As we head into May and hopefully more lockdown easings from 17th May in particular, it has been good to see so many local businesses re-opening and looking positively towards what I hope will be a busy summer season, despite the chilly Bank Holiday that we have just had.
The COVID-19 vaccination programme continues to do very well
both nationally and in Cornwall, with overall by 3 May, over 50million
vaccinations given across the country – a tremendous figure and one that is
only made possible by the sterling efforts of our NHS and the volunteers
involved in the rollout of the programme. This also includes more than
15million of our most vulnerable people who have now been vaccinated twice.
May 6th sees the local elections for Cornwall Council and
some town and parish councils, as well as for police and crime commissioner and
since lockdown restrictions allowed it, I have been out and about supporting local
Conservative candidates in the run up to the big day. Regardless of how you
vote it is important that you do vote. The right to vote is something that our
ancestors fought and died for, including women getting the vote less than one
hundred years ago. It is crucial that people exercise their democratic right and
use their vote. Don’t forget to take your own pen or pencil, due to COVID-19
rules.
One of the big issues raised on the doors by people over and
over with me is around pet theft. Pet theft is not treated with the seriousness
it deserves and reform is urgently needed. During the pandemic, dog ownership
and prices have risen significantly - pet theft is now the worst it has ever
been, rising in some areas by 250%. Tragically, just 1 in 5 pets are ever
returned to their owner. Only about 1% of pet thefts lead to charges.
Because punishments are often related to the monetary value
of a pet, they usually result in trivial fines rather than imprisonment. Although
the Theft Act of 1968 allows a maximum penalty of up to 7 years, this never
seems to happen. The majority of prison sentences awarded are less than six
months. This Act is over 50 years old and may need amendment.
Essentially at present, pet theft is Low Risk and High
Reward, attracting organised crime. I believe this needs to change and am
working with colleagues in Parliament to lobby senior members of the Government
to explore ways in which the penalties around pet theft can be changed to more
reflect what we believe is the seriousness of the crime. Please do get in touch
with me if you would like to add your voice to mine in asking the Government
for change on this important area.
As ever, if you need my assistance with anything then my
team and I are here to help. Please get in touch with me by email at
Cherilyn.mackrory.mp@parliament.uk , or by telephone on 01872 229698.
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