Bridget Prentice MP spoke about the Conference being organised on April 13th by the Lewisham Community Police Consultative Group. 

“The relationship between crime and the fear of crime is complex and not always coherent. Crime may go down overall, as it has over the last ten years, and yet the fear of crime may rise. Under these circumstances people’s lives may be blighted by a fear that is sometimes unwarranted and those people doing a dangerous (and superb) job on the front line may feel under-appreciated. 

It would be too easy to simply blame the media for the disparity between actual crime and the fear of crime. Recent media campaigns have been instrumental in highlighting sincere concerns over knife crime, gun crime and the insidious, anti-social influence of gangs. Often it has been the public leading the media into a concern about these issues rather than the other way round. 

For some time now, I have been a strong supporter of Netmums. Netmums is a national parenting organisation boasting over 200,000 members – with 1,000 living in Lewisham – that recently conducted a survey on knife crime. There were clear recommendations on custodial sentences but what really came through was a belief that parents need to shoulder a share of the responsibility if their youngsters are found carrying knives. 

Answering these concerns, the Home Secretary recently announced a review of the legislation on gangs, guns and knives, focussing in particular on gangs.  The review covers: sentencing policy generally, including in relation to juveniles; gun supply issues; gang membership as an aggravating factor; what new powers might be needed; and other relevant issues. Focussing on the themes of Policing, Powers and Prevention communities can help Government in their task of ensuring public safety. In that task, Lewisham’s CPCG is key. I highly commend the excellent work and dedication of David Michael. I would also like to extend my thanks to all members and volunteers who play such a constructive role in the life of their community.”