What do YOU want South Yorkshire police to do?

The online Policing Priorities survey, which will run until Friday, July 29, will help shape forthcoming police plans and targets, and was launched by South Yorkshire Police Authority.

The online survey takes just a few minutes to fill in asks the public to pick their top five policing priorities for 2012/13 from different types of crime, including shoplifting, drink driving, burglary, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Respondents will also get a say in choosing their top five policing activities from 11 areas such as dealing with flooding, helping to run community activities, monitoring offenders and caring for witnesses and victims of crime.

The survey follows a Policing Priorities exercise carried out last year, which saw the authority distribute consultation leaflets to the public, as well as conduct a similar online survey.

Charles Perryman, chairman of the police authority, said: “We used our consultation in Autumn last year to inform and shape the 2011/12 policing plan.

“This new survey will help us to measure whether residents' priorities and public opinion has varied or remained the same."

Speaking about current funding issues facing frontline services, which mean the police will have to cut £40 million over five years, Mr Perryman added: “In light of the funding challenges police forces currently face, it is more important than ever we find out what matters most to local residents.

“That way, we can prioritise the way in which services are provided, to make sure they are in line with public opinion and continue to improve our service.”

The consultation attracted more than 230 responses within a week of launching and the authority is now encouraging more people to get involved and make their voice heard.

Mr Perryman said: “We want to hear from as many people as possible before the deadline to ensure our decisions are representative.”

South Yorkshire residents wishing to participate should visit www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22CGPZ33Z2J or request a paper version of the survey by phoning 01226 772852 or emailing [email protected].