WORCESTER residents have a high fear of crime and need reassurance, it has been revealed.

Despite low levels of crime compared with other parts of Britain, visible policing emerged as the top priority in a survey carried out among Worcester residents by the Safer Worcester Partnership.

The partnership is a multi-agency body - made up of the police, the council, the health service plus other bodies - committed to tackling crime and disorder in the city.

Other areas of concern for residents and businesses that emerged from the survey, included beggars and drunks in the city centre, anti-social behaviour, drugs, help for young people and underage drinking.

"The statistical analysis in the audit found that crime in Worcester is relatively low," said a spokeswoman for the partnership.

"In fact, recorded crime rates fell in Worcester by 11 per cent between 1998/99 and 2000/1.

"However, despite the relatively low levels of crime, the consultation with residents found a disproportionately high level of fear of crime.

"The consultation also found that residents in Worcester would like the partnership to address the quality of life issues in the city and reduce anti-social behaviour."

As a result of the survey, completed in December 2001, the Safer Worcester Partnership has put together a Community Safety Strategy for 2002-2005.

Included in the strategy are three overall aims, based on the information gleaned from the survey.

These are to provide reassurance, reduce crime and reduce disorder and anti-social behaviour.

In line with these aims, the partnership has developed six priority areas for action during the period 2002-2005.

These are acquisitive crime - theft, burglary, shoplifting - anti-social behaviour, domestic violence, drugs and alcohol misuse, hate crime and vulnerable communities.

Higher than average

Vulnerable communities in the city have been identified as Brickfields, Dines Green, Old Warndon, Ronkswood and Tolladine, where rates of crime are higher than average.

Partners in the Safer Worcester Partnership, established in 1998, include Worcester City Council, Worcestershire County Council, West Mercia Police, Worcestershire Health Service, West Mercia Probation Service and a variety of public, private and voluntary groups.

For a copy of the Community Safety Strategy, phone 01905 722221.