It's all going to plan

     

A plan setting out how anti-social behaviour and other crime will be tackled in Shepway over the next three years was launched on Wednesday (18 June).

Chief Inspector Luke Dodson from Kent Police said the Shepway Community Safety Partnership Plan reflected the concerns local people had about community safety and their priorities for tackling crime.

"We listened to what people told us and from that we have been able to set out priorities and the actions needed to address them. However, the plan is not set in stone and we will review it every year. Things change and so do priorities, and as one crime issue is tackled there will be others to take its place. We need to be responsive to those changes."

The plan was produced by the Shepway Community Safety Partnership, which brings together Kent Police, Shepway District Council, Kent County Council, Kent Fire and Rescue Service and other organisations involved in combating anti-social behaviour and other crime.

Hugh Barker. Shepway Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said the plan set out a clear set of actions that would be carried out by the newly-formed Community Safety Unit, based at the council's offices in Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone.

"The unit brings all partners together under one roof. It means that all issues concerning local people, from dog fouling and noisy neighbours to more serious crimes can be tackled in a more co-ordinated way. It is working very well."

Cllr Barker said it was also important to reassure people about safety.

"Perceptions about crime are out of line with real crime. Shepway has seen the second highest drop in violent crime in Kent and the second biggest drop in night-time economy crime in Kent. Although there is still work to do through our partnership, Shepway is a safe place to live."