Only half of South Yorkshire residents are 'confident' police will be there when needed

Almost 2,000 residents took part in a survey, carried out by the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office from October to November 2020.

It found that around 40 per cent of people asked “feel less safe due to the perception of crime and anti-social behaviour”.

Of the 1,972 responses from across South Yorkshire, 34 per cent feel they have seen a decline in the level of policing, and only half of respondents are confident the police will be there if needed.

Low level crime and anti-social behaviour was a recurring theme amongst respondents.

One resident said: “Low level crime eats away at communities and makes life unpleasant.”

Almost three quarters of respondents said they would be willing to pay more council tax to fund policing and criminal justice services if it is used to tackle low level crime, visible policing, early intervention and crime prevention initiatives.

A report to Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner said: “There are two main reasons cited as to why people do not feel safe: lack of visibility of officers on foot is by far the highest reason amongstresidents, [and] slow response and lack of attendance at incidents.

The feedback will be used to shape the force’s police and crime plan for 2021.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.