LETTER: Have your say on anti-social acts

A recent poll on my website showed that anti-social behaviour is a big concern for local people, with littering, drug and alcohol misuse, and inconsiderate driving and parking topping the list of issues local people are experiencing most often.

‘Community remedy’ is designed to introduce simpler and more effective powers for tackling these kinds of lower level crimes. It is also designed to provide victims, should they want it, a say in how an offender will make amends for the matter if the crime warrants an out of court settlement.

From October this year victims of crime will be able to choose from a list of options and police officers will be responsible for ensuring the reparation is administered.

This may include compensation for damage caused or repairing the damage themselves, such as removing graffiti.

I am seeking the opinions of residents on what these options should be in Sussex, to ensure they reflect the views of the people and businesses that live and work here.

The consultation will close at midnight on 30 September. A survey can be completed online at www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk, which gives respondents a list of options to consider as well as space for further suggestions.

Printed copies of the survey are being distributed at a number of events around the county and can also be requested from my office by calling 01273 481561 or in writing to: Office of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner, Sackville House, Brooks Close, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2FZ.

Policing and crime is everybody’s business. I hope your readers will take the time to tell me what they think.

KATY BOURNE

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Sackville House, Brooks Close, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2FZ