Eastleigh, Hedge End and our villages are great places to live and work. But because our communities are so special, it is vital that we keep them safe and protect people from crime.
While generally the rate of crime is low, it is important that we keep it that by ensuring that we keep on top of low-level crime and anti-social behaviour so that it does not become a bigger problem. I also know that people feel safer and more secure when they see police on patrol, 'walking the beat' and providing a visible deterrent. I also want to ensure that the police have the right equipment and the powers they need to do the job we are asking of them.
My priority is to Protect our Streets so that the law abiding majority can live their lives free of the fear of crime.
This is why I am:
- Backing the campaign to recruit 20,000 more police officers nationally.
- Working with Hampshire Police to ensure Hampshire and Eastleigh gets its fair share of the new officers being recruited.
- Calling for tougher prison sentences for the worst offenders and ending automatic release halfway through a jail term.
- Strengthening community sentences by making those convicted do more hours of community payback to clean up our parks and streets.