Read my latest news and views…
Policing needs a funding formula review now say PCCs
This [National Audit Office] report makes clear the urgent need for a review of the funding formula for policing. The model is outdated and does not take into account the needs of policing and our neighbourhoods, including rural areas. And the continued use of this formula is compounding the disparity between police forces making it harder for PCCs and Chief Constables. Forces can no longer wait for change - a review must happen now.
PCC launches vehicle crime and tool theft awareness campaign
Vehicle crime is currently down in the Thames Valley compared to last year, but I want this trend to continue which is why I have launched a campaign to focus on vehicle and tool theft. Having your vehicle stolen or something stolen from it isn’t just an inconvenience, it can also result in financial loss, emotional stress and, depending on where the theft took place, security and community safety concerns.
£200,000 taken from criminals going to local crime prevention initiatives
Police & Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber has awarded nearly £200,000 to 49 community and voluntary organisations to support crime prevention initiatives
Responding to concerns about policing in Thames Valley
In my opinion Thames Valley Police misjudged the handling of a complaint regarding a Facebook comment made in March of this year.
From my understanding the comments appear to be rude, ill-judged, unpleasant and offensive – but thankfully being rude and causing offence is not a crime.
The loophole in the Government’s drink-spiking law
Spiking - giving someone drink or drugs without their consent - is an awful crime. In the worst cases we know that it can kill, and sadly it is a tactic we know some criminals will use to rape or sexually assault their victims.
There is a BIG problem with the new law the Government is trying to pass to deal with this. A problem that could mean that some people could get away with it.
Rural crime falls by 17% across the Thames Valley
I made tackling rural crime a priority when I was elected, and now Thames Valley has an outstanding Rural Crime Taskforce, which has conducted hundreds of investigations and provided invaluable crime prevention advice to rural residents. This concerted effort is clearly having an impact, leading to the downward trend in rural crime trend we are now witnessing thanks to our funding and our commitment to support farmers.