They are poorly informed

Suggested interventions:
 

• Where the community does not know or does not believe that crime has been reducing in their area, good communication is key to ensuring they are aware of actions you are taking to continue to keep crime low. You will need to evaluate the different forms of message and see which one works best, for example, having articles in the local newspaper, having adverts on the radio, public meetings or using a television network such as the one used by Burnley Community Safety Partnership. Adopt a targeted approach, even neighbourhood streets may have different concerns about issues which need to be addressed specifically.
• Engage with your local media. If possible involve them in the meetings surrounding crime and disorder so they have a better understanding of how “the system” works. This could be the encouragement they need to produce more balanced reporting in their articles. If you have a specific crime problem, tell the community, but also tell them what actions you are taking to combat that particular problem.
• Ensure that the media publicity is undertaken in an unbiased and sensitive way which avoids sensationalism. This type of reporting could have the effect of increasing fear of crime.
• Where it is the case, and whenever possible, repeatedly make the point that crime is going down. People’s perceptions will not change overnight, but the message will start to get through. For advice on communication and crime reduction go to http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/learningzone.
• Send out leaflets to affected areas giving examples of the initiatives that you have implemented to tackle crime and disorder in their neighbourhoods or community. Again, it is essential to consult with the community to ensure that you are tackling the areas which are causing them most harm.
• Use every opportunity to provide the community with names, numbers and contact details of those agencies (such as council, police, charities and others acting to combat crime and disorder) so that they can be contacted to discuss a particular problem. Ensure that the community knows which service each agency provides.
• Take any opportunity to meet people face to face to get the message about community safety across.
• Find out what different interest, identity and geographical groups there are in the area and contact them. They could provide a useful platform for you to speak at their events to discuss what the partnership is doing. They could also be useful for the community to contact if the group offers a specific service, such as a handy van scheme for vulnerable people or those who have been a victim of burglary.
• Partnerships need to work together to provide reassurance to the pubic and open more channels of communication to and from communities and individuals.
• Publicise the work of the CDRP – see Case Study 6 as an example.
• Listen to individuals and communities to ensure that their solutions are part of your strategy.