Press Release

12 December, 2001

Local Businessmen See Minister Over Crime

Jim Paice, MP for South East Cambridgeshire, took a delegation of businessmen from Witchford to see Home Office Minister John Denham MP on Monday.

Speaking after the meeting Jim explained. "This meeting was delayed by the General Election and came about because of local concern at a spate of thefts and damage to businesses in the Witchford area. Whilst the Police do their best it is frustrating for businesses to not only lose expensive equipment but then find the thieves return later when it has been replaced. We also discussed the problem of illegal traveller encampments which may or may not be connected to the thefts and the Minister undertook to look again at the guidelines for local authorities about how to deal with unauthorised encampments. He did say that he felt that some authorities used the guidelines as an excuse for inaction rather than being robust.

"This type of activity breeds fear of crime in people. There is no doubt that some crime is not reported and witnesses do not come forward because of fear of reprisals. We stressed to the Minister that whilst intimidation may be illegal nevertheless in the real world it does take place. I shall keep up the pressure not only for tougher guidelines but for local authorities to use the powers they have to tackle the problem of illegal encampments. I am also in regular contact with the police in our area to encourage them to be as robust as possible."