Central Otago's community policing team is surveying Alexandra and Clyde people to find out the impact crime and antisocial behaviour has on residents and their families.
A questionnaire was published in last week's edition of The Lakes District and Central Otago News and team head, Sergeant Andy Reed, said the aim was to find out the public's perception of crime.
"We want to know what people believe is the major problem in this area, from their point of view."
The survey asks respondents to indicate what actions or events of a criminal or nuisance nature have had an impact on residents or their family members.
They are asked to return the completed survey to the Alexandra police station or supermarkets in Alexandra or Clyde.
"When we collate the responses, we'll look at whether the fears the public has match up with the crime statistics.
Sometimes, the public's perception of something being a major problem isn't necessarily supported by the statistics we have," Sgt Reed said.
The survey results would provide more feedback on which areas the police should target.
He hoped for a good response to the survey and said it might be extended to other areas next year.
The three-person community policing team was established in August last year and covered Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell and Queenstown.
The constables "walk the beat" and are also on patrol at events in the district.
