HAMPSHIRE residents have the chance to influence how crime is tackled across the county.

There is now less than a month to register to vote for the next Police and Crime Commissioner.

Election day is fast approaching and set for Thursday, May 6.

Three candidates are in the race to replace the current commissioner, Michael Lane.

Tony Bunday the Labour and Co-operative party candidate is promoting “fair and responsive policing for all” and vows to make Hampshire a safer and better place for all.

If elected, Richard Murphy, the Lib Dem candidate says he will make sure that local issues that reduce the quality of people’s lives, like antisocial behaviour, drug misuse and dangerous driving are not overlooked.

He says he will support victims of crime and their families, including addressing the” disastrous problems which have caused the collapse in successful prosecution for rape”.

Meanwhile, the Tory choice is Donna Jones. She is campaigning to increase the number of police officers on Hampshire streets and to reduce bureaucracy.

Police and crime commissioners (PCCs) are elected every four years to oversee how crime is tackled by Hampshire Constabulary.

Elections were due to take place last May but were pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The primary aim of the role is to slash crime rates and to ensure the police force is effective at its job.

A commissioner’s responsibilities include producing a Police and Crime Plan which sets out strategic objectives, setting the budget and council tax element for policing locally and holding the Chief Constable to account for the delivery of operationally effective and efficient policing.

They also act as a link between communities and police.

However, the deadline to register to vote is midnight on Monday, April 15.

Once registered it will be possible to vote by post, in-person in a polling station or by proxy vote.

For more information visit the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner, or Choose My PCC website.