News from Vale of Clwyd Labour

Crime drops but bobbies must stay on the beat

New figures show crime has fallen across Britain in the last year. This comes despite predictions over the last few months of a recession-linked crime wave.

Vale of Clwyd AM, Ann Jones, said: “This drop in crime is good news and shows that our community has not been broken by the recession.

“This has not happened accidentally. It is because of the brilliant work of our neighbourhood police teams. Police officers and community support officers (CSOs) in the Vale of Clwyd should be very proud of their work during these tough times.

“Getting more bobbies on the beat in our streets is my top priority. That’s why I have supported Labour investment that has meant 16,000 more police officers and 16,000 more CSOs on Britain’s streets.

“What we won’t stand for is cuts to frontline police officers and CSOs. Conservative plans would mean 3,500 fewer officers on Britain’s streets. I don’t think this is the right way to fight crime.

“Police officers also need the right tools to do the job. DNA evidence puts criminals where they belong – in jail. The cold facts are that in the last year 23 murderers and rapists would have remained free to kill and rape again if we had adopted the Conservative proposals.

“Since Labour came to power in 1997, crime has fallen by 36% and violent crime is down by 41%. That’s what’s been achieved and that’s what Labour is building on.”

Other news from Vale of Clwyd Labour

• Labour AM calls on Welsh Assembly to promote local produce - 29 September 2010
• Wales Union Learning Fund under threat of Tory cuts - 25 September 2010
• Teachers and pupils praised for exam success in Wales - 22 August 2010