2292 DAYS OF POLICING LOST IN KINGSTON IN 2003

12.2.04

Kingston loses out as officers removed from front line policing

New Liberal Democrat figures out today show that in 2003, the equivalent of 2292 police officers 'days' were lost due to the removal of officers from front line policing in Kingston to undertake other duties. This is equal to 6 police officers per day.

These new figures serve to support Edward Davey's support for an extra 40 police officers for Kingston over the next 3 years. They will be dedicated solely to policing in Kingston and Surbiton and not available for any other duties, except in exceptional circumstances.

Edward Davey MP has expressed his deep concern at these new figures, particularly as police in Kingston are already overstretched. He believes a visible police presence is essential in the town centre and throughout the Borough to deter trouble makers and make people feel safer on the streets, particularly late at night.

Edward Davey commented:

"When local police are removed from their front line duties crime can increase. We saw this in action during the recent visit of George Bush when there was a 20% increase in street robberies across London.

"It is unfair, unreasonable and unnecessary for local police to be regularly taken away from the community policing that has been shown to reduce crime. Those other events should be the responsibility of other parts of the police service."