Violent crime is on the rise across the United Kingdom

IN response to Mr. L. Cox, Higham on the Hill.

It’s OK to quote figures for 2002/2003 and 2015/2016 and that 47 murders had been committed in London where 50 had been committed in New York.

So let me quote some figures from “The Sun” of 22nd May 2018. “STABBINGS ACROSS THE U.K. Dozens of people have been fatally stabbed in the capital in the First Quarter of 2018. Stabbings are on the rise as new figures show a SURGE in violent crime across the UK. (Please note the word ACROSS the UK my words not from The Sun).

At least 37 people have been fatally stabbed and 62 OVERALL killed in London since the beginning of the year (So much for New York ).”

At the time of my email being read in “The Hinckley Times” on Wednesday May 16 the figure of 37 fatal stabbings in London had risen to 42 AND as I write this email has again risen to 45.

Now let me quote figures for 2017, you seem to have missed 2017. Metropolitan Police records show, and I will admit now that not all are fatalities, “Recorded Knife Offences:- 37,443 and Gun Offences 6,694 across the UK up to September 2017.”

And now from the “Evening Standard” of 2018 another trusted newspaper: “Soaring violence on London streets has seen Scotland Yard launch 56 murder investigations this year SO FAR.”

As for Amnesty International, although a great voice for the oppressed, they are not the ones having to finance the prisons to keep murderers in relative comfort while many families suffer grief that never goes away.

One more small point, I believe Albert Peirrepoint made the statement that all those hanged had paid the price for their crime and were now innocent souls. John Rowley Earl Shilton. SCOUTING set me on a path to becoming an astronaut. Where will it take you?

Volunteers’ Week is 1st – 7th June and I would like to pay tribute to each and every one of the amazing volunteers who support the Scouts in Hinckley. Every day of the week these volunteers are helping young people develop skills for life.

Scouting started me on an incredible journey. As a Cub Scout, I never thought that one day I would be looking at our beautiful planet from space. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of my Scout leaders, the opportunities and encouragement I received helped to open up new horizons, and gave me confidence to pursue my aspirations.

Scouting helps young people develop those kind of skills you’re not going to find in a classroom. It gets people outdoors, working together, learning teamwork, communication, and really building character. Our volunteers are role models for these young people

Across Hinckley Scouts are also taking on some of the biggest issues in our communities through our A Million Hands initiative. They are supporting people living with dementia or disability, they are working to develop greater understanding of mental wellbeing and leading the fight for access to clean water and sanitation around the world.

To anyone thinking of volunteering, I would say that any time you can give is truly invaluable. You’ll have fun, learn new skills and be part of something truly amazing. Tim Peake Scout Ambassador