"In Cambridgeshire there's a real problem with hare coursing," said Lucy Frazer, MP for South East Cambridgeshire. "It's an issue which comes up time and time again and one I've raised with the Police and Crime Commissioner, with the police and with the government to see how we can tighten up legislation.
"People are also particularly concerned about dog theft. Dogs are very valuable at the moment, given Covid, and people are worried about neighbourhood crime as well."
Share of officers
She added: "Of the 20,000 new police officers being recruited, 4,000 are already recruited and it's vital we get our share of those officers here on the beat in our villages in Cambridgeshire."
"Yes, and those are two priorities in my crime plan," replied Darryl. Firstly, the extra recruitment of police officers – while we have an 20,000 national uplift coming, it's really important we work hard with the government to ensure we get our fair share of those officers throughout Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
"And, secondly, tackling rural crime is going to be another priority of mine.
Rural crime a priority
"If elected I'd be looking to support the chief constable in making resources available to him, such as equipment, drones and four by fours.
"And, importantly, I will be working with government and the county's MPs to look at increasing sentences around hare coursing because we're hearing from the police that the legislation they're currently using just isn't reflecting the seriousness of those offences and the impact on our rural communities."
"That's really good to hear Darryl, because working together is really important," said Lucy.
Darryl Preston is the Conservative candidate in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner election in May 2021. There's more about Darryl on the About Darryl Preston page.
