Steve Darling MP has contacted the Secretary of State for the Home Office following two shocking incidents of violent crime in Torbay, calling for urgent measures to strengthen neighbourhood policing and improve community safety.
The first incident, on Victoria Street in Paignton, Thursday 21st November, involved a horrific attack with a corrosive substance, leaving the victim with serious facial injuries. Just days later on Tuesday 26th November, a stabbing near Tor Hill Road in Torquay resulted in another individual being seriously injured. Both incidents have left local residents alarmed about their safety and highlighted the need for decisive action to address violent crime in Torbay.
In his letter to the Secretary of State, Steve has urged the government to:
-Provide additional resources to Devon and Cornwall Police to bolster neighbourhood policing efforts.
-Prioritise crime prevention measures, particularly programmes targeting youth engagement and the root causes of violence.
-Strengthen support for victims of violent crime, ensuring they have access to medical care, psychological services, and financial assistance.
“These appalling incidents underline the urgent need for a proactive and sustained approach to tackling crime in Torbay,” argues Steve. “We must ensure our communities feel safe, and this begins with consistent, visible, and well-resourced neighbourhood policing. I have asked the Secretary of State to outline the government’s plans to address these challenges and to prioritize the safety of Torbay residents.”
In addition to contacting the Home Secretary, Steve has been in direct communication with senior officers at Devon and Cornwall Police to discuss the force’s response and the support required to address local concerns. He has also engaged with community leaders to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are reflected in the solutions being pursued.
“I commend the swift actions of our local police in making arrests related to these incidents, but enforcement alone is not enough. We need sustained investments in policing and community programs to deter crime and build trust,” Steve added.
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