Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
UNSAFE SEAT
Crime rate rockets in Sunak’s constituency
CRIME in Rishi Sunak’s local area has soared by 60% more than the national average in the past five years, figures reveal.
And statistics also show troubling crime rates in the constituencies represented by Justice Secretary Dominic Raab and Home Secretary Suella Braverman.
Prime Minister Mr Sunak has just pledged a crackdown on antisocial behaviour, banning “hippy crack” laughing gas canisters and threatening nuisance tenants with tougher eviction rules.
But data shows that public order offences in North Yorkshire, where Mr Sunak’s Richmond constituency sits, rose 236% in five years – three times the national average.
Robbery is up nearly 20 times the national average, while violent crime has doubled. And while criminal damage is down significantly nationwide, it is 55% higher than average in North Yorkshire.
URGENCY
Meanwhile, Hampshire – which includes Ms Braverman’s Fareham constituency – had a 52% increase in drug crime over five years, which is now running at 62% above the national norm.
Robbery is up six times the national average and there has been a 58% increase in weapon crime. And in Surrey, where Mr Raab has his Esher and Walton seat, robbery is up nearly seven times the national average.
The statistics come after the PM declared: “Antisocial behaviour undermines the basic right of people to feel safe in the place they call home.
“This action plan maps out how we will tackle this issue with the urgency it deserves and stamp out these crimes once and for all – so wherever you live, you can feel safe in, and proud of, your community.”
And Ms Braverman said: “The public are fed up with crime and nuisance behaviour in neighbourhoods inflicting misery on people. “There is no such thing as petty crime – not only does antisocial behaviour leave people feeling unsafe, it can be a gateway into serious criminality.”
The Home Office was asked for comment.