POLITICIANS in Southampton have blamed budget cuts for increased crime levels.

Speaking ahead of the election on May 5, several parties putting forward candidates have said years of reduced funding have caused the city to "become unsafe". 

Data from CrimeRate shows the city recorded 33,163 crimes in 2021, the highest number since 2016.

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Leader of Southampton Labour, Cllr Satvir Kaur said: "Compared with other parts of the country, Southampton residents are having to pay far more towards policing for less, which isn’t right or fair.

"Not only are Labour asking for more front-line police officers, community police hubs and greater support for victims, Labour locally will introduce a £1.5 million pound Safer Neighbourhoods Fund, which will be used to prevent issues like motorcycle nuisance and other anti-social behaviour.

"We also know that for women in particular our city has become unsafe, which is why this fund will also look at better lighting in open spaces, CCTV and respond directly to the safer buses and bus stops campaign that local residents have been calling for.” 

Richard Blackman, Lib Dem candidate for Bassett, said the city is “suffering from increased crime due to years of cuts and neglect”. 

He called for more funding in a bid to rebuild policing and youth services.

He said: “We want more police on the streets, with the resources they need to focus on fighting and preventing crime. For example, we would prioritise funding for front-line police.

"Eradicating violence against women and girls is a top priority for the Liberal Democrats. We need better awareness and education about sexual consent, and proper funding for refuges and rape crisis support centres, as well as fixing the funding problems with our police.

"We know that police in Southampton have been focusing on antisocial behaviour, including illegal motorbikes, and will ensure they have the support from the council and resources they need."

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But council leader, Daniel Fitzhenry said the Conservative-led authority has worked with Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones to bring an extra 150 new police to the city by March 2023, open a new police station in Bitterne and train police officers to ride motorbikes to pursue anti-social motorbike users.

He said: "We as Conservative council are also installing more CCTV across our city and have given circa £150,000 to 19 organisations to help provide positive sports and recreational activities for young people to do.

"Through joined-up working, extra resources and a willingness to tackle anti-social behaviour, your Conservative council will make Southampton a safer city to live and enjoy.” 

John Spottiswoode, spokesman for Southampton & District Green Party, said: "What we have to do is to address the root causes and address the minor criminals before they get worse. 

"This means providing outlets for disaffected youths, such as jobs, youth clubs and facilities for people to focus their energy positively on improving themselves, sport and perhaps volunteering. 

"We must address drug dependency and stop criminalising it so it can be treated like an illness and those dependent on drugs do not have to resort to crime to fund their devastating drug habit."

Meanwhile Sue Atkin from Southampton Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition, said "inequality and poverty are at record levels", calling for "secure, well-paid jobs" and new affordable housing.

The party said: "Together these would provide a secure future for our people and undermine the factors that drive the levels of crime.

READ MORE: St Mary's Leisure Centre in Southampton set to be sold off

"It is a scandal that St Mary’s Leisure Centre has been closed by the Conservatives, leaving 1000s with no local facilities in a deprived area with high levels of crime and violence.

"The centre should be re-opened immediately along with the re-building of all the services that have been lost over the last decade."

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