Teams such as the surveillance, child protection and burglary squads are being broke up to place police officers in other areas of the front line due to the cuts faced by the police force.

Police officers are being moved from these squads to fill gaps in the front line so people like you and me still see the same amount of Police officers on our streets, accompanied by more PCSO’s (Police Crime Support Officers) on a day to day basis. However, the teams we do not see from day to day are the ones which target specific crimes and these are being reduced in size or broke up completely.

I believe this is undoubtedly going to lead to far less arrests, meaning more crimes will go unpunished.

Is there anything we can do about these cuts? I doubt it. I think the decision has already been made and the only way a back track will be made is if crime figures are shown to go up in the next few years.

I think all we can do is to keep a closer eye on what is going on in our neighbourhood and if something suspicious occurs to report it to the police by phoning 101 or if it is an emergency 999. Joining a neighbourhood watch scheme is another good idea for many neighbourhoods who are not already members as this will help to reduce the threat of crime.