Six to Fix - Crime and Community Safety: Tackle crime and the fear of crime by working with partners

11.20.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 15th May 2009

One of the Six to Fix priorities for Bedford Borough is crime and community safety, where the Liberal Democrats will tackle crime and the fear of crime by working with partners

The Liberal Democrats' Manifesto for Bedford Borough has identified 'Six to Fix' for Bedford Borough. One of the Six to Fix priorities is crime and community safety, where we will tackle crime and the fear of crime by working with partners.

Crime and the fear of crime are amongst residents' main concerns for the borough. Tough talk and empty gimmicks do not make our neighbourhoods safer. The Liberal Democrats will pursue effective measures that work to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime. For example, we want to extend the use of mobile CCTV cameras, which have now been introduced locally following Lib Dem pressure. We will also encourage and support local Community Safety Forums to give local residents a real say on the crime and community safety issues in their neighbourhoods. We will continue to press for lighting and lockable gates for alleys which have become focal points for crime and anti-social behaviour in local neighbourhoods.

It is only by pursuing practical measures such as these, in partnership with the police, Neighbourhood Watch, Community Safety Forums, parish and town councils and others, that we will make a real impact on tackling crime and the fear of crime in our local communities.