HOW should criminals be dealt with?

This question is being asked by Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw.

He wants the public to be involved in tackling issues blighting their communities Victims are being given a say through the Community Remedy – a list of occasions where they decide how an offender is punished – part of the new Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.

Mr Grunshaw said: “I want to empower victims and communities.

“I want them to feel involved in tackling the issues which blight their neighbourhoods and to feel satisfied with the outcome if they have been a victim of crime. Ultimately the aim is to empower victims, rehabilitate offenders, and see damage repaired.”

Suggested remedies include the offender meeting the victim face-to-face through a Restorative Justice process; an apology from the offender to the victim either by letter or face-to-face; or the offender repairing any damage or cleaning up any mess caused as a result of their actions.

Residents will be able to take part in the survey by visiting www.lancashire-pcc.gov.uk.