"Crackdown on Crime!"

11.52.06am UTC (GMT +0000) Sun 18th Mar 2007

Local residents in Norwich have highlighted continuing crime and anti-social behaviour in the city as one of their greatest concerns.

The Liberal Democrats are proposing tough new measures to crack down on crime, locally and nationally.

Simon Wright, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman for Norwich South, said: "Crime and anti-social behaviour is a serious problem, and our prisons are overflowing. Labour have talked tough but have failed to deliver despite 10 years in power."

Positive Proposals

Liberal Democrats have put forward a five-point plan which includes more police on our streets, compulsory work and training in prison, better compensation for victims of crime, and more honesty in sentencing.

"This plan is about putting into practice steps that are proven to be effective, rather than what simply sounds good. Labour's initiatives too often are about winning headlines, and that is why the situation is not improving," said Mr Wright.

Local Action

While under Liberal Democrat control, Norwich City Council took action in a number of ways to tackle crime in the City.

Lakenham Councillor Hereward Cooke, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Council Group, said: "Liberal Democrats invested significant amounts of money for wardens, and installed alley-gates at properties across the city to cut burglaries."

Labour Cuts

Community leaders have been shocked by Labour's decision to cut funding for Police Community Support Officers.

"Labour's 2005 general election promised funding for community support officers, but they have now cut the amount for Norfolk by £1 million. This is worth 90 support officers," says Councillor Hereward Cooke. The Liberal Democrats at Norwich City Council passed a motion objecting to these cuts, and Parliamentary Spokesman Simon Wright has written to the Home Secretary.

"Community Support Officers add a valuable visible policing presence on our streets. There is a general feeling that they have brought real benefits in terms of deterring crime and reassuring the public," said Mr Wright.