Harlow: Home Secretary Praises Police

7th February 2012, 16:59

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Home Secretary Theresa May has praised the work of Essex Police after Harlow MP Robert Halfon highlighted the fall in crime there.

Only last week Mr Halfon revealed figures which show how much crime has fallen in Harlow in the last year with 18 fewer incidents of violence against the person, 63 fewer incidents of criminal damage (including arson), 87 fewer dwelling burglaries and 26 fewer incidents of harassment and anti-social behaviour.

Commenting on the recent figures, Mr Halfon - who has regular meetings with Essex Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle and the Home Secretary - asked: "Does this not show that community lead policing, with limited resources, does make a difference?" and asked the Theresa May to pay tribute to them.

Mrs May said: "I am indeed happy to join my Hon. Friend in paying a tribute to Essex Police and the work that they have been doing in his constituency and others, which are covered by Essex Police.

"And I think we do indeed see the value of community lead policing and that is why Chief Constables up and down the country are making every effort to ensure they get police officers out of back office posts, and actually out into the front line which is where people want to see them."

Mr Halfon has said the latest crime figures are "good news" and a "real credit" to Harlow's hardworking police officers, Special Constabulary, and police community support officers.

He has also praised the volunteers from the local church community who provide the the Street Pastor project in Harlow describing them as "Harlow's heroes".

Mr Halfon said Essex Police had taken on 55 new community officers this year (bringing the total up from 472 to 527).