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Have Our Streets Got Safer?
April 14, 2009 10:00 AM
It was reported in the local Gazette (10 April) that the streets in Hammersmith have just got safer following the deployment of additional policing in the area leading to greater arrests.
"While I welcome the efforts of our local police to reduce crime, more often than not, additional policing in one area just moves crime to areas that are not policed as heavily. Also, sending criminals to jail only delays crime; it does not significantly reduce it" wrote Merlene Emerson in a letter to the Gazette.
Further more, statistics show that over 80% of those released from prison are arrested again within two years of being released.
What is more important is to find ways to address the causes of crime and also to ensure that criminals can be rehabilitated back into society. Merlene suggested that the Council should use its planning and licensing powers to control alcohol abuse. Investment in educational programmes and alternative activities are also needed to keep our young people off drink and drugs.
There is of course a major constraint to seeking these long term solutions-they may require expenditure on the part of a Council that is more intent on cutting services. One only has to read H&F Cllr Phibbs' "100 ways to cut Council Tax" to understand the Councils' present pre-occupations! http://conservativehome.blogs.com/localgovernment/2009/02/100-ways-to-cut.html
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