Crime Research

Descriptions

To undertake research into crime and anti-social behaviour within Faversham and to make recommendations for crime prevention within the remit of a Town Council Background Faversham is a small market town with a diverse population. Crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) are a concern for Faversham residents as they are for people elsewhere. We have residents across all ages and demographic measures and a wide range of economic positions from poverty (the Priory ward is one of the most deprived in SE England) to affluence. The town generally has a strong community spirit. The Town Council is aware that simply asking for more police and the police force to do more in Faversham is not a complete answer to crime and ASB, especially as financial circumstances for public services remain challenging. We anticipate that investment in technology, changes to public spaces, education and information (e.g. about steps householders can take to prevent common crimes against their property or where residents can report information confidently) will be part of the steps the research recommends, but we keep an open mind until the evidence is gathered and analysed. Questions What type of crime/ASB occur in Faversham? Are there patterns in: where in the town, when, against whom crime/ASB takes place? Following the above, are there certain types of Faversham resident who are most vulnerable to crime/ASB? How should we factor into this crime against Faversham residents not committed by a person in Faversham at the time, e.g. scams based on cold calling? How does the fear of crime/ASB affect Faversham residents beyond those who are the direct victim? What can be said from analysis of the evidence about who is committing crime/ASB in Faversham, for example to what extent is crime committed by residents or by non-residents of Faversham? What factors are really driving crime/ASB in Faversham? Poverty? Lack of aspiration among the young? Substance abuse? Other identifiable factors? What real action could the Town Council or other stakeholders take to prevent crime/ASB? Credentials Professional or academic expertise in criminal justice, criminology or a related field. Proven track record in conducting research drawing on sources such as those identified and in writing an intelligible report with deliverable recommendations. Ability to work with councillors on an ongoing basis to guide the project to a successful outcome. Ability to work pro-actively without day-to-day supervision. Ability to quote for the work and deliver on budget and on time. More information from Louise Bareham, Town Clerk louise.bareham@favershamtowncouncil.gov.uk