Having analysed recently published Home Office crime statistics this week, local Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman, Greg Hands, is extremely concerned that many criminals are going unpunished across Hammersmith and Fulham.

According to Home Office figures published on 22 July 2004, in Hammersmith and Fulham:
- 8 in 9 muggers are escaping justice (11% detection rate);
- 12 in 13 burglars are escaping justice (8% detection rate);
- 99 in 100 car thieves are escaping justice (1% detection rate).

Greg said: "Our local police officers are working hard, but are being dragged down by Whitehall bureaucracy that prevents them from patrolling the streets and catching criminals.

"It is utterly unacceptable for such a high proportion of criminals to be getting away with their crimes - and something needs to be done about this urgently.

"Conservatives want to see a greater emphasis on neighbourhood policing, a greater say for local people on how police forces are run, and backed up by more money for an extra 8539 police officers across the Metropolitan Police area. Only then will we be on track for safer streets."

The Government published new crime statistics on 22 July 2004:
Home Office, Crime in England and Wales 2003/2004

Basic Command Unit - Detection Recorded for Key Offences 2002/03 to 2003/04