§ 28. Mr. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what new proposals he is putting forward to combat a doubling of mugging offences; and if he will give advice to the elderly who have to travel on public transport late at night.
§ Dr. SummerskillWe share the concern about the prevalence of this sort of crime, but offences of robbery recorded as known to the police in England and Wales—into which category most incidents described as "mugging" fall—increased by only 1 per cent. in the first nine months of 1976 compared with the first nine months of 1975. The prevention and detection of such offences are primarily a responsibility of the police. The Government have provided for increases in police strength, which is 9,000 higher in England and Wales now than in February 1974. I am satisfied that the substantial penalties available to the courts for crimes of violence are adequate. If the hon. Member has any local problem in mind perhaps he would262W Let us or the appropriate chief officer of police know.