New beat bobbies can solve crime epidemic

TRAGICALLY, rarely a day passes now without another reminder of the terrifying tide of violence engulfing Wild West Britain.

Killings are rife. Crime is spiralling. Ordinary families feel frightened. Control of the streets seems to have been surrendered to brutal gangs. For the Tories, this is treacherous territory – especially with a possible general election looming.

Long considered the party of law and order, they are in danger of losing their reputation – and paying a heavy price.

So the Mail welcomes Boris Johnson’s promise to recruit 20,000 extra police officers if he becomes prime minister. That would return numbers to 2010 levels – before the Tories were forced to impose painful budget cuts to repair Labour’s irresponsible spending splurge.

This shouldn’t be seen as a confession the party was wrong to shake-up constabularies. Far too many were still stuck in the 1970s.

Now, police are stretched dealing with more complex, serious crimes. So Mr Johnson’s pledge should prove popular. But it is vital new police are properly deployed.

It is crucial they are visible. It’s no coincidence that when uniformed officers retreat from our streets, crime rises. Even if beat bobbies don’t catch many criminals red-handed, their presence deters trouble and makes neighbourhoods feel safer.

And might forces drop their obsession with hate crime, historical sex offences and other politically correct causes?

By cutting offending and keeping people safe, the Tories can banish Wild West Britain... and reclaim their mantle.