Crime survey ‘reveals effects of police cuts’
CRIME survey results show the impact of public sector cuts on rural communities, according to the county’s police and crime commissioner.
The National Rural Crime Survey shows growing demand on police from issues that need responses from across different authorities, Clive Grunshaw said.
The highest two reported issues in Lancashire were fly tipping and speeding, raised by 50 per cent and 34 per cent of respondents respectively. These came ahead of criminal damage and theft.
Mr Grunshaw said: “This survey shows that concerns about rural crime are a real issue in the county and I will be working with the Constabulary to understand how we can improve the service with the ever reducing resources available to us.
“The fact that the main issues aren’t just for the police does show the impact that cuts across the public sector have on our communities.”
Superintendent Julian Platt added: “Lancashire Constabulary have a strong policing offer for rural communities. However we realise that the backdrop of austerity has the potential to increase rural vulnerability and rural deprivation.
“Within our rural communities we have specially trained local officers who understand rural life, the challenges and how best to support our community.
“Recently, Lancashire has purchased new 4x4 vehicles to make sure these officers can extend our reach into rural Lancashire.”