Jack Dromey MP, Labour’s Shadow Policing Minister, responding to today’s release of crime statistics, said:

“With the thin blue line stretched ever thinner, police recorded crime is rising and some of the most serious crimes have soared to the highest levels in years.

“Just as the most serious, violent, sexual and online crimes are soaring, so too are the demands on a depleted police force to keep the country safe. Yet officers are now more thinly spread than ever.

“The Tories have slashed 18,000 police officers and have broken their promise to the public to protect frontline officer numbers. 12,000 have gone from frontline policing alone.”

Andy Burnham MP, Labour’s Shadow Home Secretary, said:

“The Tories promised to protect the Police budget but they have broken that promise.

“This Tory Home Secretary is cutting the Police whilst violent crime is soaring and putting the public at risk. They must stop the cuts and honour their promise to the Police.”