Background

Reported crime in Hawkinge remains low compared to that recorded for Shepway and the rest of Kent.  However, our annual 2007 resident’s survey highlighted that ‘a safe place to live’ continues to be a concern for local people and our analysis of survey responses shows that ‘creating a safe place to live’ features as one of the top three priorities for change in Hawkinge.

In March 2006 the Community Office welcomed the new Community Warden.  With support from the Neighbourhood Management Team, the Warden has been able to work with a range of groups to  introduce new safety initiatives and to lend a helping hand carrying out activities and events to promote safety for the whole community such as the Community Safety Day. 

Local primary schools have benefitted from assistance with walking bus activities and children have been involved in litter picking events.  Collaboration between the Community Warden and the Youth Work Team has resulted in the formation of positive relationships with local young people.  Hawkinge residents have also benefitted from the introduction of the Nominated Neighbour Scheme which helps those who are vulnerable cope with unknown callers to their homes. 
 

Progress

Since 2005 the Hawkinge Partnership has:

• Provided a base for the Community Warden making it easier for residents to make contact with her
• Helped improve the relationship between residents and the Police 
• Supported the Community Warden in litter picking activities, Community Safety, Road Safety events and a Dog Awareness Day (2008)
• Funded security items for the Community Warden to distribute at community events

Baseline Data

• 49% of residents surveyed think vandalism and graffiti is a problem for this area (MORI 2004)
• 43% of residents surveyed think burglary is a problem for them in this area (MORI 2004)
• 69% of residents think that teenagers hanging around on the streets is a problem for this area (MORI 2004)
• Residents surveyed are most dissatisfied with the way that teenagers hanging around on the streets are dealt with (36%)  (MORI 2004)