Police need to clean up their own patch

Police need to focus on investigating robberies, rapes and street crime (Image: GETTY)There has been significant progress, with 15,000 extra police officers recruited and another 5,000 on the way. But despite this, more offences are being committed than ever before, while the proportion of suspects ending up in court is at a record low.If that isn’t bad enough, we reveal today that police chiefs are having to deal with a rising tide of problems in their own backyard.Allegations of racism, drug abuse and sexual assault are contained in an alarming dossier of misconduct claims being probed by the Metropolitan Police.Confidence in Britain’s biggest force was already low following the kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard by serving officer Wayne Couzens.Perhaps the Met, which has been placed in special measures, needs to focus on investigating robberies, rapes and street crime and catching serious and violent offenders and spend less time trawling the internet in search of so-called hate crimes or having cups of tea with Just Stop Oil protesters.We all want the police to clean up the streets. It would be a good start if they cleaned up their own act first.Our exclusive poll shows the enormity of the task facing Rishi Sunak. He’s only been Prime Minister for five days but there’s little sign that voters are inclined to give him the traditional ‘honeymoon’ enjoyed by new leaders.Perhaps they are withholding their judgment to see whether he can end the long-running chaos in Whitehall and bring the nation’s finances under control.The real test will come on November 17, when Chancellor Jeremy Hunt presents a make-or-break Autumn statement to MPs. There won’t be much to celebrate in the short term for millions of Britons, who face tax hikes or the impact of savage spending cuts.But the unpleasant medicine may be worth it if Mr Sunak succeeds over time in steadying the economy and bringing down inflation. MPs chose him as their leader because they believe the public finances are safe in his hands. He has a tough task ahead but the prize couldn’t be bigger – both for his party and the rest of us.The Princess of Wales is proving once again that she can be a beacon of light in these difficult times.Kate’s appeal for those suffering the misery of drug addiction to seek treatment will improve the lives of many, and may prevent some tragic early deaths.In a heartfelt message, she makes the compelling point that the scourge can affect anyone. Once again, the Princess is proving a credit to the Royal Family – and the nation it serves.