers target that was set in the Conservative manifesto. Thames Valley Police now has the highest number of police officers it has ever had, but it is of course a big region they cover and I will continue working with them to ensure local residents in this constituency feel safe and supported.
