THE LABOUR candidate bidding to be the next Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PPC) is promising to make the county a safer place.
Rugby born and bred Ben Twomey will be challenging current Conservative PPC Philip Seccombe at the ballot box on May 7.
Mr Twomey has previously worked for three PPCs across the country and was quick to attack Mr Seccombe’s record since he was elected in 2016.
He said: “I am standing to be your police and crime commissioner to take real action on crime and anti-social behaviour in our county.
“Warwickshire has become a more violent place. More people are being burgled. More shoplifting is damaging local businesses. The number of people caught with weapons in our county has more than doubled.
“There were over 10,000 more crimes last year than there were three years ago. The £20 million missing from the police budget since 2010 has left victims suffering whilst criminals are being let off the hook.
“Not once has the current Conservative Police Commissioner stood up for us by writing to his Conservative government about police funding.
“We all need to feel safe and protected in our communities. I have a plan to make this happen.
“I will increase police officer numbers and make sure they are seen and known in our communities. I will reduce crime by giving young people positive opportunities and a seat at the decision-making table. I will put victims at the heart of everything I do and work with them to improve services.
“I will break the cycle of mental ill health and crime and support people with addictions into treatment and recovery. I will make our roads safer. I will drive Warwickshire to take a lead on new technologies and tackling online crime and fraud. I will target organised criminals with the full force of the law.”
Mr Twomey currently works as head of policy for a national children’s charity, where he campaigns to improve the lives of young people in care.
