Southend residents are urged to voice their priorities to help police and the council tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the city.
The annual Community Safety Survey by Safer Essex, on behalf of the Essex's 14 community safety partnerships, asks a range of questions to help focus multi-agency efforts in addressing crime and community safety across Essex.
1,304 residents across Essex responded to the first survey in 2023. 83% identified burglary as a top concern, followed by 81% choosing theft of or from a vehicle and 77% saying fraud or scams.
Safer Essex will now be working closely with the new Multi-Agency Approach to Fraud (MAAF) group set up by Essex police as a result.
The survey also found 58% of respondents had witnessed anti-social behaviour in this last 12 months. This was followed closely by 56% witnessing drug usage or evidence or drug taking.
Councillor Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety, said: “We want to hear from as many residents as possible so we can develop effective solutions that ensure both residents and visitors feel safe in our city.
“The Community Safety Survey covers all types of crime including burglary, fraud, modern slavery, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour. I urge Southend residents to complete this year's survey to help police and the council to focus their efforts on what matters most to you.”
Roger Hirst, police, fire and crime commissioner for Essex, said: “Safe, secure communities are the bedrock on which we build prosperity and wellbeing for everyone.
“Working together with our Safer Essex partners, we have invested in patrols and action around identified anti-social behaviour hotspots and improved town and city neighbourhoods through our Safer Streets interventions, with both these innovative actions supported by our strong community safety partnerships.
“All this partnership work has contributed to a decrease in crime of 6.5% year-on-year to the end of March, with anti-social behaviour incidents dropping by 26.8% in the same period. Our plan is working.”
Residents can take part in this year's Community Safety Survey until 30 June 2024.