Whilst the Labour Party in Croydon has given cross party support to the Council’s Crime Reduction Strategy and its aims we clearly are not happy with this strategies lack of success in combating violent and gang related crime. 

Whilst the Conservatives are typically talking tough on crime, running road shows and talking shops, the North and west of the Borough has seen an increased number of knife and gun related incidents, several resulting in fatalities. The local press have reported a 20% increase in violent crime and it is clear that the Council and the Police are having no success in preventing these incidents occurring. Yes arrests have been made and the Police Borough Commander Adrian Roberts has shown a positive attitude but it is action rather than words that is needed. 

Whilst Conservative Mayor Johnson thinks single Police offices should patrol the streets on their own, Labour firmly believe we need more Officers on the streets, not less. It is also clear we need to make life difficult for gang members we need to get in their faces, embarrass them and use publicity to show you are a fool not cool to be in a gang.

Labour will keep insisting that Croydon Conservatives stop talking and take some action that works in preventing violent crime. 
 

Clouncillor Stuart Collins

Deputy Leader of the Labour opposition, Croydon Council