Marie Tidball MP, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, asked the Minister for Policing in Parliament how she is cracking down on the rise in local car and van thefts, and increasing anti-social behaviour in our communities.
Marie highlighted that an increase in car and van thefts, along with anti-social behaviour, has left constituents feeling vulnerable and unsafe, particularly in Dodworth.
Marie asked the Minister how she is tackling this rise in vehicle thefts, working with manufacturers to improve vehicle safety, and supporting South Yorkshire Police after years of Conservative cuts.
Speaking after the exchange, Marie Tidball MP, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said,
“Constituents have told me about the impact on their trade, as expensive tools and equipment, often for agricultural use, is being stolen along with the vehicles. Constituents have also experienced 999 response times over 30 minutes, with police often not attending the scene. It was reassuring to hear the Government’s ongoing work to tackle this issue, including the Minister’s specific commitment to crack down on rural theft, including vehicles and vital equipment stolen, and the Government’s new Respect Powers to tackle anti-social behaviour. The Minister also set out steps to tackle theft of agricultural equipment, that is often stolen by organised gangs. I am very reassured to hear the Minister confirm she is taking swift action, along with manufacturers, to reduce the risk of theft. I encourage constituents to please report incidents like this to the Police on 101 and get an incident number. I thank constituents for raising this with me and encourage anyone else affected to get in touch with me on marie.tidball.casework@parliament.uk.”
Dame Diane Johnson, Minister for Policing, responded to Marie’s question noting,
“In Autumn, the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership has been launched, bringing together the police, Home Office and manufacturers. We’re also committed to bringing forward legislation to banning electronic devices being used to steal vehicles, whilst police and courts are being empowered to target those criminals.” The exchange comes after new powers to clamp down on anti-social behaviour were announced by the Home Secretary last week. These new Respect Orders will give police and local councils powers to ban persistent offenders from town centres or from drinking in public spots, such as high streets and parks. Police will also be able to deal more swiftly with the scourge of off-road bikes. Since 2010, there has been a 53% reduction in PCSOs. Labour’s Manifesto also commits by recruiting thousands of new police officers, police and community support officers, and special constables. Communities and residents will all have a named officer to turn to when they need it, to crack down on these issues.
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