The Eastern Daily Press has launched a major independent study into street and youth crime across Norfolk in an effort to find the true impact it has on the local community.

The study will look at where crime is happening, who is responsible and how the criminal justice system is coping with it.

The launch coincides with the Prime Minister’s pledge to shake-up Britain’s courts.

And already dozens of people have stepped forward to take part.

The research will be exclusively carried out by the newspaper’s Insight Research team and will be the first of a number of studies into the main social issues affecting the region.

Insight’s Nick Parker said: “Crime is a key issue at the moment both nationally and for Norfolk. We want to get our finger on the pulse of popular opinion.”

The team will be using a series of focus groups to gauge views from a broad cross-section of the general public. Readers have been invited to apply.

Nick said: “The results of the survey will be compiled into a report which will then be made available to the editorial team on the newspaper.

“There are also plans to put the results on a subscription-based website, although this is not up-and-running yet.”

The Insight Research team is part of the Eastern Daily Press marketing department, and conducts research for both internal and external clients.

Future plans include a study into local transport issues such as the level of congestion and how accessible Norfolk is to the rest of the country.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]