The three candidates bidding to become Warwickshire's next Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) have said why they should be voted in.

Next Thursday (May 2) locals with head to the polls to vote in their new PCC for the coming four years.

Richard Dickson has been put forward for the Liberal Democrats and Sarah Feeney will represent the Labour group.

Meanwhile Conservative Philip Seccombe is looking to secure a third straight term in office.

Among other functions, the PCC role includes:

• Ensuring public views are heard within policing
• Holding the chief constable to account
• Ensuring appropriate services are in place for victims of crime
• Setting the local police budget and determining levels of council tax

Richard Dickson

Kenilworth town and district councillor Richard Dickson has been put forward by the Liberal Democrats.

Cllr Dickson said while there "isn't a general election" on May 2, there is "still cause for hope" - adding now is the "time to ACT".

"It's a vote to give the role more meaning," he said.

The Liberal Democrats have put forward Richard Dickson (image supplied)

"It's a vote for more:

"A. Accountability to residents about how the police help make us feel safer e.g. through more community policing. I'll not appoint a deputy commissioner, but instead invest the money in more community policing.

"C. Community engagement by the police with public sector agencies and community groups working together for community safety which is a shared responsibility.

"T. Transparency, in-person and online, about how the commissioner and the police are spending our money in a sustainable way.

"This means no more secret deals like with the Warwickshire Hunt and quarterly public reports of what the commissioner is doing."

Sarah Feeney

Labour is being represented at next week's election by Sarah Feeney.

From Rugby, she says she is an "experience community campaigner" and wants to be a "visible and accessible" PCC.

"I want to restore trust in policing; making visibility and openness a guiding principle," Ms Feeney said. 

"We need our frontline officers on the street. 

Sarah Feeney is representing Labour (image supplied)

"I want to see local neighbourhood plans to tackle the crime and a police service focussed on solving crime and supporting victims. Warwickshire needs to be a place where everyone, especially women and girls, have the confidence to report crime and know action will be taken.

"As an open and available commissioner, I will listen to your problems and help find practical solutions.

"I have the right skills and empathy to succeed in this role, being an experienced manager, negotiator and community campaigner. 

"I will be your voice, holding the chief constable, making the police accountable for their actions and making sure you get the support you need."

Philip Seccombe

Having first been made PCC in 2016, Philip Seccombe is once again representing the Conservatives.

Mr Seccombe says he has "fulfilled my promises" to voters by increasing police numbers "from a low of 800 to 1,123 today".

"Many crime prevention projects have been started," he added.

"Being a victim of crime is often traumatic, and I have built vital partnerships with Victim Support, Refuge, Barnados, Safeline, and many more who support those in need.

Philip Seccombe is representing the Conservatives (image supplied)

"Visibility of the police is of great importance to us all, and this has grown with more officers out on the ground and a much improved 999 and 101 service.

"Also, the four main police stations are now open seven days a week, enabling face-to-face meetings with officers and staff.

"Looking forward to the next four years, I intend to reduce crime, anti-social behaviour, and re-offending. I promise to keep working to make the county one of the safest areas to live, work, and visit."

North Warwickshire District Council is administering this year's election. Find out more here.