Stuart Anderson MP has called for a coordinated response to rising levels of crime in the region, which has been officially rated as the second most dangerous in the country. The West Midlands has received the highest number of new police officers and the largest uplift in funding other than the Metropolitan Police, based in London. Yet, crime in the region soared by almost a third last year. The region also has the second highest vehicle theft rate in England and Wales.
Stuart has said that he is determined to see this situation changed for the better. He has been working with the Government to ensure the police have the resources they need to protect the public and keep our communities safe. The Government has already recruited over 13,500 new police officers since 2019 as part of its manifesto commitment to put 20,000 extra police on the streets. They are being backed with the biggest funding increase in a decade.
Stuart said that the resources must be used to deliver a more effective response to local challenges, with reports of anti-social behaviour taken more seriously. Last month, the Government updated its guidance to highlight the importance of taking a multi-agency approach to ASB, which considers the needs of victims and wider communities. Stuart is now promoting ASB Awareness Week, running between the 18th and 22nd of July 2022. Organised by Resolve, a leading community safety organisation, it aims to ensure that ASB is treated as a priority. The campaign is being supported by the Home Office as well as other government departments.
Stuart has also said that manufacturers have the power to pioneer new ways in which to tackle catalytic converter theft. He said that the automotive industry must look at what technological and design changes can be made to minimise the risk of electronic compromise, making cars harder to steal and harder to steal from.
Stuart Anderson MP said: “I am pleased to support ASB Awareness Week 2022, which highlights the vital importance of working together to cut crime, support victims, and better protect our communities. Despite significant investment, too many residents continue to be affected by crime, including anti-social behaviour. I will continue to work with key partners in Wolverhampton to change the situation for the better. I am clear, too, that vehicle manufacturers must urgently explore what changes can be made to put an end to the misery of catalytic converter theft.”
Rebecca Bryant OBE, Chief Executive of Resolve added: “ASB is not low-level crime. It can have a long-lasting impact on the lives of victims and communities and can be a precursor to more serious crime. It is important that the challenge of ASB continues to be given the priority it needs so that people everywhere feel safe in their homes and communities. We are delighted that Stuart Anderson MP is supporting this hugely important campaign. It is vital to develop partnership approaches across communities to deal with the growing challenges around ASB.”
Incidents can be reported to the anti-social behaviour team at the council or to the police, if people feel that they are at immediate risk or in danger. For more information, visit www.resolveuk.org.uk.
BASED: 05/09/22.