Antisocial behaviour in Kent: Survey

Wednesday, 24 July 2024 06:05

By Simon Finlay - Local Democracy Reporting Service X @westkentradio

A study to be carried out by Police and Crime Commissioner

More than 75,000 households in Kent are to be surveyed about how police respond to crime and anti-social behaviour.

The Kent Police and Crime Commissioner (KPCC), Matthew Scott, has commissioned the study in 25 known “hot spots” to see if targeted local patrolling can drive down crime and arrest offenders.

A resealable leaflet has been posted to the addresses with a second class pre-paid return.

The survey contains 12 short questions to gauge the public feeling in those areas.

The commissioner will then send out another survey in a year’s time to assess if targeting those areas with extra police resources has made a difference.

Mr Scott said it will mean “boots on the ground, visible policing”.

He added: “I want to see what residents are thinking, living in those areas. We identified those areas based on the data we have on violent crime and antisocial behaviour.

“So, that’s 75,000 households in Kent and it’s important that we listen to what people say to us.

“It’s really straight-forward stuff. The officers will be out on the beat, visible, responding to incidents and problem solving in order to drive down crime and bring offenders to justice.

“It is easy for organisations to spend money and say they have done the patrolling of hot spots but we need to find out if the residents are feeling the impact of it.”


Residents are to be asked if they feel safe in their areas and to rate their trust in Kent Police.

They will also be asked how often they have seen an officer in their areas.

The penultimate question asks respondents to select up to six crime types they feel requires a greater focus by Kent Police.

These include rape, burglary, fraud, robbery, shoplifting, drugs, hate crime, fly-tipping and rural crime.

A 5% response rate to most surveys is considered better than average and accepted to be an accurate portrayal of the issue being investigated.
 

More from WEST KENT NEWS

  • Bassetts Farm

    Councillors have approved the building of 120 new homes in the village of Horsmonden.

  • "Devastating" changes

    Leading Tunbridge Wells hospitality businesses have teamed up with the local MP Mike Martin to highlight cost rises which they say are "potentially ruinous".

  • Candidates Tonbridge

    The Green Party will be defending two seats in Tonbridge at the final Kent County Council elections on May 1st.

  • Candidates Tun Wells

    Most Tunbridge Wells residents will have 7 parties to choose from at the Kent County Council elections.

  • Due to Open in 2028

    Councillors have agreed on a central Tonbridge location for the replacement for the Angel Leisure Centre.

  • Vote on May 1

    Elections to Kent County Council take place next month for the last time before the authority is abolished.

  • Glare Concerns

    Sainsbury’s in Tunbridge Wells wants to install solar panels, prompting complaints from some local residents.

  • "More Efficient" Future

    Audio

    Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin of the Liberal Democrats has said local government changes in Kent will overall be "a good thing."

On Air Now Chris Manser 4:00pm - 7:00pm
Now Playing
A Thousand Miles Vanessa Carlton
Recently Played
  • Baby Come Back Pato Banton 16:07
  • Criticize Alexander O'neal 16:02
  • Local Weather West Kent Radio 16:02

COMING UP

  • Victoria Scott

    7:00pm - 8:00pm

    Pure 00's sponsored by Southborough Lions

  • Rayan C

    8:00pm - 10:00pm

    Ready For The Weekend