“People need to feel safe”: Torsten backs anti-crime Bill

Writing in the South Wales Evening Post, Torsten has slammed the damage that anti-social behaviour and crime is having on people and businesses in Swansea. His intervention follows the vandalism of Cwmbwrla Park and new research showing the average business is spending around £5,000 defending stores from thieves. Read his full piece below.

As a Swansea MP, I get to see the best of our community every week. But I also see the worst – often at the same time. Last week, I visited Burlais Primary School. Under the dedicated leadership of headteacher Mark Thompson, the staff work tirelessly to create a safe and nurturing environment for pupils. But children at Burlais are being let down. Not by the school. By hooligans who seem to think neighbouring Cwmbwrla Park is a race track.   

Twice now, the park’s football pitches have been vandalised – first by quad bikes, now by cars. Twice, the children have written powerful letters to those responsible asking for the playing fields they use for sports days and football matches to be respected. It’s a heartbreakingly simple ask.     

From senseless vandalism in Cwmbwrla Park to disgracefully common shop lifting, we’re facing some serious issues when it comes to anti-social behaviour and crime. Research by the Association of Convenience Stores has found that the average business is being forced to spend over £5,000 per store on anti-crime measures. That’s £5,000 that could go toward improving the store, hiring staff or cutting prices, being wasted keeping thieves at bay.    

We need people to feel safe in their parks and shops - whether they’re shopping or working there. According to Usdaw, the trade union for shop workers, one in ten workers have been physically assaulted by customers. No one should have to put up with that in their workplace.   

We’ve got to put a stop to this epidemic of bad behaviour. That's why I'm supporting new legislation making its way through Parliament right now, to give police and communities stronger protections.   

One of the most important changes in the Bill is ending the effective immunity for shoplifting. It’s been far too easy for people to walk away with stolen goods without consequences. In the two years before the general election, shoplifting rose by more than 60% and snatch theft soared. That is the Tories’ disastrous legacy and it’s places like Swansea which have paid the price. 

That’s not all. The legislation will also introduce a new sanction, Respect Orders, to tackle the very worst perpetrators of anti-social behaviour. And we’re making it easier for South Wales Police to seize vehicles such as off-road bikes being used antisocially.  

It’s time to put an end to a handful of people thinking they can treat our shops and parks as playgrounds for their anti-social behaviour. In the days ahead, I’ll be monitoring the situation in Cwmbwrla Park closely and will remain in touch with our local community support officers. I would urge anyone with information about the vandalism to get in touch with the police by dialling 101.   

Let’s work together to protect the best of Swansea from the worst behaviour of a small minority of mindless vandals and thieves.