Leading the way in targeting safety

Surrey has the lowest level of recorded crime in England.  In theory we should all feel pretty safe.  However, sometimes things that we see, hear or experience make us feel insecure or uneasy.  If a place looks run down, for example, it makes you feel nervous about walking through it, especially at night.  Similarly, it can be intimidating to walk around a place and see graffiti, smashed widows or large groups of young people. Our fear of crime is often far greater than our risk of being a victim of actual crime.

Tackling these issues helps to reassure us, and increases our feeling of safety.

There is a scheme called the ‘National Reassurance Project', and its main aim is to tackle the issues that impact on our feeling of safety.  The way it works is that the community identifies and prioritises which community safety issues they want to be tackled in their specific neighbourhood.  They then work with the police and other local agencies to address these issues. 

In Guildford, Ash Wharf is taking part in the pilot scheme for this new crime reduction approach, and it is such a success that the principles are being rolled out across the whole of Guildford Borough.  This means that every ward will soon benefit from the new style of policing.

Q) Who decides what issues to tackle in your community?

A) You do

Finding out what the issues are in your community is important, as they are often different in each neighbourhood. We need you to tell us what affects you.  The Safer Guildford Partnership is working with your community to find out what things affect your perception of safety.  What you say about your neighbourhood will help prioritise policing activity, so that the causes of problems can be tackled.

Q) Who can I speak to about the issues that affect my   community?

A) You can speak to your Neighbourhood Team

Knowing who to approach about community safety issues is important. In every ward, there is a visible, accessible, local, and knowledgeable Neighbourhood Team who you can talk to about problems in your area. They can help to address crime and disorder, and reduce fear of crime:

• By tackling problem people and places

• Promoting community safety

• Assisting with environmental improvements, and working with residents and businesses to develop your community.

• They work well as a team, and share information and feedback with each other, and with the community. 

 A) You can find out who your Neighbourhood Team is, by  clicking on the link.

 Q) What should I speak to my Neighbourhood Team about?

A) Anything that you feel has an impact on your perception of your community

This might include any of the following:

· Information on criminal/suspicious behaviour/activity
· Anti social behaviour (e.g. conflict, nuisance)
· The appearance of your community (graffiti, litter, abandoned vehicles)
· Community development (e.g. neighbourhood watch, elderly, youth etc)
· How to increase your personal or community safety

Q) How do I contact them?

A) Just click on Neighbourhood Team

Remember, it is your community, and it’s important that you feel safe and secure.  If you want to make improvements to your neighbourhood, it’s important that you get involved by making the most of your Neighbourhood Team – they are there to help improve your community.