Ahead of next month's General Election, MP hopefuls standing in Isle of Wight West have been discussing how they would tackle crime.

ASBIs, stop and search, dispersal orders, bobbies on the beat, and crime levels are all key policing concerns on the Island.

In 120 words, we asked each candidate how they would set and achieve goals in these areas.

Here's what they said...

Cameron Palin, for the Isle of Wight Green Party, said: As your Green MP I would work with everyone and anyone to ensure our streets, neighbourhoods and towns are safe for all. After 14 years of austerity, police numbers in real terms are down but crime is on the rise.

"The public and police officers feel let down by generations of politicians' warm words, lack of action and allowing officers unfit to wear the uniform to stay in position.

"We must rebuild trust and confidence between the police and public, ensuring transparent oversight, a fully functioning court system that prosecutes criminals more quickly and funding to ensure we get more officers, probation officers, judges and rehabilitation workers.

"We must overhaul the system and fund it fully!"

For Reform UK, Ian Pickering said: "The key to successful policing lies in the numbers of officers available to deal with crime and disorder.

"Twenty years ago, with overlapping shifts on Saturday night, the main towns on the Island would be able, in total, to put out as many as six frontline Sergeants and thirty frontline, proactive Constables. They would be backed up by CID officers and specialist services.

"Today we’ll be lucky to see seven covering the whole Island.

"It is inevitable that in order to deal with a major incident it is sometimes necessary to have police officers standing around “doing nothing” during quiet periods.

"Diverting the cost of the politically appointed PCC into the recruitment of officers on the beat would help significantly."

Island Labour's Richard Quigley, said: "Having spoken to the Chief Constable, policing needs to focus on making us safe, which sounds obvious.

"Nationally, we will recruit 13,000 new police officers and PCSOs because in real terms, due to cuts, we are still down 10,000 police officers and PCSOs compared to officers on the beat in 2010.

"Proactive and preventative measures are key, we will provide youth hubs that aim to give teenagers the best start in life.

"We will link up services to make sure the hubs provide mental health support and services and youth support staff to help prevent knife crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Police patrols in town centres will be guaranteed with named officers as contacts for communities."

Bob Seely, for the Isle of Wight Conservative Party, said: "Our Police work incredibly hard to keep our Island communities safe. We’re delivering more police and safer streets.

"Since 2019, we’ve recruited 20,000 additional officers. Our manifesto promises a further 8,000 officers. 

"Working with PCC Donna Jones, we’ve got 30 additional police officers on the Island and there’s a named local bobby for every Island community. Additionally, a dedicated Roads Police Unit is now in place and a new police station has opened in Cowes. 

"Our plan to drive down crime is working, reducing crime by 54% since 2010, but we know there is always more to do and I’m working with Donna Jones to deliver more police and safer streets."

Nick Stuart, for the Isle of Wight Liberal Democrats, did not provide a response at the time of going to press.

For the the Alliance for Democracy and Freedom Party (ADF), Rachel Thacker, said: "PCC's should meet with the MP at least monthly to ensure targets are being met."

  • For Isle of Wight East: Emily Brothers, Labour; David Groocock, Independent; Michael Lilley, Liberal Democrats; Vix Lowthion, Green Party; Sarah Morris, Reform UK; Joe Robertson, Conservatives.