When I was elected, I made a promise to do all within my power to come down hard on those who commit crime and anti-social behaviour within our borough.
Because people deserve to feel safe both on the streets and at home. It’s why my focus in this area has been on two direct pledges. Toughening up our sentencing laws to put dangerous criminals behind bars for longer, and increasing the number of front-line police officers so we are able to both prevent criminality in the first place but also catch those intent on causing misery within our communities.
This is the case I’ve been making in Parliament, in the House of Commons and in private with Government Ministers. And also with the Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden who I know shares my mission to create the safe environment we all want to see in Burnley and Padiham. I’ve also been working with the police in our borough to take the fight to criminals. Because as I’ve said before, to fully crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour we need teamwork.
Joining Burnley and Padiham Police on some of their live operations, as I have been able to do once again this week, has been invaluable. This is one of many that I’ve undertaken. It allows me to see first-hand the challenges we face whilst also showing the action being taken. Because people want actions, not words.
I’ve been present on dawn raids when the police have taken action to dismantle the county line drug gangs which act as a catalyst for a whole array of violent crime fuelled by drug dealing. I’ve seen the work going into arresting those involved in burglaries and theft. And I’ve joined speed enforcement operations at some of the worst hotspots within the borough. I’ll continue to push for this no-nonsense approach to dealing with criminals. Because I’ll always stand on the side of the law-abiding majority.
Progress in all areas of crime is being made. We are seeing police numbers rise; the tools at their disposal increase; and tougher sentences imposed for the worst criminals out there.
Front and centre is to ensure that people feel safe, both on the streets and in their homes. And is why I’ve been working with all partners to deliver it. The message is loud and clear to criminals in Burnley, Padiham and our villages – the police are coming for you!
