It's time to restore community policing

Everyone has the right to feel safe where they live, and everyone who has been the victim of a crime deserves justice.

Liberal Democrat Police and Crime Commissioner candidate for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Brian Blake, is calling for a return to proper community policing, as half of all people say they never see police patrols in their local area.

New analysis by the Liberal Democrats reveals that 30% of crimes reported to Devon and Cornwall police last year were closed without a suspect being identified.

The party's analysis shows that over 70% of burglaries, 43% of car thefts and 35% of all robberies in Devon and Cornwall are closed with no suspect being identified.

Brian Blake, Liberal Democrat candidate for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Police and Crime Commissioner, said:

"Everyone in this region should be able to feel safe in their homes and walking down our streets. But this Conservative Government is leaving our communities vulnerable and letting criminals get away with it.

"Devon and Cornwall Police need the officers, resources and time to focus on preventing and solving crimes. Instead, Ministers want to waste police time chasing centralised Whitehall targets and carrying out pointless, suspicionless Stop and Search.

"Liberal Democrats are calling for a return to proper community policing, where officers are visible, trusted and known personally to local people. I support Ed Davey's call for us to do what works to build communities where people are safe and feel safe too."