I recently caught up with Leicester West Neighbourhood Policing Area Inspector , Rob Randall, where we discussed important local policing issues such as Operation Lionheart – the recent investigation to tackle gangs and organised crime networks that are using children and vulnerable adults to sell illegal drugs across Leicestershire.

We also discussed other issues such as the increase in knife crime in the city and the pressures facing our local police force. Since 2010 we’ve lost over 500 police offices in Leicestershire due to Government cuts to policing budgets. I’ve constantly backed calls from our Police and Crime Commissioner for increased funding to enable us to recruit more officers into the force.