Last month, the Government brought forward major reform of the police service. They had already announced plans to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners, with their responsibilities transferred to Mayors or Strategic Authorities—a move I welcome, as it should strengthen accountability. Residents frequently raise concerns about crime and policing with me and with local councillors, yet we currently have very limited opportunities to challenge PCC priorities or speak directly

Vikki Slade, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has challenged the Home Secretary in Parliament over Dorset being the second worst-funded police force in England, ranking 42nd out of 43 nationally. Continue reading here

A Dorset MP has launched a new petition calling for secure bike lockers to be installed at railway stations, as part of her ongoing campaign to tackle bike theft. Continue reading here Sign the petition here

Just two per cent of bicycle thefts in Dorset were solved last year, prompting Liberal Democrat MP Vikki Slade to call for tougher action and national support for police. New data from Dorset Police shows only 17 people were charged or summonsed out of 793 reported thefts across the county. Vikki Slade, MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said cycle theft is becoming “effectively decriminalised” and is backing a proposed national crackdown called “Operation Bike Bait.” Continu