Cooper to outline mission for safer streets amid concerns for communities

Rising street crime is “corroding the fabric of our communities”, Yvette Cooper will warn as she outlines the Government’s “mission” for safer streets.

The Home Secretary will focus on moves to introduce new powers to respond to antisocial behaviour, shoplifting and off-road bikes, with more neighbourhood police expected in communities.

The Government plans to bring forward legislation next year to introduce “respect orders”, which are designed to ban persistent antisocial offenders from town centres, including for issues linked to public drinking and drug use.

An additional 13,000 police officers and PCSOs along with guaranteed local patrols are part of the Government’s plans.

Ministers will also create a new standalone offence of assaulting a shopworker.

Ms Cooper’s focus on the rule of law comes on the day a ban on owning zombie-style knives and machetes comes into force.

It follows a four-week amnesty scheme where owners were encouraged to hand the weapons in to police, local authorities or knife crime charities.

The Government plans to also ban ninja swords in the future.

Ms Cooper, speaking at the Labour Party conference in Liverpool, will say on Tuesday: “We know that security is the bedrock on which communities can come together, and on which the opportunities Labour has always fought for are built.

“You don’t get social justice if you don’t have justice.

“Respect is the very foundation of our democracy.

“Those Labour values are at the heart of all we do.

“And they are at the heart of our mission for safer streets too.

“Starting in towns and cities across the country where rising street crime has driven people from our high streets, corroding the fabric of our communities.

“This Labour Government will bring in new powers on antisocial behaviour, shoplifting and off-road bikes and put neighbourhood police back on the beat.

“And yes, after years of Co-op and Usdaw campaigning, this Labour Government will introduce a new law on assaults on shopworkers, because everyone has the right to work in freedom from fear.”

Published: 24/09/2024 by Radio NewsHub