MP urges Home Secretary to stop the cuts to Cumbria’s police after 12% rise in crime

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has written to the Home Secretary, urging him to re-think the Government's decision to slash police numbers after new figures showed a sizeable increase in crime in Cumbria.

According to the Office for National Statistics, recorded crime in the county has increased by 12% over the past year which is around the same as the national average.

From March 2017 to March 2018, stalking and harassment increased by over 50% while sexual offences and robbery rose by around a third.

Since 2009, the number of police officers in Cumbria has dropped by around 170.

Last week, Tim met with officers at Kendal police station about the impact of Appleby Horse Fair on the local communities of Kirkby Lonsdale and Sedbergh. The meeting followed reported incidents of anti-social behaviour and violence from a tiny minority of the community who were on their way to the Fair.

Tim said: "We've already seen with Appleby Horse Fair the effect that a reduction in police numbers can have on our local communities.

"What these figures show is the impact that irresponsible spending cuts are having on policing, and that the hard work and resilience of brilliant local police forces cannot fully hold back the tide.

"The Government must understand that when they reduce police numbers, crime will rise.

"There is no excuse for leaving hard-working public servants underfunded on the front line."