Assaults on Hounslow police rocket 168% in three years

10.42.08pm GMT Wed 2nd Feb 2005

Police face an increasing risk of assault on Hounslow's steets

The number of assaults on police officers in Hounslow has gone up by 168% in the last three years, according to a Mayoral Answer to the Liberal Democrats.

The figures show that between October 2001 and September 2002 there were 34 assaults on police officers. Two years later - between October 2003 and September 2004 - there were 91 assaults, an increase of 168 per cent.

London-wide, the statistics show that between October 2003 and September 2004 there were 3,287 assaults compared to 1,267 two years previously, an increase of 160 per cent.

Andrew Dakers, Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Brentford & Isleworth said:

"No one deserves to be abused or assaulted when doing their job. Bobbies on the beat face enough dangers without having to worry about being assaulted. We have trouble recruiting more police officers and potential new recruits will be wary of taking on a job where an ever increasing risk of being assaulted is an occupational hazard.

"As the government introduces twenty-four hour drinking the council must work with the police on the control of licensing and premises. At the same time we must work through schools and colleges to make young people aware of the danger they present themselves - and others - when they binge drink. Only through discussing the impacts of alcohol openly will we encourage more responsible lifestyles."