'Police and other agencies need to work together to reassure the public' - Council leader speaks at launch of initiative in Wolverhampton city centre
"You can never have enough police officers on the street" - the words of City of Wolverhampton Council leader Stephen Simkins.
Councillor Simkins went onto the streets of Wolverhampton on Wednesday as part of the launch of the Safer Streets Summer town centre crime blitz.
The Home Office and Police and Crime Commission (PCC) backed initiative has been launched in the summer holidays to help combat issues such as theft, drugs, anti social and other priority crimes.
Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands Simon Foster joined Councillor Simkins and Inspector Sophie Clement who manages the city centre team.
Councillor Simkins said a number of 'diversionary tactics' and partnership working initiatives being used to deal with the issues in the city centre and town centres like Bilston.
He said: "There is nothing more reassuring than seeing officers in uniforms on the street but the role of the traditional policeman has changed.
"In the last 20 years they have had to deal with issues which have seen an increase in figures from mental health to domestic violence to internet fraud.
