Peterborough MP says too many people 'don't feel safe' in city - despite drop in crime

Peterborough MP Andrew Pakes has said people still don’t feel safe on Peterborough streets – despite the latest official figures showing that the number of crimes recorded in the city is falling.

The figures, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), show that the number of crimes recorded in Peterborough for the year ending December 2024 was 22,574 – a reduction of seven per cent compared to the previous year.

The statistics show that there were also significant drops in the number of burglaries recorded in Peterborough – a fall of 24 per cent, with residential burglaries falling by 35 per cent – a fall in the number of violent offences by three per cent, and drug offences falling by eight per cent.

“Too many residents and businesses still tell me they don’t feel safe, and that’s not good enough"

However, there was an increase in the number of shoplifting offences recorded, rising by three per cent, possession of weapon offences (up 10 per cent) and sexual offences (up 11 per cent).

After the figures were released, Mr Pakes said: “Everyone in Peterborough knows that crime and antisocial behaviour remain top concerns in our city.

"While the latest ONS figures show some progress these numbers don’t always match how people feel on our streets. Too many residents and businesses still tell me they don’t feel safe, and that’s not good enough.

“We’ve seen worrying rises in shoplifting and weapons offences, and the decline in visible policing in the city centre is a real issue.

“That’s why I’ve written to the Chief Constable, urging that the government’s new funding for neighbourhood policing is used to get more officers back on our streets, especially in the city centre where they’re needed most. We need a proper grip on antisocial behaviour and a coordinated approach to make people feel safe again.

“I will keep fighting for a stronger police presence and real action to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour because everyone in Peterborough deserves to feel safe in their own community.”

“We know there’s still more to do. The rise in sexual offences and possession of weapons is deeply concerning"

North West Cambridgeshire MP Sam Carling agreed that more work needed to be done.

He said: “It’s welcome news that overall crime in Peterborough has fallen - including a 24 per cent drop in burglary offences and a seven per cent drop in violent offences. This shows what’s possible when there’s proper focus and partnership between local communities, the police, and government.

“But we know there’s still more to do. The rise in sexual offences and possession of weapons is deeply concerning - Labour is absolutely committed to tackling them head-on, including through our mission to halve violence against women and girls.

“Since forming a new government, we’ve been clear that safety and security must be a basic right for everyone. That’s why we’re rebuilding neighbourhood policing and driving long-term change to address the root causes of crime - to ensure everyone in Peterborough feels safe in their home and community.”

“We are committed to tackling crime and associated anti-social behaviour in the city and are conscious of the increase in reports of certain crimes, including retail theft."

Cambridgeshire Police said that the increase in the use of things like video doorbells and other security measures, as well as a dedicated team tackling the problem, was having an impact in the reduction in burglary offences

Detective Chief Inspector Chris O’Brien, said: “We are committed to tackling crime and associated anti-social behaviour in the city and are conscious of the increase in reports of certain crimes, including retail theft.

"We are working with partners and the business community to target suspects and provide reassurance.

“For repeat offenders we are applying for criminal behaviour orders, preventing them from entering areas where they have previously committed crime.

“The significant increase in the number of positive outcomes for retail crime is testament to this ongoing good work.

“With regards to the other crimes raised, including sexual offences and weapons offences, these are a continual focus for officers in the north, with regular routine patrols to mitigate any such offences.

“We also work closely with partner agencies to safeguard victims and proactively target suspects.”

The statistics are available at https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/policeforceareadatatables