At the request of local residents, I am today launching a petition to call on the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner to take urgent action to restore police resources to the rural areas of Solihull Borough in order to put a stop to the recent crime wave we have experienced.
It is deeply troubling to hear from local residents in communities across the Meriden constituency their experiences of crime - not least as a result of an increase in vehicle crime and burglary.
Having been given powers from central government to set the police budget and allocate resources; as well as raise to local taxes to pay for our police services, the Police and Crime Commissioner is directly elected and accountable to you in order to ensure fair and effective policing.
As your MP, I am determined to ensure that your concerns and experiences are heard by Mr Jamieson. To that end, I would urge residents to sign this petition urging the PCC to take swift action to put a stop to the recent crime wave and make sure that local residents receive swift and effective police support in the community.
Rt Hon Dame Caroline Spelman MP