Thames Valley PCC criticised for ‘irresponsible’ and ‘dangerous’ comments
Freddie van Mierlo MP is criticising ‘irresponsible’ call for public to confront shoplifters
An Oxfordshire MP is criticising Thames Valley’s Police and Crime Commissioner for ‘suggesting that members of the public should stand up to shoplifters’.
Freddie van Mierlo, Liberal Democrat MP for Henley and Thame is also criticising the PCC for ‘describing those who film crimes instead of intervening as idiots’.
Mr van Mierlo described the remarks as “dangerous and irresponsible”, warning that encouraging untrained members of the public to confront criminals puts people at risk and undermines the work of the police.
The Liberal Democrat says he is calling for ‘responsible leadership and a renewed focus on resourcing frontline policing and supporting victims, not shifting the burden of response onto ordinary citizens’.
Freddie van Mierlo said: “Our Tory Police and Crime Commissioner should hang his head in shame. No, the public should not be asked to confront criminals. It's dangerous and irresponsible.
"Please, if you're witnessing a crime or victim of one, call the police.”
He added: “The public are right to be concerned about shoplifting and other crimes like vehicle theft and burglaries.
“After a decade of tory rule, our police have been without the resources they need and the public are losing faith in their ability to respond to crime. But the solution is not to push the burden of fighting crime onto members of the public.
“Instead, we need a return to community and neighbourhood policing, where crimes are fully investigated and wherever possible prevented.”
PCC, Matthew Barber said: “I believe in social responsibility and in people being engaged in their communities to help keep them safe. People should not turn a blind eye to crime and post about it on social media instead of reporting and assisting the police with information and evidence.
“I have made tackling shoplifting a priority for Thames Valley Police and that has resulted in more criminals being charged, more patrols being visible, easier sharing of evidence from stores, more support for retailers and a focus on the most prolific offenders. As I said in my original comments in June, I am not expecting everyone to be rugby tackling criminals to the ground. I am also not expecting people to put themselves in harm’s way, but this is about being aware and as a minimum reporting shoplifting to the police.
“I encourage retailers, shop workers and the shoppers to report crime so the police can act. It’s their job to investigate and fight crime, including shoplifting. But we can all play a part in building a safer community – at the very least reporting crime we see, rather than accepting it.”