PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN SOUTH WALES POLICE SECOND LOWEST IN UK - WILLOTT

12.00.00am GMT Thu 5th Mar 2009

Commenting on figures released today by the Office of National Statistics showing that just 38.7% of the public believe that South Wales Police are dealing effectively with crime and anti-social behaviour in the area, Jenny Willott, Welsh Liberal Democrat MP for Cardiff Central, said:

"With the recent media attention over the funding problems facing South Wales Police, it is not surprising that public confidence in the Force has been shaken.

"I am entirely supportive of the Force's case for a fair funding settlement and there is no doubt that on the whole of South Wales Police is doing a sterling job.

"But South Wales Police have the second lowest public confidence rating across the whole country which does raise broader questions.

"In particular, violent crime remains a real concern, as do alcohol-related offences, and South Wales Police was the only force area where total crime rose last year."