PCC says Bicester MOD asylum plans will 'increase crime'

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The Thames Valley PCC says the plans to turn MOD Bicester into asylum seeker accommodation will 'increase crime' and put a strain on policing.

Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber wrote to the Home Secretary outlining his concerns about the Government's plans to house 1,265 asylum seekers at the former Ministry of Defence site in Piddington, Bicester.

He said that police forces 'must expect an increase in crime' if the controversial proposals are allowed to take place, at a minimum, he said, 'between asylum seekers'.

Mr Barber wrote: "It is naïve to consider that such a large population of single men will not bring with it a greater risk of violent and sexual offences.

"Yesterday, the Minister said that public safety was and always will be right at the forefront of government thinking on housing asylum seekers.

"This is not how local residents feel."

MOD BicesterMOD Bicester (Image: Ed Nix)

The police commissioner said he has already agreed with Thames Valley Police will need to increase the local policing presence in the area, both to reassure residents and tackle the increased crime he forecasts, and is calling on the Home Office to fund the security.

"Without significant additional funding, this will come at an unacceptable cost to local taxpayers and a reduction in policing services elsewhere," he said.

 “I urge the Home Office to reconsider the plans for the use of MOD Bicester as an asylum camp altogether.

"However, if the Government is minded to continue with this proposal you must provide full cost recovery to Thames Valley Police."

In September, Mr Barber also wrote to the Minister for Border Security and Asylum about the funding arrangements for policing the proposed site but has yet to receive a response.

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