Police chief warns MOD Bicester asylum plans will increase crime

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 12:14 · Archive

Thames Valley's police commissioner says housing 1,265 asylum seekers at a former MOD site in Bicester will raise crime levels.

Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber has written to the Home Secretary opposing the Government's plan to convert the former Ministry of Defence site at Piddington, Bicester, into asylum seeker accommodation.

The proposal would house 1,265 asylum seekers at the site. Mr Barber said police forces 'must expect an increase in crime' if the plans proceed. He argued that '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'.

Mr Barber said Thames Valley Police will need to increase its local policing presence in the area to reassure residents and tackle the forecast rise in crime. He is calling on the Home Office to fund this additional security. 'Without significant additional funding, this will come at an unacceptable cost to local taxpayers and a reduction in policing services elsewhere,' he wrote. He urged the Home Office to reconsider the plans altogether, but if the Government proceeds, he demanded 'full cost recovery' for policing.

Mr Barber also wrote to the Minister for Border Security and Asylum about the funding arrangements in September but has yet to receive a response.

How it is being reported

• Police commissioner says Bicester MOD asylum plans will 'increase crime'Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said 'we must expect and increase in crime' if the asylum accommodation plans go ahead.Oxford Mail · 17 Oct, 11:33
• Police commissioner says Bicester MOD asylum plans will 'increase crime'Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber said 'we must expect and increase in crime' if the asylum accommodation plans go ahead.Oxfordshire Guardian · 17 Oct, 11:33

In this story: Matthew Barber · Thames Valley Police · Ministry of Defence · Bicester · Piddington · Home Office

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