Ed Argar MP today joined Rupert Matthews, the Conservative Party’s Candidate to be the next Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, in launching the local campaign for the PCC Election next May.
MP for Charnwood, Ed Argar met with local councillors and residents in Syston Conservative Club on Saturday to launch the campaign and to discuss crime and related issues affecting the Charnwood constituency.
Ed Argar MP said, “It is brilliant to be here today in Syston with Rupert Matthews. We all know how important poilicing is to our communities. I am working with Rupert to make sure we get the police officers that we need, out and about visible in our communities cutting crime and ensuring that victims of crime get the support that they need.”
Rupert Matthews said, "Latest figures show that violent crime in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is at its highest since records began. In 2018 there were 25,327 cases of violence against a person - that is 69 every day! Murder, rape and sexual assaults were all also at high levels. Tackling violent crime needs a firm and imaginative approach. As well as increased stop and search powers by the police, there needs to be firm sentencing and effective targetting of crime prevention measures.
"The past three months of summer have seen over 560 crimes in Syston alone. Worryingly violence led the way, with theft close behind and anti-social behaviour also a serious problem. At the other end of the constituency in Ratby July alone saw a dozen crimes, including theft, violence and one man was arrested for possession of a weapon! Other areas of the constituency were also affected. This shows that policing resources need to be rebalanced to properly respond to where crimes are really happening and where the fear of crime is greatest. "
The Police & Crime Commissioner Elections will take place on Thursday 7th May 2020.
