'Informed' and 'Involved' (I want my voice to be heard).

'Informed' and 'Involved' are my two favourite words of the moment. I would like to talk about the many ways people can do exactly that (be 'informed' and become 'involved'), and how your voice can be heard to get the things that matter to you, on the agenda.

Sussex Police have invested heavily in Neighbourhood Policing. There is a name in every neighbourhood (take a look at www.sussex.police.uk) whose role is to work with colleagues, partners and more importantly, you the communities of Littlehampton to reduce crime and anti social behaviour as well as the fear of it.

"I am too scared to go out at night."

"The window in the bus shelter keeps getting broken, crime is really bad."

"There are large gangs of rowdy youths who intimidate residents."

These are all comments that may guide how some people live their lives. From having worked in Littlehampton for nearly ten years I know that in reality they are not true. I do accept however that there are people out there who believe they are true and live their lives accordingly.

We want everyone to enjoy and feel safe in their communities. If you do not, tell us about it.

If you want your concerns placed firmly on the policing agenda you may wish to join one of our many local Neighbourhood Management Forums (NMFs).

What are they and what do they do?

An NMF meets every 8-10 weeks with a cross section of community members to discuss the issues that concern them in their communities. The concerns need not be police related, these are not police forums. Your concern may be a broken street light or the fact that an area is overgrown and full of rubbish. We work with our many partners in a great many initiatives and pieces of work across the whole District.

The group puts forward all the issues that concern them, before they vote on which are the most popular three for action. A plan is agreed as to how that action will be delivered and the community are regularly updated on progress. Although three priorities will be the thrust of the coordinated action, this does not mean that any other concerns will be ignored.

Do you know what your NMF have agreed as priorities?

Do you know what is being done about them?

Do you want to be part of the process of agenda setting?

We are actively looking to increase the representation on our forums, especially from young people. If you want to be part of the solution, please contact your local officer. You can find out who they are via our website or contacting your local police station.

Don't suffer in silence. Be part of the solution. Be 'Informed' and become 'Involved'.