MARK Jenkinson has welcomed the launch of the Conservative Party’s election pledge to crackdown on crime in Penrith and Solway.
Cumbria already has more Police than at any time in its history following Government investment but now plans have been announced to recruit even more officers.
As part of the clear plan to crack down on crime and keep communities safe, the Conservatives will build on their successful delivery of 20,000 more police since 2019, recruiting 8,000 more full-time neighbourhood police officers with the full power of arrest – equivalent to an additional police officer for every ward in England and Wales.
The Conservatives have also set out a clear plan to expand tagging for those convicted of theft, and burglary, rolling this out to police forces so more offenders so they can be monitored and managed in the community.
The Conservatives will also introduce a guaranteed Whole Life Order for any murderer who kills a single victim with sexual or sadistic conduct, unless there are exceptional circumstances. This will ensure more dangerous criminals will be locked up for life.
Mark Jenkinson MP, the Conservative candidate for the Penrith and Solway constituency, said: “One of my election pledges for the former Workington constituency was to recruit more police and to help tackle crime and antisocial behaviour – I set it out in My Plan.
“That’s what I did and my plan is working. Crime has fallen, and Cumbria now has more police officers than ever before thanks to record levels of Government investment.
“My former constituency of Workington made national headlines for all the right reasons – the introduction of Community Beat Offices such as ‘Super’ Sam in Maryport saw antisocial behaviour in Maryport reduced by almost half, compared to the same period the previous year.
“We’ve been able to create a dedicated rural crime team, and dedicated roads and firearms units.
“These latest promises from the Government shows that it is prepared to go even further to keep people safe – and that the Conservative Party remains the party of law and order. But this is also a recognition that there is more to do, and that we are not complacent.
“The Conservative Government has made huge progress since 2010, driving down crime by 54 per cent and ensuring our communities are safer by recruiting 20,000 extra police.
“We have a clear plan to build on this success, recruiting 8,000 more full-time fully warranted neighbourhood police, ensuring life means life for the worst offenders and rebuilding trust in our policy.”
The Conservative manifesto also includes strong measures to drive up police standards and rebuild trust in the police. Under a Conservative government, a new Licence to Practise will be introduced for more specialist police roles and a new statutory requirement will be introduced to ensure all police officers are required to hold and maintain vetting clearance.
The choice in this election is clear. Stick with the plan to keep our communities safe with Rishi Sunak and the Conservatives or go back to square one with Keir Starmer and the same old Labour Party who have consistently opposed tougher measures on crime.
