South Ribble - Crime Audit 2002-05
The first part of the process in producing a strategy is to conduct an audit of crime and disorder using relevant statistics. Recorded crime and disorder figures however do not necessarily tell the full story. Many crimes are not reported, and fear of crime is not represented in the data available.
With this in mind the South Ribble Community Safety Partnership sought to obtain the views of a wide range of individuals, organisations and groups to contribute to the final Strategy by identifying local priorities.
In December 2001, 3,479 questionnaires were sent out to homes, businesses, voluntary and statutory organisations, clubs and charities to gather information on the real and perceived reflection of crime and disorder in South Ribble.
Of the questionnaires that were distributed 17% were completed and returned and from the collation of these results it was established that a number of issues required addressing where a reduction in crime could be achieved, e.g. burglaries, vehicle theft and property damage. In addition a further set of priorities were identified which focused on fear of crime in relation to juvenile nuisance, lack of police presence and road safety issues.
82% of respondents felt that the audit document was a true reflection of crime and disorder issues in South Ribble, those that questioned the accuracy of the statistics felt that many crimes were not reported or cited specific personal experiences that were not necessarily addressed in the overall document.
31% of respondents had been victims of crime over the last three years. Crimes were, in the main, damage and theft from property and vehicles and theft of personal property.
Seven strategic themes were identified, based on the analysis of recorded crime and disorder figures in the borough, and these in turn were generally accepted as areas that required action. With a few minor alterations and specific targets defined the subsequent action plans will address:
- Theft, Burglary and Fraud
- Vehicle Issues
- Violence and Aggression
- Quality of Life
- Business Related Issues
- Improved Working and Better Information