CCTV could be a key factor in fighting crime in Bordon, district councillors are hoping.
East Hampshire District Council is putting together a community safety action plan for 2002/05 which aims to ensure that the police and local authorities work together in tackling the issues most important to local people.
With the current three-year plan coming to an end in March, local residents have once again been consulted to ascertain their fears and experiences of crime.
At a recent presentation to the north east area community committee, community safety co-ordinator Sandra Tuddenham explained that while East Hampshire has one of the lowest crime rates in the county, an audit has revealed that fear of crime, crimes against property, anti-social behaviour and the need for better access to support services are of concern to local people.
In addition, access to transport and leisure was found to be an important factor for young people.
A draft copy of the new action plan for the entire district was presented to EHDCÕs cabinet last Wednesday and two crime conferences this month will also help officers put together a final version.
The two issues causing the greatest concern in the north east area were vandalism and burglary.
Councillors agreed they wanted to see a greater use of CCTV to combat crime as well as better designed public buildings to avoid vandalism.
However, the district council is also keen to hear from local residents and gather their views before the action plan is finalised.
A special crime conference took place for young people on Tuesday with a second conference for the wider community being held on Friday, February 22.
Cabinet member for community safety John Venning said: ÒLocal views are vital to the success of the community safety action plan and we will be listening very closely to the concerns expressed at the forthcoming crime conference.Ó
r The crime conference on February 22 is being held at Liphook Millennium Hall starting at 9 am.