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Crime
Over the past year, I have been receiving an increasing number of letters about anti social behaviour in Cambridge. Anti social behaviour is blighting people's lives and damaging the community. The Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 and previous ASB Acts were introduced by the Labour Government to give the police and local authorities new powers to deal with unacceptable behaviour that damages communities. I have been encouraging the City Council to make more extensive use of the new powers, and I have been working closely with the police and am delighted that they have secured the closure of drug houses and brothels. Anne Campbell
The Facts
| Investment | The total number of police officers in Cambridgeshire police force area now stands at 1,400. This is an increase of 119 officers between 2001 and 2003. There are also 210 voluntary Special Constables who also provide support. Government funding of the police rose 21 per cent in real term 1997/98 to 2003/04. |
| Commitment | There are likely to be four to six officers on duty at any time in the city centre of Cambridge, with a further ten to twelve covering the remainder of the city. 54 per cent more drug misusers are in contact with drug treatment services. 60 Community Support Officers are now on patrol in Cambridgeshire. |
| Success | Crime is down 30 per cent since 1997 and the chance of being a victim of crime is at its lowest for 20 years. Burglaries are down by 42 per cent. Car theft is down by 40 per cent. Violent crime is down by 26 per cent. |
The work goes on. A Labour Government will:
Increase spending on police by £746 million in 2005/06.
Introduce a dedicated neighbourhood policing team in every community by the end of the next Parliament with 25,000 community support officers and wardens by 2008.
Introduce compulsory treatment assessment of every offender testing positive for drugs.
Bring in new powers to deal with anti social behaviour and alcohol related violence including Drink Banning Orders, Alcohol Disorder Zones and police powers to shut pubs selling to underage drinkers.
The Myths
Crime is out of control. This is not true - overall crime is down by 30 per cent - equivalent to 4,000,000 crime victims.
Despite Tory promises to increase police numbers - Michael Howard actually cut police numbers when the Tories were last in power.
The Alternatives
The Tories plans to cut public spending will result in damaging cuts to public services, including the fight against crime.
The Lib Dems didn't listen to local people on Mill Road who wanted decisive action to stop anti social behaviour and street drinking. It took local people working with the police and other agencies to sort the situation out. The Lib Dems are soft on crime. They:
- Oppose new police powers to break up teen gangs.
- Oppose fixed penalty notices for drunken louts.
- Would end all jail sentences for drug possession.
- Would never send young teen criminals to court.
- Would block measures to tackle graffiti.
- Would lower the legal drinking age to 16.