HUNDREDS of residents, business owners, shopkeepers and licensees are to be quizzed on how they think police should tackle crime in York until 2008.

Bosses at Safer York Partnership are co-ordinating an extensive survey, which they hope will lay bare attitudes and concerns towards crime and disorder in the city.

Questionnaires have already been posted to a random selection of householders as well as 100 pubs, 100 businesses and members of Retailers Against Crime in York.

Youth workers, council officers and serving police staff will also be asked what issues, such as burglary, youth offending or street violence, should be prioritised in the future.

Tanya Lyon, Safer York Partnership's crime reduction co-ordinator, said the results would be used to create the next crime and disorder reduction strategy for York.

Tanya said: "This is a huge piece of work, bringing data from a large number of sources and consulting with residents and other parties.

"The end result will contain clear, measurable priorities built around local crime reduction targets. The whole point is so we can target our resources on issues that are relevant to residents.

"This is a vital opportunity for people to get involved in the process and affect how crime and disorder is tackled in York."

Several focus groups have also been created to help get the opinions of groups such as elderly and young people, those with disabilities, ethnic groups and juvenile offenders.

Organisers have also held talks with "hard to reach" people living in temporary accommodation in the city, who may suffer alcohol or drug-related problems.

The next three-year crime and disorder reduction strategy will begin in April 2005.

Residents who have not received a questionnaire can have their say at their ward committee meeting, or by contacting their neighbourhood councillor.

Alternatively, phone Tanya Lyon direct at Safer York Partnership on 01904 669069 or email safercommunities@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Updated: 10:36 Thursday, July 01, 2004