TORIES BANG TO RIGHTS ON CRIME FIGURES - 10:07 am, Tue 9th Feb 2010

This week the independent national statistics authority criticised the Tories over flagrant abuse of crime statistics.  Instead of violent crime rising, as the Tories claim, it has fallen.  No wonder the Statistics Authority wrote to the Tories saying their claims were likely to "mislead" the public.  This was not just a one off mistake.  It was part of a deliberate Tory strategy before the election.  They had prepared press releases for issue in every constituency based on this abuse of the figures.  In other words, their whole campaigning strategy on crime was based on a falsehood.  So beware of Tory claims on crime.  That is not just my view or Labour's.  It is the independent statistics authority's view.

 

I know that constituents are concerned about crime and we have had violent crimes locally including fatal shootings in Bilston in the past year.  I also know people are concerned about anti social behaviour and quality of life issues.  I want the police to use the full range of powers the Government has given them to crack down on this behaviour such as anti social behaviour orders, dispersal notices, and fixed penalty notices.  Overall, crime has fallen in the past decade.  We have put in place neighbourhood policing teams to create a greater visible uniformed presence on the streets. We have to keep up the pressure to make sure our communities, and streets are safe.  After this week, the Tories have no credibility on crime.  You cannot believe what they say about the figures and it is the latest policy disaster for them after the chaos on married couples allowance and public expenditure.  They may believe the election is in the bag for them but the more they talk about policy, the more shaky they look.

 
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