Being a victim of crime is a horrible experience when it happens and depending on its severity, can adversely affect victims permanently. Any crime is too much but thankfully, the levels and severity of crimes in the UK are much better than in most countries, although that is no consolation if you are a victim here.
Last week the Office for National Statistics published crime statistics for the year ending to June 2017. I welcome the fact that crimes as traditionally measured by the Independent Crime Survey for England and Wales are down by almost 40% since 2010 and by 70% since their peak in 1995. It is also good that the ONS assess that the police’s recording of crime is improving, and that more victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence are feeling empowered to come forward. This is increasing the crime figures but while it is clear that much of the rise in police recorded violent offences is due to better recording, some of this increase is likely to be from an increase in offences.
I have long taken the view that we are generally too soft on violent criminals in this country, so I welcome the Conservative Government taking a tougher stance. This includes consulting on tough new laws to crack down on acid attacks and knife offences. The measures include a new offence of possession of acid in public without good reason – with repeat offenders facing a mandatory minimum sentence of six months. Other offences being consulted on include banning the sale of acid to under-18s and restricting the online sales of knives.
It is also good to see the bringing forward of a Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill to protect victims and make sure that agencies respond effectively. This will help to expose this heinous crime and ensure victims receive both support and justice, as the Government invests £100 million to prevent and confront violence against women and girls. Spending on the Police has been protected in real terms since 2015 and in Crawley we proudly support the work they do in keeping us safe.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group
25th October 2017