A total of 80 young people aged between 11 and 18 years old from Buckinghamshire Youth Cabinet, Goring and District Youth Club and Reading Youth Offending Service took part in three separate focus groups held between October and December 2010.
The consultation identified that a majority of the young people interviewed feel safe or very safe in their local area, but feel less safe when alone in their town centre or when using public transport, particularly during the hours of darkness.
The young people also said that the main crime and antisocial behaviour issues for the area are adults and young people drinking and taking drugs in public places, bullying and violent crime. The young people suggested key ways in which the police can improve their responses to crime and antisocial behaviour, including more police officers, enhanced street lighting and more CCTV cameras.
Thames Valley Police is now considering and responding to the issues raised to help officers and staff to ensure encounters with young people are as positive as they can be.
