Help to shape police priorities

RESIDENTS are being asked to have their say over policing, crime and a potential council tax rise in a new survey.

Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Lord Willy Bach has launched a consultation as he prepares to draft his first police and crime plan since being elected in May.

The survey asks people which areas of policing the force should prioritise, with options including reducing crime and reoffending, making it easier for people to report crime, and maintaining police visibility on the streets.

It also asks how people prefer to report crimes to the police, how victims of crime should be updated with information about their cases and whether they would be prepared to pay just over 7p extra per week, per year, in council tax for policing, which represents the maximum 1.99% rise the commissioner can set.

Lord Bach said: “Everybody has their personal opinions on policing or public safety but I’m asking local people to tell me what these views are so we can address the issues that are important to them.

“The police and crime plan is owned by everybody – essentially it’s a strategy for keeping people safe and supported, but I’m very conscious that to work effectively it has to reflect needs of the serves.

“Sitting on the fence isn’t an option; if you want to have a real impact on community safety and improve policing services for the benefit of all then now is the time to act and have your say. I am listening.”

The survey can be completed over the telephone or online before September 30.

The police and crime plan, which sets out what the PCC hopes to achieve over his four-year term, will be formally published in March 2017.

To complete the survey visit www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/B78HPFL the very people it