I know that crime and anti-social behaviour has a huge impact on our community. That is why ensuring residents feel safe and secure in their homes and on our streets is one of my top priorities.
After years of failing local leadership which led to the Home Secretary putting the force into special measures, the tide is now turning at Greater Manchester Police. The new Chief of Police has made it clear that the culture of low expectations and leaving crime not investigated will end. The government has also increased funding to GMP, with 1,280 more police officers on our streets since September 2019.
Across Bolton, we have seen the number of arrests double, burglaries have fallen by 24% and a welcome return to community policing, with dedicated teams of police officers patrolling neighbourhoods across the constituency.
Policing numbers have increased and morale is up but there is always more to do. This is why I’m pleased that the Conservative manifesto commits us to recruiting another 8,000 police officers – one for every ward across Bolton West.