Crime and Policing Bill

W ritten evidence submitted by Adam L. Davies (CPB01)

Introduction

I am submitting this written evidence as an individual in support of the Crime and Policing Bill. I live in an area that experiences high levels of anti-social behavior and shoplifting, which have negatively impacted local residents and businesses. Additionally, I strongly support Part 14 of the bill, which addresses the growing issue of youth radicalization, and Part 5, which introduces crucial measures to combat child sexual abuse and related offences.

Support for the Bill

1. Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour

· Anti-social behaviour has become a persistent issue in my area, making public spaces feel unsafe and discouraging community engagement.

· Strengthening police powers and increasing penalties for repeat offenders will provide much-needed enforcement to deter such behaviour .

· Police Stations, like the one in my area have been closed for years. There are officers stationed there, but one can go in and report something they see if the building is not accessible to the public. I hope this bill will tackle stuff like this to discourage anti-social behaviour

2. Addressing Shoplifting and Retail Crime

· Local businesses suffer from frequent theft, leading to financial losses and increased security costs.

· Enhancing police response and imposing stricter consequences for offenders will help protect small businesses and maintain economic stability.

· A local shop owner who owned a card shop near me, recently sold up due to his business repeatedly being broken into. Addressing shoplifting and retail crime would prevent business ow ners feeling like they need to give up their livelihoods.

3. Supporting Part 14: Combating Youth Radicalization

· Radicalization of young people is a serious and growing concern, and proactive measures are essential to prevent them from being drawn into extremist ideologies.

· The provisions in Part 14 of the bill, including early intervention strategies and enhanced cooperation between law enforcement, schools, and social services, are crucial for protecting at-risk youth.

· Strengthening the legal framework around online radicalization will help address the spread of extremist content targeting young people.

4. Supporting Part 5: Tackling Child Sexual Abuse and Related Offences

· Child sexual abuse is one of the most serious crimes, and the bill’s measures to strengthen sentencing and reporting requirements are long overdue.

· Implementing recommendations from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, such as making grooming a statutory aggravating factor in sentencing and introducing a legal duty to report child sexual abuse, will ensure greater accountability and protection for victims.

· The bill’s provisions to combat the creation and possession of child sexual abuse material, along with placing ‘Sarah’s Law’ on a statutory footing, will improve prevention and enforcement efforts.

· New offences related to voyeurism and intimate images are essential to addressing evolving threats in the digital age.

Conclusion

I strongly support the Crime and Policing Bill and urge the committee to approve its provisions. By addressing anti-social behaviour , shoplifting, youth radicalization, and child sexual abuse, this bill will contribute to safer communities and better protection for vulnerable individuals.

Thank you for considering my evidence.

Adam L Davies

18 March 2025