From left, Fay Almgren talking to PC Dan Renshaw and PCSO Louise Shorter with Mike Rowlands talking to Rebecca Hansson and Karin Sparrings. Picture by Pete Boam
IMPROVING people’s perception of crime is a tough battle — but police believe it is one they are winning in Sandown.
The police’s safer neighbourhoods team took their mobile police office to meet residents recently.
They asked residents’ views on the force’s performance, in light of improved crime statistics, and if they still felt threatened by crime, particularly anti-social behaviour.
Officers spoke to more than 100 people at the mobile unit, based in Albert Road, or during door-to-door visits.
PC Dan Renshaw, a member of the safer neighbourhoods partnership, covering Sandown, said: "The feedback we had on the day was very positive. Most people particularly noticed a drop in anti-social behaviour.
"The perception around the town is crime has reduced but there is still a long way to go before we win the battle. People still want to see more bobbies on the beat.
"There is more of a feelgood factor around Sandown, particularly among the elderly."
Island councillor for Sandown North, Cllr Heather Humby, said: "The efforts of the police to curtail anti-social behaviour have contributed to that positive feeling. When you consider a year ago my telephone was always ringing with people complaining about anti-social behaviour, it shows just how good a job the police have done."
Reporter: jonm@iwcpmail.co.uk