• IN answer to Hamish Hunter’s claims (Mopeds crime crisis, November 23), I am appalled by the recent rise in moped crime in Camden, and concerned that the safety of residents, who are understandably worried, is at risk.

However Mr Hunter’s claim that the police are “just not taking this issue seriously enough” is neither accurate nor fair.

It is unhelpful of the Conservative candidate to discredit the police’s efforts given how stretched the service is. Officers put themselves on the front line for all of us day after day.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has warned ministers that the planned further £400million of cutbacks will make it more difficult to tackle knife, moped and gun crime.

Camden has lost 32 per cent of its police force since 2010; that’s 229 fewer police officers and 91 fewer PCSOs. Despite these challenges the police are “beginning to turn the tide”, and in the last few months there has been a 25 per cent reduction in moped-enabled crime.

I think we can firmly say the police are indeed taking the issue seriously.

The same cannot be said for the Tories. This year has been particularly difficult for our emergency services but the Budget made no mention at all of police funding.

The police are doing all they can to mitigate the impact of Tory cuts. You can’t deliver vital front-line services on the cheap.

JAMES SLATER
Labour candidate for Hampstead Town