A new campaign has been launched by Saffron Walden MP Kemi Badenoch encouraging people to tell police about all crime.
Report It! is an effort to increasing policing resources in Uttlesford, and across Essex, by ensuring the force has an accurate picture of crime that is occurring.
It is hoped the figures will then allow resources to be best deployed – and strengthen Essex Police’s hand in asking for more funding from government.
Mrs Badenoch launched the initiative at an event in Great Dunmow Tesco on Saturday, November 25.
• Kemi Badenoch’s opinion column for November also discussed the initiativeShe said most people have witnessed or been victim to minor crime at some point, but many do not bother to report the offences for fear of wasting police time.
As police numbers are allocated based on crime numbers, by not reporting crime it becomes more likely resources will dwindle.
Mrs Badenoch said: “I’ve had several meetings with constituents, farmers in particular, whose property has been damaged or stolen but they didn’t report it because they thought the police would be unlikely to respond quickly enough.
“Rural policing needs more funding and, ideally, dedicated teams of officers who deal solely with rural incidents, but this won’t happen if the number of rural crimes is perceived to be minimal.
“Building these numbers provides the momentum we need if Essex Police are to push for greater funding. Accurate crime numbers mean accurate police resources.”
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, has backed the campaign. He said: “I’m really pleased Kemi is taking a proactive approach with this campaign.
“We have been lobbying the Government for increased funding for policing to meet the ever-growing demand placed on the service. However we need to know what that demand is.
“It is really important for people to report incidents that are happening in their area.”
Chief Inspector Craig Carrington, district commander for Braintree and Uttlesford, added: “Uttlesford is still a safe place to live with a low crime rate, and we do listen to residents’ concerns. We want to work with the community and ensure they feel safe, and support them if they are victims of crime.
“The challenges we face in reduced funding means we have to work in new ways, but the local police are there to support and help the community, and I would encourage people to report crime so we can help.
“Thank you to Kemi for inviting us along to her surgery and we look forward to working with her in the future.”
To report crime call 999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergencies, or report a range of crimes and issues online at www.essex.police.uk or anonymously at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
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