Fears that ‘cost of living crisis’ could lead to more crime
JONATHAN EVISON SPEAKS OUT
RISING costs could lead to “desperation” and some types of crime increasing, according to the man who sets the budget for Humberside Police.
Jonathan Evison, a Conservative, spoke on the potential impact of the cost of living crisis as the Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PCC) office announces a £1m cash injection into the region for the next three years.
It’s hoped the funding will help prevent crimes like antisocial behaviour blighting communities.
Speaking to the Mail, Mr Evison said that people being thrust into poverty was a trigger for crime and that we must “be prepared” to see a rise.
His comments follow his colleague, West Midlands PCC Simon Foster, who claimed earlier this month that crime might become “an attractive and viable” option for the poor and vulnerable as bills and taxes rise.
Referring to people turning to shoplifting to feed their families, Mr Evison said that while they are given “an opportunity to see the error of their ways”, many people “are just desperate”.
“I think we must accept that some people will see this as a way out,” he said.
“I would certainly never advocate it and there are ways of actually solving these issues.”
He pointed to food banks, local councils’ hardship funds and charities as a port of call for those in dire need.
“Certainly not as a first resort would I expect someone to go shoplifting, there are lots of other things they can do to help themselves avoid that.
“Once you go down that route, you’re just exasperating any problems that you might have.”
The £1m Community Safety Fund announced this week, which will be distributed in slices to various different community projects helping to divert young and vulnerable people away from crime, would hopefully help support some of these people, Mr Evison said.
He added: “It’s all part of the bigger jigsaw. I can’t do anything about the cost of fuel. I’m dealt a hand and the police are dealt a hand and we have to play that hand.”
The Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner also said he was deeply concerned about recent reports of antisocial behaviour in parts of Hull, claiming a “significant portion” was being perpetrated by young people.
Mr Evison said: “There isn’t a town, village, or area of the Humber region where, if you looked at the crime statistics, antisocial behaviour isn’t in the top three.
“It’s been proved that youth engagement equates to a reduction in antisocial behaviour by up to 50 per cent. And in fact beyond that, if you look in the inner cities.”
Areas such as the Orchard Park estate, Bransholme and parts of west Hull have been particularly blighted by gangs of youths damaging property, intimidating locals, and riding motorbikes off-road or in ways that disturb neighbours.
Projects such as Outkast Panda Crew, who get young people on the estates involved in fixing up old cars, and Tommy Coyle’s boxing club, have been helping to engage youths in something positive.
“They’re all about diverting young people who may be on the cusp of criminality or are particularly vulnerable to, say, organised crime gangs and county lines,” said Mr Evison.
“It mixes them with other age groups, and it gives them aspiration so that they realise there’s something else other than what they see around them, in these more deprived areas. Anything that raises that bar and creates aspiration has got to be a benefit.”
The fund can provide grants of between £500 and £35,000 and is open to non-profit organisations, charities, community groups, and social enterprises together with town and parish councils.
Examples of projects the fund can support include improving outdoor spaces, activities for young people at risk of being either a victim of, or drawn into crime, and other projects with a focus on crime prevention and safety.
I think we must accept that some people will see this as a way out. I would certainly never advocate it Jonathan Evison