Dudley North MP, Ian Austin, is calling for an urgent meeting with Home Secretary Sajid Javid MP over policing in the West Midlands.

Austin wants to speak to Mr Javid about vehicle crime, violent crime and burglary after a spike in the number of residents contacting him about crime in the area.
 
Leafy areas like Surrey, which has lower crime and risk levels, are currently receiving more funding in relation to their population at the expense of the West Midlands. Mr Austin said:
 
“I’ve been contacted by concerned residents in areas such as Sedgley, Woodsetton, Gornal and Central Dudley about crime in their area.
  
“We’ve lost over £175 million and over 2000 police officers in the West Midlands under this government. We’re facing major challenges from serious and violent crime but West Midlands police has been cut five times as hard as leafy Surrey and that is bound to have an impact.
 
“I have repeatedly called on the Government to provide funding for the cash-strapped West Midlands Police and backed the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioners Campaign for more money to keep people safe”