Speaking after his meeting with Norfolk Chief Constable Ian McPherson and Norfolk Police Authority Chairman Councillor Stephen Bett at the House of Commons, Christopher Fraser, MP for South West Norfolk, confirmed that one of the key issues he raised was the problem of raves in the county.
Christopher Fraser said: “It was a very positive meeting, arranged some time ago but perfectly timed for me to raise concerns about the policing of raves following the distressing event in my constituency at the weekend. We discussed the specific legislative loopholes which the Police would like to see addressed so that they are better able to stop these unlicensed events. Mr McPherson’s team will be briefing me in more detail so that I can take matters forward in Parliament.”
Christopher Fraser also discussed a report by Victim Support Norfolk that hundreds of young people in the county are failing to report crimes because they are scared of the consequences. He added “I was disturbed to learn that about half of all 11 to 16 year olds have experienced crime, but only 13 per cent report it. This is a very worrying trend, and I shall be looking at ways to raise awareness and address the problem.
“I also raised with Mr McPherson my worry about Government figures which revealed that drug deaths in Norfolk have almost doubled in two years; the very common concerns from constituents about speed of traffic through villages; and the steps the Police are taking to deal with rogue traders. We agreed that our first meeting had been extremely useful and that we will continue our dialogue in the weeks to come.
“Norfolk Constabulary is doing a first-rate job in difficult circumstances. The Chief Constable has been tasked with re-engineering the Force so that it handles as efficiently as possible the financial squeeze expected in 2008. As a result of our meeting, Mr McPherson and I have a better understanding of each other’s priorities.”
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