In a series of exclusive MKFM crime interviews, we are being joined by key decision makers and holding them to account.
Following recent crime trends, MKFM is hosting a series of exclusive crime interviews where we put your questions to key decision makers.
After a two day break, MKFM returned to crime week last night with Iain Stewart MP.
Iain Stewart is the MP for Milton Keynes South. Iain was first elected as Member of Parliament for Milton Keynes South in May 2010.
MKFM discussed crime rates in Milton Keynes and the topic on whether rates of serious crimes are up.
"I think certainly the fear of it is up, and that's partly because of the tragic, high profile murders that there has been, too many of in recent weeks and months," Iain told MKFM, "the figures I have seen if you look at it in a purely statistical way, they are down slightly.
"But I think that misses the point." He continued: "One is too many and there are deep-rooted problems. Part of it is a cultural issue, we've got to break out of this mentality that it's ok to carry a weapon. We've got to look at the troubled families, we've got to provide opportunities for younger people not to go down that path.
"But yes, there's also got to be strict enforcement."
Iain Stewart MP said: "Looking at it in the rounds, I think we can make big improvements, people are rightly concerned about it.
"If you're fearful of crime, no statistics are going to lessen that."
He said to listeners: "What I would say to people is that don't be unduly alarmed, because a lot of the cases, the people involved are known to the police already.
"Quite frankly, anyone who takes recreational drugs is part of the problem. Because if the demand wasn't there, people wouldn't be supplying it."
MKFM asked Iain if he feels safe, he replied: "I feel safe, of course. If you look at crime as a whole, some levels are up, some are down. I was looking at figures the other day and burglary as a whole is down but bike theft is up. You can break out the statistics in different ways. But genuinely, yes, I feel safe going about Milton Keynes.
"If you look at crime rates here compared to other parts of the country, I don't think it's a drastic problem here, but of course, people will feel unsafe when they see these high profile violent crimes."
Listen tomorrow from 7pm on 95.0/102.1/106.3FM, DAB Digital Radio, online, on your mobile or smart speaker to hear us speak to Cllr Jane Carr.
Full details of how to listen here.
Listen back to our previous interviews with Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Ben Everitt MP for MK North, Pete Marland, Leader of MK Council, Iain Stewart MP and Chief Inspector Livingstone here - LISTEN AGAIN- MKFM CRIME WEEK.
There has been some changes to our news special schedule. Here is the updated list:
Monday 4th April 7PM - Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley Police
Tuesday 5th April 7PM - Ben Everitt, MP for Milton Keynes North
Wednesday 6th April 7PM - Cllr Peter Marland, Leader of Milton Keynes Council
Thursday 7th April 7PM - Chief Inspector Livingstone, Deputy Commander for MK
Sunday 10th April 7PM - Iain Stewart, MP for Milton Keynes South
Tuesday 12th April 7PM- Cllr Jane Carr
