Peterborough MPs call for stricter punishments for violent offenders following large jump in violence in the city

Crime statistics published by the Office for National Statistics last week showed there had been 7,345 violent offences recorded in the city in the 12 months ending at the end of March this year, compared to 6,165 in the same period the previous year, the equivalent of a 19 per cent rise. Across England and Wales there had been a seven per cent rise in violence during the same period.

North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara said: “Despite the best efforts of the local police the rise in violent offences in Peterborough is unacceptable, particularly as it is more than double the average in England and Wales.

“Those responsible need to have the full force of the law bearing down on them, both by way of punishment and also to send out a clear message that this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“I will be raising this issue with Cambridgeshire police. In the meantime I very much hope that the additional number of police officers for our area will help in the fight against violent offences and also in the fight against crime generally.”

Peterborough MP Paul Bristow added: “The increase in violent crime is alarming!

“We need more police officers in Peterborough. We already have new bobbies on the beat in the City and I will continue to demand even more. This Government is committed to recruiting 20,000 extra officers and Peterborough needs it’s fair share.

“We also need a zero tolerance approach to all crime and stricter punishments for persistent offenders.