Hartlepool people to be asked for their views on fighting crime

Staff from the Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner’s office are setting up a stall at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, Hartlepool, on Thursday, August 19.

The information gathering exercise is part of a number of events where people are being asked their views on Mr Turner’s Police and Crime Plan.

This will set priorities for crime and policing over the next three years in Cleveland.

Mr Turner said: “It’s vital that we collect views on crime, policing and victims’ services from as many Cleveland residents as possible.

“Although our online survey has been running since the beginning of July, we appreciate that not everyone has access to the internet or feels comfortable about submitting their views online.

“These community safety roadshows will allow staff to tell people about Cleveland’s Police and Crime Plan, ask them to complete a survey and explain how their views can contribute to the plan.”

He added: “The events also give staff the chance to tell the public about the work of the PCC, which makes sure policing priorities reflect residents’ needs, victims’ voices are represented and Cleveland Police is held to account for providing an effective and efficient police force.”

A similar event will also take place at Billingham Market on Monday, August 23.

Mr Turner’s priorities are:

More police on the streets; Effective support for victims and witnesses; Bringing offenders to justice; Cracking down on drugs and gangs; Tackling anti-social behaviour; Preventing, tackling and reducing serious violence. Using technology to combat crime; Building confidence in communities; Tackling violence against women and girls.

Proposals to improve the use of technology to combat crime include the use of GPS and sobriety tags to track offenders and the introduction of a mobile crime reporting app.

Strategic plans for policing include trebling the number of special constables and asking for a Council Tax reduction for special constables living in the force area.

To take the online survey, go to www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PoliceandCrimePlanConsultation/

For more information on the draft Police and Crime Plan 2021-24, search online for Police and Crime Plan 2021-24 – Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (pcc.police.uk)