CHIEF SENDS AN S.O.S.
Drugs
Ian, a production worker, has not had a job for two years as employers have deserted the town.
He said: “It’s shocking that the people have been abandoned like this. We have a huge problem with drugs and anti-social behaviour but no police to tackle it.”
Local Neighbourhood Watch patrols have been launched most nights of the week near his home.
Volunteers are instructed to record crime, but not to intervene. “It’s outrageous people should have to do this,’’ Ian said.
“My worry for them is what happens if they upset a local drug dealer. They could be putting themselves at risk.”
Budget cuts have led to Cleveland Police – the force covering Hartlepool – slashing the number suite to save money – forcing officers to drive anyone they arrest to Middlesbrough police station 15 miles away.
On a recent Saturday night all 10 officers were busy dealing with incidents, leaving no-one to respond CLEVELAND’S chief constable admitted last night that the service his force is providing for the public is “nowhere near where it needs to be”.
Mike Veale urged the Government to help and said he felt compelled to speak out about the lack of resources.
Mr Veale praised the “utmost courage” his officers show daily, but added: “The cuts created and caused by austerity are too deep and have gone on for too long.
“We have brilliant people doing a brilliant job but we do not have enough of them and the facts speak for themselves.
“My message is clear – give us the tools and we will do the job.”
Crisis
Resident Darren Price, 25, who helps organise patrols of Foggy Furze in a bid to deter criminals, said his volunteers were “doing the job of the police”. He added: “We feel we have no option but to try to look after ourselves.’’
Hartlepool mayor Allan Barclay said the crisis was “making criminals very happy because they know they can get away with it”.
And the town’s Labour MP Mike Hill said: “Frightened, hardworking taxpayers feel the streets have been abandoned by the police.
“The situation in Hartlepool is typical of most British towns. It is a damning indictment of underfunding up and down the country.’’
Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger added: “The Government must sit up and listen to what we are telling them about the crippling impact of their cuts.’’