More Police on the Streets
We have a lower-than-average crime rate in Staffordshire thanks to our fantastic Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner. I am in regular contact with the Chief Constable and our Area Commander and receive updates from the Police force in the Moorlands who work hard to protect our communities.
The Government are determined to tackle all types of crime and keep our streets safe. This year 20,000 more police will be recruited to protect the public and police funding has been boosted by £1.1 billion to support these efforts. In Staffordshire, 332 extra police officers have been recruited, bringing the total number of officers up to 1,980. This is delivering on a key 2019 manifesto promise and comes as part of the Government's wider plan to drive down crime. Furthermore, with new laws such as those on domestic abuse, the police are being given the powers that they need to do their jobs.
In April 2023 I was also pleased to welcome a £32,244.96 investment in the Moorlands to tackle fly tipping. The investment comes from a grant fund supporting councils to provide projects such as extra CCTV, fencing, and small-scale redevelopment – as well as the ‘target hardening’ of fly tipping hotspots. Fly tipping is unacceptable and deters people from spending time in their local area, so I am pleased that the issue is being addressed in the Moorlands.
Along with tackling fly tipping, I also welcome the Government's new Hotspot Policing programme in Staffordshire, as part of the new Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan to make sure perpetrators face swift and visible justice. The scheme being rolled out in 2024 will mean offenders committing anti-social behaviour will have to repair the damage they inflicted on victims and communities as soon as 48 hours after their offence. Stronger punishments will also be handed out to those who graffiti, litter or fly tip, with increased fines of up to £500 and £1,000, and police will also be given new powers to crack down on illegal drug use with expanded powers for drug testing on arrest.
All these measures combine to deliver on the Government's pledge to drive down crime and make our communities safer, and I am pleased that the Moorlands is directly benefitting.
