While the majority of local residents report feeling safe in their neighbourhoods, a recent survey shows that many feel Chatham-Kent has seen an increase in criminal activity.
As part of Chatham-Kent’s efforts to create a Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, the municipality conducted a survey in March to better understand the needs, concerns, and priorities of local residents.
The survey received 350 responses over four weeks with 70 per cent of respondents saying that they feel a sense of belonging in their community, and 81.7 per cent reporting a positive relationship with their neighbours.
While 65 per cent indicated that they feel safe or very safe while walking alone in their neighbourhood after dark, 79 per cent believe that crime rates in their community have increased over the past four years.
Nearly 25 per cent of respondents were parents with children aged 5-12 and over half expressed concern about allowing their children to play outside unsupervised.
Substance use, criminal activity, mental health, physical activity, poverty, education and employment were identified as top priorities by respondents for improving community safety and well-being.
The results of the survey will inform the CK’s community safety plan, combined with data from Statistics Canada, Public Health Ontario, Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team, Linck, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, and emergency services.
The Community Safety and Well-Being Plan will “address complex social issues by fostering proactive, collaborative approaches rooted in community strengths and resources.” The municipality is expecting to share the completed plan with the public this summer.
