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Action on Crime

Campaign Against Police Merger Plans Successful (More)
Fireworks (More on Fireworks)
Isobel's Law (More about Isobel's Law)
David's Law (More about David's Law)



Action on Crime

Taking up local concerns about crime has always been one of my priorities.
Though local crime figures are down, and police numbers are at record levels, our perception is often the reverse, based on personal experience or reports in the media. 

Any crime is one too many - especially if you are a victim. 

According to the independent National Crime Survey, overall crime has fallen by nearly a third since 1997.  The chances of us being the victim of crime were the lowest for 20 years.  But falling crime figures are no comfort if we or people close to us are victims.

Some constituents have told me that the police response to crimes in progress, or to pockets of anti-social behaviour, has been unsatisfactory.    We must make our Divisional Commander  - and the Chief Constable where appropriate - aware of these instances.  I meet regularly with them to take up the issues raised by constituents, and to press for more effective action.

I also lead lobbies of West Yorkshire MPs to press Ministers on issues such as funding.  We lobbied successfully against proposals to merge West Yorkshire with other forces.  I am pictured (left) with Home Secretary John Reid.

In fairness to the police, some good progress is being made.  But it is crucial that they use their resources as effectively as possible to deal with local concerns.  That is why I welcome feedback from constituents about their experiences. 

In our local Division over the last three years (to March 2007) overall crime has fallen by 28%.  Burglary is down by over 40%, robbery by 30%, theft of motor vehicles by over 50%, and theft from vehicles by almost 40%.

I have supported residents in taking up anti-social behaviour issues with our local police.  New Government legislation on anti-social behaviour and the recruitment of Police Community Support Officers should help to improve the response.  I particularly welcome new powers to disperse unruly groups, fine drunks on the spot and restrict the sale of aerosol paint.  I have pressed the police to use these powers where necessary.  But we still have some way to go.

Police numbers are at record levels.  Over the last two years, our local police division will have recruited over 90 EXTRA police officers.  It has also had 50 Community Support Officers.   But it's still not enough.  I have always lobbied for more funding for our local police, and will continue to do so. 

We have secured a 5% funding increase for our local force in 2005/06, enabling it to continue this level of recruitment.

Since my election as an MP, I have regarded crime as a very high priority in my day-to-day work.  I meet regularly with local police officers, and with the Chief Constable, to discuss the issues of concern raised by my constituents, especially those relating to Anti Social Behaviour.  As you may know, elements of the Anti Social Behaviour Act recently came into force relating to the dispersal of groups, closure of crack houses, possession of air weapons, and nuisance tenants.

My other involvement together with West Yorkshire colleagues has included:

- Securing resources from the Government's Crime Fighting Fund for extra officers

- Ensuring that the funding of the new police communications system did not lead to the diversion of resources from the front line.

- Obtaining a Home Office Grant of £554,000 for the Leeds Distraction Burglary Initiative – a project that targets the villains who prey on older people by posing as officials and tradesmen.

- A £2 million grant for anti-burglary initiatives.

- £3.2 million to cover part of the cost of policing the Bradford disturbances.

- A £1.8 million share for West Yorkshire of the funding allocated for dealing with street crime.

There is still a great deal to be done.

You may also be aware of my campaign for "Isobel's Law".  The campaign is named after 82-year-old Isobel Gray, who was brutally murdered by intruders believed to be linked to the bogus builders who had targeted her several times.

I collected a petition signed by 4,500 constituents calling for a ban on doorstep cold calling for the purpose of offering property repairs, which I recently presented to Parliament.  

I have been working closely with retired Detective Chief Superintendent Brian Steele, who investigated Miss Gray's murder, and who is regarded as the national authority on doorstep crime.  Retired Chief Inspector Mick Grubb QPM, Chair of Horsforth Town Council, has also given his support. 

(More about Isobel's Law)