TOP priorities for those fighting crime and disorder in the Suffolk Coastal area have been agreed for the next three years.Preventing and reducing anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and youth nuisance have been identified as the main tasks, plus tackling violence, and drug and alcohol related crime.

TOP priorities for those fighting crime and disorder in the Suffolk Coastal area have been agreed for the next three years.

Preventing and reducing anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and youth nuisance have been identified as the main tasks, plus tackling violence, and drug and alcohol related crime.

Five other priorities have also been highlighted, with domestic violence, racial harassment, motor vehicle crime, burglary, and cycle theft in Felixstowe forming part of the new strategy.

The priorities have been put into a new document by the partnership working to reduce crime and disorder in the district after gaining the backing of the public.

More than 170 people sent in views on what the police and the crime reduction group should be tackling.

Tom Griffin, chairman of the Suffolk Coastal Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership, said: "The members of the partnership now have a clear picture of what are the main local concerns and it will help us shape our plans over the next three years.

"It must be underlined that Suffolk Coastal is one of the safest areas in Britain with a crime rate less than half the national average, and the partnership is working hard to make sure it remains twice as safe.

"Probably one of our toughest tasks will be to reduce the fear of crime while ensuring that people remain vigilant and take straightforward preventative measures which can thwart the criminal."

The crime rate per 1,000 residents is only 45.6 in Suffolk Coastal, compared to an average of 98.1 nationally.

"Suffolk Coastal District Council, Suffolk Constabulary and Suffolk County Council are the three leads in the partnership but it cannot succeed without the support of all the agencies and businesses in our district and most important of all, the residents," said Mr Griffin.

"Working together we can make a real impact on crime. Over the next three years we hope to put in place a range of initiatives to reduce crime and have a long-term effect in persuading people away from becoming offenders."

A copy of the strategy can be found on the council's website at www.suffolkcoastal.gov.uk – or more information can be obtained from Scott Bentley on 01394 444322.