TERRORISM, organised crime and drug dealers are among the main concerns expressed by the public in a survey carried out by Cheshire’s police authority.
Residents have also called on police to focus on dealing with domestic violence, child abuse, detecting crime, arresting offenders and protecting witnesses.
Moira Chapman, lead Police Authority member for engagement, said: “The authority has consulted with over 2,500 people across Cheshire about their priorities for policing using a combination of surveys, touch screen kiosks in post offices, focus groups and a conference for young people.
“We were pleased to see that issues such as tackling anti-social behaviour and focusing on burglary and vehicle crime are not as high on the list as they have been in previous years and is testimony to the investment the authority has made in neighbourhood policing.”
The survey showed that overall:-
67% of people felt that Cheshire Constabulary do an excellent or good job
68% were very or fairly satisfied that the Constabulary are easy to contact
56% were very or fairly satisfied that the police had responded to their call or enquiry
55% were very or fairly satisfied with the way that the crime or incident had been investigated
60% were very or fairly satisfied with the way that they had been kept updated
Moira Chapman added: “We are delighted that the people of Cheshire are becoming more satisfied with the police services they receive and the authority will be working with the Constabulary to ensure that this improves and helps to make the people of Cheshire safe and feel safer.”
Following last year’s 17% increase in council tax - £2.61 per week for a Band D property - the rise has been limited to a maximum of 3% this year, which equates to an extra 8p per week for Band D.
However, the force is facing a budget gap of £1million due to a fall in interest rates, an amount that would normally have gained on balances.
