BBC
People in Great Yarmouth say shoplifting has become a major problem and it can be “intimidating”.
Residents of a seaside resort have urged the province’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) to take action to make them feel safer.
People in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, told the BBC they feared violence and that retail crime was getting worse.
Sarah Taylor, Norfolk PCC and Labor councilor on Breckland Council, said she was “desperate to hear” Chancellor’s budget on October 30 which could determine how local police were funded.
In August, Norfolk Police Chief Paul Sanford told the department need more money to tackle changing crime trends.
Andrew Turner/BBC
Amy Newey says she feels “pretty safe” in the city and has confidence in the police
Amy Newey, 18, from Great Yarmouth, said: ‘I feel quite safe in Great Yarmouth because I know there are lots of people to help me, such as the police, my friends and family.
“I’m aware of crimes like a few stabbings we’ve had in Yarmouth recently and all the thieves.
“(The police) are there to help with that.”
Andrew Turner/BBC
David Cowling and his wife Frances say they would not visit Great Yarmouth at night
Frances Cowling, 79, and her husband David, 85, from Ormesby St Margaret, Norfolk, said although they felt safe in their home village, they felt safe in Great Yarmouth.
“Definitely (it’s worse now),” Ms Cowling said.
“There seems to be mindless stabbings that people didn’t seem to do before.”
Mr Cowling said he wanted to see a greater police presence in the cities.
“I feel very safe in our village, but there is such a mix of people in the cities these days that we are not so happy to come to the city,” he added.
“We certainly wouldn’t come in at night.”
Andrew Turner/BBC
Jane Hare wants to see more police officers on the streets of Great Yarmouth
Jane Hare, 65, from Great Yarmouth, works in a charity shop and said theft was common.
“We have a lot of shoplifting problems, but we don’t call the police because we don’t think they will do anything,” she said.
“It’s intimidating and I get angry; very angry because we can’t do anything about it and it’s getting worse.
“I think we should have more patrols in the city.”
Andrew Turner/BBC
Dawn Henney has lived in Great Yarmouth for over forty years
Dawn Henney, 64, said crime in Great Yarmouth has worsened over the years.
“I don’t feel safe in Norfolk. I don’t go out after dark, even to walk my dog,” she added.
“I think (the police) should focus on putting more (officers) on the ground. There is too much (crime); people being attacked, knife crime, bag stealing, things like that.
‘I think they should put an ex-army officer on the street to help them.
“I don’t mind paying more taxes to feel more secure.”
Jo Thewlis/BBC
Sarah Taylor was elected Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner in May
Otuekong Asukwo, 34, from Great Yarmouth, said: “I would say securing the lives and property of citizens (is the priority).”
When asked if he felt safe in Norfolk, he replied: “Of course.”
“I haven’t really had any encounters with the police or direct treatment, so I haven’t had a problem or negative reaction.”
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