Rising crime in Gloucester is no great surprise, say Lib Dems

Crime in Gloucester has risen by 11% in the past year and is further proof of the impact of police cuts in the city, according to the Liberal Democrats.

Gloucestershire Police has nearly 300 fewer police officer than a decade ago and police and community support officers have also been cut by 34% since 2009.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said there was an 11% rise in recorded crime between March 2018 and March 2019.

Across the county there was a 3% rise in crime - with Gloucester seeing the highest rise in Gloucestershire.

Yet Cheltenham, Stroud and the Forest of Dean saw a reduction in crime in the last 12 months.

Other recent published ONS statistics show that knife crime in the county rose 12% in 2018/19 from 2017/18.

Dr Rebecca Trimnell, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokeswoman for Gloucester, said: "I'm deeply concerned by this latest rise in crime in the city.

"Gloucestershire Police has had to make savings of £32 million, so it is no wonder that the Thin Blue Line is getting even thinner.

"Neighbourhood policing is in crisis in Gloucester with less bobbies on the beat and crime rising.

"The Conservative Government's austerity has hit policing in Gloucester hard and our streets are less safe.

"It is also wrong for the Conservative Government to be shifting the burden of funding Gloucestershire Police to local residents with Council Tax bills rising as a result to fill the gap.

"The Police and Crime Commissioner has a difficult job while his budget is cut year on year."

Dr Trimnell added: "Our streets are not as safe as they once were but as well as increasing the numbers of police officers there should also be a focus on educating young people about not turning to crime and on offering restorative justice to rehabilitate offenders."