The news that crime rates have fallen across both Leicestershire and the country by over a quarter is very welcome news. The independent Crime Survey for England Wales shows that crime has fallen by 32% since June 2010, bringing levels down to a record low.
These figures are testament to the tremendous efforts by the police services across our country which, despite challenging economic circumstances, are delivering excellent and effective services nationwide. This has been a key priority of the Conservative Government and it is pleasing to see crime levels continuing to fall across the country.
The prevention of crime is an important policy taken very seriously by the Conservative Government as well as our local Leicestershire police force and rightly so. I am even more encouraged that Leicestershire police has the second largest decrease in crime rates across the country. I am sure many of my constituents and others across the county will be delighted with the news that Leicestershire Police are setting such a good example to the rest of the UK, through their policing efforts that are both tough on crime and proactive in the prevention of crime.
As many readers will be aware, over the next few weeks and months there are a number of crucially important relevant elections on the horizon. Prior to the EU Referendum on 23rd June, electors across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland will go the polls to choose a new Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) on 5th May.
PCCs are the democratic link between the police and the public with the mandate to take executive decisions to improve policing in their area by holding the Chief Constable to account and setting out the police and crime plan and budget.
It is fair to say that awareness of the important role of the Office of PCC has continued to grow since its establishment, which is testament to the higher levels of PCC visibility relative to former Police Authorities.
I look forward to working with the new PCC for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to continue the excellent working partnership across the county and wider country.
Our hard working Leicestershire police officers led by the Chief Constable and Office of the PCC rightfully deserve praise for making our local Leicestershire communities safer places to live, work and raise a family.