VIOLENT CRIME INCREASES IN SOUTHAMPTON

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 26th Jun 2007

Southampton is ranked as one of the worst cities in England for violent crime according to the 2007 Health Profile released by the Department of Health.

On average 35 people in 1000 are victims of violent crime in the city, compared to an English average of 19.8 people in 1000.

Local MP Sandra Gidley said,

"These latest figures are shocking. Southampton is behind at both regional and national level."

"What is truly worrying is the fact that violent crime has actually risen since the 2006 Health Profile. The people of Southampton shouldn't have to fear violent crime in their city."

"January's 40% funding cut for Community Support Officers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight shows the government is going in the wrong direction when it comes to cutting crime. More investment is required if Southampton's abysmal record for violent crime is to be overturned."

"This was an issue that I raised with Tony Blair in Prime Ministers Questions in January, although he refused to directly answer my question. This highlights the government are happy to promise more spending on police, but are less happy to actually go through with it. I will therefore be raising this issue with new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown."

Notes to Editors:

2006 Health Profile: http://www.communityhealthprofiles.info/profiles/hp2006/lo_res/00MS-HP2006.pdf

2007 Health Profile

http://www.communityhealthprofiles.info/profiles/hp2007/lo_res/00MS-HP2007.pdf