Stephanie Dearden
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting
Tel: 020-7771-2551 or 07985649807
PRESS RELEASES
Friday, 28th October 2005
More
Police on the Streets
Better Way to Protect
Householders
Tory MP Anne McIntosh is launching a national campaign to win public support for
a Private Members Bill to give householders and shopkeepers the right to use
greater force against burglars. The new plans would mean people would not be
prosecuted unless they used "grossly disproportionate force". The bill is due to
be debated in the Commons in December.
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting, Stephanie Dearden said:-
If somebody is under attack then using reasonable force to defend their family
and themselves is something they should not be punished for. But we should be
careful not to create a climate where anything goes. We need to get more Police
out on the streets where they can visibly deter burglars and reassure the
public. Police Forces need to have more freedom from Government targets so that
when a member of the public dials 999 they get a swift response and don't have
to take matters into their own hands.
ENDS
Stephanie Dearden
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting
Notes to editors