Political opinion with Alison Griffiths MP: Feeling safe in our towns shouldn’t be too much to ask
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In her weekly column for SussexWorld, Alison Griffiths MP discusses concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour, and encourages residents to have their say on policing.
Most of us want simple things from our towns. A coffee with a friend, or a wander round the shops. And if you run a business, you want to open without worrying about the day ahead.
Many of you have commented on my policing posts about antisocial behaviour, shoplifting, and wanting more officers on our streets. I’ve read your comments, and I hear you.
I’m regularly out in our towns and villages, visiting businesses and speaking to residents. I see the same problems you do. I understand why you’re frustrated. We should feel safe in the places we call home.
That's why I met our Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, to discuss the concerns you've been raising. Katy gets it. She's hearing many of the same frustrations and understands why people want more visible policing in their communities. I'm really pleased we're working together, and that she's asking residents to tell her directly what needs to change.
I’ve also met Chief Inspector Kay Hutchings to discuss local policing. Separately, I joined officers on foot patrol in Littlehampton, visiting shops, pubs, and crime hotspots. I’m grateful to our local officers for their hard work, often in difficult circumstances.
But they need proper support. Last week’s Budget prioritised £55 million over two years to tackle violence against women and girls, which I welcome. It announced no additional funding specifically for neighbourhood policing. I’ll keep pressing Labour for the resources Sussex needs to put officers on our streets.
In the meantime, the Police and Crime Commissioner's Safer in Sussex Survey gives you a chance to shape local priorities. It asks how safe you feel and how easy it is to access police services. It takes just three to five minutes and closes on 30 November: tinyurl.com/4v9eevwv
Even if you’ve already told me what you think, please tell Katy too. I want as many voices as possible from Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, and our villages to be heard.