Cash boost for Beds cops – MP Alex Mayer hails ‘safer streets’ win
Bedfordshire Police’s budget will rise to £167 million - it has been announced by the Government.
The cash boost is aimed at beefing up neighbourhood policing and making local streets safer, with bobbies on the beat taking tougher action on lawbreakers.
Local MP Alex Mayer welcomed the news as a “vital first step” in delivering on her election promise of more neighbourhood police officers.
“I welcome the Government’s renewed commitment to neighbourhood policing. This cash boost will help tackle crime, support our dedicated officers, and begin to make our communities safer” she said.
And there’s more on the way – Ms Mayer also confirmed she will be backing the Crime and Policing Bill, which will give officers new powers to keep towns and high streets in check.
Under the tough new proposals, neighbourhoods will get a dedicated, contactable officer, while a loophole allowing shoplifters to escape justice if they steal under £200 will be shut down.
Retail workers suffering attacks from shoplifters will also get extra protection with a new standalone offence for assaults on shop staff.
Alex Mayer MP continued:
“This first year of funding demonstrates the government’s clear commitment to making neighbourhood policing a key priority.
“Many residents tell me about their unhappiness at bikes being ridden antisocially, fear of knife crime and the shocking rise in shoplifting.
“After 14 years of decline, restoring local policing will take time, but we are heading in the right direction again. Communities need and deserve police and PCSOs who understand their patch, listen to residents’ concerns, and, crucially, who can step in before problems escalate. By combining this funding boost with new policing powers I will be voting for later this year, we are taking important first steps to making our neighbourhoods safer.”
The MP pledged to continue to work closely with Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard to campaign for ever more resources for the area.