Liberal Democrats promise more Police Officers

6.06.00pm GMT Fri 19th Feb 2010

Burglary rate in Stoke Gifford increasing

The Liberal Democrats are committing to expanding police numbers because many forces across the country are losing officers even against the backdrop of a recession and predicted rises in acquisitive crime.

In Avon & Somerset this will mean 65 more Police Officers to help address the reductions of previous years (during the second half of 2009, there was a reduction of 56 police officer posts).

More police officers promised

Peter Tyzack says "The Chair of our Police Authority tells us that, this year, they are underfunded by £12m and face cuts of 9.3% over this year and next. I want to know what this means for officer numbers in Filton & Bradley Stoke. This is an important issue for an area like Stoke Gifford where the burglary rate has risen dramatically."

He adds "Our policy promise shows that the Liberal Democrats are serious about ensuring we have safer streets, more and better police. And we will also ensure that local accountability is strengthened, and take steps to improve police efficiency. The extra police officers will be funded by the savings from scrapping ID cards".

According to Avon & Somerset's Crime Mapping service (viewed 19th Feb), burglaries in the Stoke Gifford beat were up from 7 (Oct-Dec 08) to 19 (Oct-Dec 09) - a 160% increase.