MP Vara discusses rural crime and hare coursing with crime commissioner candidate

Cllr Simon Bywater, Shailesh Vara MP and Darryl Preston

Shailesh Vara MP recently met with Darryl Preston, Conservative candidate for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner elections which are due to be held in May 2021.

They discussed a number of local policing issues in North West Cambridgeshire, including more police officers being deployed in the region, rural crime and especially the need to increase sentences for those found guilty of hare coursing.

Mr Vara and Mr Preston also visited the Sawtry Cabin in Sawtry, Huntingdonshire along with local District Councillor Simon Bywater, and met with Mr Vinod Dattani and Mrs Jayshree Dattani, the proprietors.

Following the meeting Mr Vara said: “I was very pleased to be able to discuss various policing and crime issues with Mr Preston and it was encouraging to hear his views on what he will bring to the position if elected.

“I have been working with other MPs in the region as well as the Constabulary and NFU to encourage the government to review sentencing for hare coursing, which is a serious issue in some parts of rural Cambridgeshire. It is encouraging that Mr Preston will work with us on this matter, to try to introduce tougher sentences to help tackle this terrible crime.”

Darryl Preston said: “I had a good day out in Sawtry with local MP Shailesh Vara and Cllr Simon Bywater. We discussed the ongoing recruitment of many more Police Officers across the County to cut crime, the impact of rural crime, and the requirement for stiffer sentences for those caught hare coursing. We also Met with local businesses who have gone above and beyond during lockdown.”

Cllr Simon Bywater said: “It was great to get out and about in Sawtry today with our MP Shailesh Vara and speak to Darryl Preston. It was also good to meet local businesses and discuss issues important to them.

“As a former Police officer Darryl really understands local issues and recognises the benefits that visible policing can bring to a community tackling issues such as anti-social behaviour and speeding.”