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Making sure that people feel safe and secure in their communities in Huddersfield is high on my list of priorities.  I'm on the side of the decent, law abiding majority who play by the rules and want their community to be safe.

There is always talk about human rights whenever crime is discussed.  For me an important human right is to feel safe in your home and community.   And this right deserves support too.

When it comes to fighting crime, no one knows better where crime is a problem in their area than the people that live there.  So I'd like to see people have more of a say in fighting crime in their communities.

CCTV has proven its worth in tackling crime and disorder.   It plays a vital role in helping communities feel safer.  When CCTV is talked about on the news again we hear a lot about "rights".

But I get a different message from people who are worried about crime.  Yes, we have to make sure there is the right balance.   No one wants to feel they are having their privacy invaded unnecessarily.  But if CCTV can help crack down on crime then surely it is something we should use.

The Government is looking at giving people more of a say over where CCTV is used in local areas.  I support this move and will push for it to happen in Huddersfield.

So I think we'd all agree that people in Huddersfield want to know that crime is being tackled.  But what we also want to know is that justice is being done - and being seen to be done.

Offenders must now wear branded high-visibility jackets when carrying out work on community payback projects. So when you see people working on a project in your area, you will know if they are offenders paying back for their crimes.

It also makes sure the community affected by crime is paid back with some hard work.   And it gives criminals time to think about their actions whilst putting in a bit of hard graft.

I always want to make sure I represent your views to Government ministers and the Police.  So if any one want to get in touch drop me a line or send me an email.