Many people in Harborough are calling for more police officers to go back on the beat

Many people in Harborough who responded to a new online crime survey are calling for more police officers to go back on the beat.

They are also calling for much better communications with officers as well as more regular, visible patrols.

Some 279 men and women in Harborough district took part in the study of over 6,000 people across Leicestershire and Rutland.

The initiative was launched by Rupert Matthews, the Conservative candidate running for the Police and Crime Commissioner role for the twin counties.

Mr Matthews told the Harborough Mail: “The results of our survey are very interesting – and these people should be listened to.

“A lot of people who responded throughout Harborough want far more police visibility.

“They want to see a lot more officers on the beat.

“People in Harborough are also keen to improve both communications and co-operation with police.”

He said that according to people quizzed in Harborough:

Only 22 per cent of people are satisfied with the visibility of police

Only 37 per cent are satisfied with the level of communication between police and public

84 per cent felt more safe than unsafe walking near their home

More people were worried about burglary [34 per cent] than any other crime. Anti-social behaviour was the second most serious worry at 25 per cent

More people prioritised more police on regular patrols [31 per cent] than any other law and order measure, with tougher fines for anti-social behaviour coming second with 23 per cent

89 per cent want to see the police more involved with their community in Harborough.

“If I am elected as our county’s PCC in May I will make sure that we get more bobbies back out on the beat as soon as we can.

“Actually seeing our first-class officers out and about patrolling our streets and neighbourhoods and keeping them safe is so important,” said Mr Matthews.

“It’s also paramount that we move to improve and step up communications between the police and the public.”

Leicestershire Police and Lord Willy Bach, the current Police and Crime Commissioner, declined to comment on the study’s findings.