Oldham MP backs plan to boost neighbourhood policing

The most recent crime statistics show a 48% increase in reported robbery since 2015 and a 99% increase in knife crime in the North West region

Labour MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, Debbie Abrahams, is backing her party’s plans to increase the number of PCSOs across the North West as new analysis shows their numbers have dropped in the region by 47% since 2010 - down from 2,086 to only 1,106 PCSOs in 2022.

The most recent crime statistics show a 48% increase in reported robbery since 2015 and a 99% increase in knife crime in the North West region.

Ms Abrahams said: “The Conservative Government has failed to keep local communities safe, so Labour is pledging to bring back neighbourhood policing by putting 13,000 more neighbourhood police on Britain’s streets, including recruiting at least 10,000 more officers, PCSOs and specials. 

“That’s equivalent of giving every constituency in England and Wales, including Oldham and Saddleworth, 15 to 20 extra neighbourhood police, made up of officers, PCSOs, and Specials.

“It’s disgraceful that, across the country, the number of PCSOs has halved since the Conservatives came to power in 2010. 

“In the same period, the proportion of people saying they never see a police officer on the beat has doubled.

“The Tories have completely decimated our neighbourhood policing, leaving local communities without the protection they need.”

Labour says the extra officers will be funded through a Police Efficiency and Collaboration programme, establishing a centralised standard-setting for procurement, at least £225m; and by increased collaboration on shared services and specialist functions, at least £145m.

Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper MP said: “Knife crime has shot up putting young lives at risk, meanwhile antisocial behaviour is blighting town centres and local communities. 

“But the neighbourhood police who could prevent crimes like this and support victims have disappeared. 

“Labour has a serious plan to bring back neighbourhood policing, with a fully-funded package for 13,000 extra neighbourhood police on our streets. 

“The last Labour government brought in neighbourhood policing, and now, after more than a decade of Tory neglect, we will restore it.”

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