More Bobbies needed as football-related crimes soar 20/08/03

Tottenham Conservatives have reinforced their call for more police on the beat following a big rise in football related crimes.

New figures just released show a 19 per cent rise in soccer violence and hooliganism, with the number of arrests up from 4,035 to 4,793, including the highest number recorded at league matches for seven years. The Home Office said the increase reflected a lingering domestic football disorder problem with indications of an emerging new generation of troublemakers, plus more proactive policing.

Justin Hinchcliffe, Deputy Chairman of Tottenham Conservatives, said the figures were further evidence of the Labour Government's failure to tackle crime and disorder. Mr. Hinchcliffe said:

"It is extremely disturbing that football-related arrests have risen so sharply. This is yet another sign that the Government is failing to get to grips with our law and order crisis.

Effective policing is vital if football hooliganism and other forms of disorder are to be brought under control. That is why the next Conservative Government will recruit 40,000 extra police officers. This radical policy will have an enormous impact on the fight against crime and will make Haringey streets safe."

ENDS.