We comprise statutory members whose shared responsibility is to tackle crime and disorder in the borough. In the current arena of public spending austerity, the need for a more collaborative approach to tackling collective issues has never been greater. This extends itself to how we communicate our messages to the public on behalf of the BCSP.

Partners often publish posts relating to the positive actions of their own organisation, however, this is not done nearly enough, nor more importantly are these posts reshared as regularly by partners as they could. This can lead to a perception that the BCSP is not joined up in its approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and delivers less of an impact of any message to the public.

The ultimate objective of this Plan is to ensure all communications are of high quality and effective in voicing one clear, consistent and reassuring message across partners’ communications channels. When many partners express the same message, this be a powerful tool that can alter risk taking behaviours among some individuals.

The BCSP communications should be reliable. This means that statutory partners’ print materials should be current and up-to-date, and digital media such as websites and social media, should adopt clear and routine communications, where residents can easily access the information they need.

The BCSP Communications aims are:

• to raise awareness of the Bexley Community Safety Partnership, it’s aims, outcomes and projects
• to improve community engagement and listen to the community feedback
• to raise awareness of safety concerns, safety measures, reporting mechanisms and support services
• to deter people from criminal and unacceptable behaviour, promoting an environment where offending is discouraged and community cohesion is
• to reduce the fear and perception of crime, using good news stories as deterrents and as reassurance