Alan Hagger, the Liberal Democrat candidate vying for the position of Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, asserts that addressing the issue of violent crime and high rates of sexual offences in Swindon must take precedence.
With extensive experience as a service commissioner within the realms of policing and criminal justice, Alan underscores the urgency of combatting crime in Swindon.
He highlights Swindon’s elevated crime rates compared to the rest of Wiltshire, with violent crime, sexual offences, and burglaries being the most prevalent. Alan also points out the absence of a police presence in the town centre, a matter that demands immediate attention.
“We need enhanced police accessibility across the board, particularly in our larger urban areas,” Alan asserts. “Collaboration with local councils is imperative to ensure well-lit streets and active CCTV surveillance in town centres. While cracking down on organised crime is essential, we must also address underlying factors through investment in early intervention, diversion, and education.”
Prior to his candidacy for Police and Crime Commissioner, Alan served as the Head of Strategic Commissioning for three Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioners since 2013. Under his leadership, his team secured substantial additional funding annually and developed highly effective services catering to victims of crime, repeat offenders, at-risk youth, and crime prevention initiatives. Recently, he has been engaged in efforts to reduce reoffending rates in a London prison.
Regarding his priorities, Alan pledges transparency and openness in representing the people of Wiltshire and Swindon. He advocates for community policing restoration, stating the importance of visible police presence and community engagement.
Alan aims to foster a collaborative approach between law enforcement and local residents to curb crime, address antisocial behaviour, and enhance support for all crime victims.
“By prioritising more visible policing, we can strive for reduced crime rates and improved victim support,” Alan affirms.
In his quest to engage with constituents, Alan invites residents to participate in a short survey accessible through his website www.alanhagger.co.uk and his Facebook page.
