Brian Paddick.

London Liberal Democrat Mayoral candidate Brian Paddick has unveiled his policies to keep Londoners safe.

This is the first election where the Mayor also has the role of Police and Crime Commissioner and with 30 years’ experience in the Metropolitan Police Brian Paddick is uniquely qualified for the job.

The policies, which form the bedrock of the full London Liberal Democrat manifesto to be launched next week, include:

• Local policing. We will get the police and people working together to stand up to criminals through local policing plans based on the priorities of the local community. We will carry out crime surveys and consult with local communities on their key priorities – listening to Londoners
• Increasing the number of police officers in the Met to 33,500
• Increasing the visibility of uniformed officers at busy travel interchanges and in town centres, especially late at night
• Better stop and search. We will stop police targeting innocent people and accurately target the power on criminals
• Tough payback sentences. Those convicted of criminal offences will be made to work in the community to repay their debt to society
• Paddick patrols. We will help Londoners who want to reclaim their streets by working with community groups such as residents and tenants associations patrolling in groups

Commenting, Brian Paddick said:

“Last summer we had the worst riots in our streets for a generation. Robbery and burglary are on the increase. Too many people feel unsafe and too many do not believe the police are on their side.

“We need a Mayor who knows how the police work and how to keep Londoners safe.

“As a former senior police officer, I know the best way to cut crime and restore trust in the police is to get people and officers working together. That’s exactly what I will do as Mayor.

“We can’t afford to make the same mistakes over and over again. As Mayor, above all else, I will keep Londoners safe.”