Stunell: "It's Time to Cut Crime"

5.42.25pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 9th Feb 2007

Next week, Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell will launch his campaign to Cut Crime in Stockport with street stalls in Romiley, Hazel Grove, Offerton, Marple and Woodley.

Mr Stunell will collect a crime survey to investigate local people's experiences of crime, and is gathering a petition to reverse the 216 police officer cuts to Greater Manchester Police Force.

Commenting ahead of the campaign launch, Mr Stunell said:

"I am delighted to launch this campaign to fight for a safer community and to reinstate the 216 Greater Manchester police officers that were cut this year. Living in a secure, safe community is vital to everyone.

The campaign is part of a national initiative led by Lib Dem leader Ming Campbell to attack Labour's abysmal record on crime. Mr Stunell continued:

"It is scandalous that only one in every hundred crimes committed leads to a court conviction. You are more likely to win money on the lottery than to be convicted if you commit a crime.

"Violent crime has doubled and conviction rates have never been lower.

"I am calling on the Government to scrap ID cards and to use the billions saved for more bobbies on the beat and for honesty and transparency in sentencing." ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. Andrew Stunell MP and the local Lib Dem team will be gathering surveys and petitions at the following street stall events:

- Saturday 10th Feb, 10am: Outside Romiley Forum

- Tuesday 13th Feb, 11am: Outside Hempshaw Lane Post Office, Offerton

- Wednesday 14th Feb, 10am: Market Street, Marple

- Thursday 15th Feb, 10am: Woodley Precinct

- Friday 16th Feb, 10am: Outside the Coop, Hazel Grove

2. For more details of the national Liberal Democrat We Can Cut Crime Campaign, please see www.wecancutcrime.com