Community Safety Handbook 2008

Safety advice and information

The Safer Surrey Heath Partnership is driving the community safety message home with the publication of Surrey Heath's first Community Safety Handbook.

The only resource of its kind to be produced for Surrey Heath residents, the 16-page A5 booklet was delivered to some 28,000 households across the borough in May 2008. As well as containing community safety advice, the handbook provides contact details for a wide range of services and is designed to be kept by the home telephone.

Produced in partnership with the Crime Services Agency (CSA), the Community Safety Handbook initiative is well tested. Similar publications have been used all over the country by police and local authorities to reassure residents that their community safety concerns are being addressed. The aim is to inform borough residents and businesses what steps are being taken locally in the fight against crime and disorder, as well as to provide advice about what to do to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

Partnership Plan priorities

There are nine different sections within the handbook, linked to the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership's community safety priorities for 2008-09.
These are:

• Anti-social behaviour
• Personal safety
• Young people
• Domestic abuse
• Home and garden security
• Vehicle protection
• Fire safety
• Drugs and alcohol
• Road safety

Speaking at the launch of the handbook at Camberley Theatre on 7 May 2008, the Chairman of the Safer Surrey Heath Partnership, Carolyn Rowe, who is Surrey County Council Area Director, Policy and Public Affairs, said: "The Surrey Heath Community Safety Handbook takes the safety message out into the community. We believe it will raise greater awareness, understanding and co-operation with residents to build better and safer communities - to encourage residents to take responsibility and ownership of community safety where possible and help the partner agencies tackle crime and disorder."

Community safety partner, Michael Willis, Chief Executive of Surrey Heath Borough Council, added: "Enforcement agencies cannot do their job without the support of residents and businesses. Community safety is not just down to the police - and it's not just about reported crime. It's about residents, both young and old, feeling safe in their homes, in their neighbourhoods and in our streets, parks and open spaces.

"Surrey Heath's first Community Safety Handbook is an ideal way to remind residents not just of our commitment to them, but of their role in keeping the borough and themselves safe," added Mr Willis.

Pictured at the launch in the front row (from left) are: Cllr Patricia Pearce, Mayor of Surrey Heath; Carolyn Rowe, Safer Surrey Heath Partnership Chairman and Surrey County Council Area Director, Policy and Public Affairs; Michael Willis, Chief Executive, Surrey Heath Borough Council; with (back row from left) Neighbourhood Inspector James Norbury; Cllr Keith Bush, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety; and Simon Moore, Area Manager, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service.

If you have not received a copy of the handbook, contact Nicky Collinson, Safer Surrey Heath Partnership Communications Officer, on 01276 707359 or email nicola.collinson@surreyheath.gov.uk