The recently released survey figures showing a fall in crime are of course welcome news, but they have to be treated with some caution.
The latest police figures which cover a more recent period showed a rise, not a fall in crime.
There is no room for complacency. Crime is still intolerably high and the proportion of crimes which result in a conviction is unacceptably low.
More must be done to tackle the causes of crime and to prevent opportunities for crime.
More police are needed to detect and deter crime.
And more must be done to reduce the high re-offending rates of those caught.
It is extremely worrying that the level of domestic violence is so high, and the level of reporting domestic violence is so low.
This must be a priority policy area too.
(Coun) Michael Dickinson
Liberal Democrat
Freshbrook and Grange Park
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article