On Monday 20th June, Anna Firth MP spoke in the House of Commons in a Home Office debate. Anna addressed the issue of knife crime and anti-social behaviour present in Southend, and what should be done to eradicate this.
Anna said in the debate on Knife Crime and Serious Violence,
“Our excellent local police want state-of-the-art, portable electronic knife poles, which are cheaper and more effective than knife arch systems”.
The revolutionary knife poles are not only inexpensive, but can be stored in the back of police cars to allow officers to have them at their disposal when they think their use is necessary. They are an upgrade from the now outdated knife arch systems which are commonly used to combat knife crime. The answer to solving our issue of crime in Southend is not simply to increase the number of officers on our streets, but in giving them the sufficient resources to assist them in doing their job most effectively.
Anna said,
“Violence is an issue of top priority to resolve in Southend West. We live in an area in which we should feel safe and protected. Reducing knife crime and anti-social behaviour is my first step in making this happen.
