Residents are being asked for their views on how to make the St Albans District an even safer place to live and work

A public consultation has started into looking at ways of reducing crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour.

People are also being invited to say what the District’s crime-fighting priorities should be.

The survey is being undertaken by the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) whose members include St Albans City and District Council and Hertfordshire Police.

Residents can give their opinions by filling in a short online form or paper questionnaire by Friday 1 April.

Feedback from the consultation will be used by the CSP to develop a plan for the year ahead to tackle crime across the District.

For the year 2016/17, six priorities have been established. These are:

• Preventing and reducing burglary, theft and fraud aimed at the elderly;
• Protecting vulnerable people, particularly children at risk of child sexual exploitation and those suffering domestic abuse;
• Tackling antisocial behaviour by using all available powers;
• Reducing drug and alcohol misuse by increasing awareness of treatment services;
• Managing and Supporting Offenders; and
• Investigating support services for residents with mental health needs as well as tackling issues affecting them.

The CSP has been set up to reduce crime and disorder across the District. Its members also include the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner and some voluntary organisations.

It consults each year with the public and local groups on its plans and priorities.

Chief Inspector Ken Townsend, Hertfordshire Police, St Albans, said: “We want to ensure that St Albans remains a safe and enjoyable place to live and work.

“This survey gives everyone a chance to voice their opinions about how best we can tackle crime. Those views will be taken into account as shape our plans and priorities.”

The online survey is available on the Council’s website at: http://www.stalbans.gov.uk/community-and-living/community-safety/default.aspx