Our Priorities 2008-2011

Our Priorities

1. Alcohol-related crime and disorder (principally Town Centre)
2. Children and young people as victims
3. Fear and perceptions of crime
4. Anti-social behaviour
5. Business related crime
6. Offender management
7. Drugs and alcohol (substance misuse)
8. Vehicle crime

Perceptions of Safety

• Most people feel safe in the town during the day. The numbers feeling unsafe rise markedly after dark, particularly for the town Centre.
• Priority concerns are the risk of becoming a victim of Assault, Vandalism, Robbery (Mugging), and Burglary.

Key priorities from public meetings

• The top priority raised is for more facilities for youths to be provided in the town. More youth clubs and other diversionary activities were requested, which importantly must be affordable to ensure high usage.
• Increased community consultation and engagement in community safety was requested, including greater feedback of actions resulting from reports made by the public. This will increase community involvement and raise community pride.
• Enviro-crime (littering, fouling, fly-tips etc.)
• Alcohol and street drinking related nuisance
• Lack of parental responsibility and disrespect to other residents

These public priorities align closely with the findings from the actual crime and disorder data assessment. The Partnership will ensure that measures are built into its action plans to address these community concerns, and in particular will maintain and further develop community consultation and dialogue, including the holding of an annual “Face the People” meeting.