Matt Western, MP for Leamington and Warwick, has highlighted in Parliament the findings of a recent crime survey he conducted, which revealed widespread public concern about crime and safety in Warwickshire.

The survey followed Western's call for community feedback in light of rising crime levels across Warwick and Leamington, with several recent incidents having "caused real concern in our towns and villages."

On 2 June, Western presented the survey responses in Parliament.

He told the Home Secretary that 50 percent of those who took part said they had been personally impacted by crime in the last five years, a figure he described as "totally unacceptable."

In his speech, Western referenced a troubling episode from summer 2023, when local Warwickshire teachers reportedly had to police a park themselves, after a knife gang targeted pupils and stole their bikes.

He asked: "Can the minister outline how the government will address these crimes and make our streets safer for everyone?"

The Home Secretary echoed Western's concerns, stating: "My honourable friend is right to raise the importance of PCOs as well as police officers in neighbourhood teams working to prevent crime.

"Over the last few years of the previous government, we saw that street theft and shoplifting both increased by more than 60 percent, at the same time as neighbourhood police were cut.

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"We're putting the bobbies back on the beat."

In a Facebook post, Western praised the efforts of local police officers and acknowledged their increased presence around the towns.

He wrote: "Recently, many have said they have seen officers doing more regular patrols in parks in Warwick and Leamington lately, which is very welcome."

He added that, although there is "much to do", progress is being made in the "right direction."

"We all deserve to feel safe in our homes and local area," said Western.