IoM 'safer than UK' but some residents have concerns over safety at night

More than 300 people shared their thoughts in response to a consultation on policing

The Isle of Man is safer than the UK, but there are concerns over the impact of alcohol and drugs on public safety.

Those are some of the findings of a consultation into policing on the Island.

More than 300 people responded to the questionnaire over a four-week period earlier this year, sharing their thoughts on a range of issues.

Over 80% of respondents said they felt safe or very safe on the Island, particularly when comparing the Island to the UK, while some said they were encouraged by the increase in visible police patrols.

However, some highlighted night-time concerns, such as feeling uneasy walking in Douglas at night, and the impact of drunken behaviour leading to violence or disturbances.

Those taking part in the consultation were also asked how safe or not they felt using different types of transport on the Island.

Public transport ranked the safest, with 75% saying they felt safe or very safe, compared to just 24% of cyclists and 29% of those who ride motorbikes.

The need for policing based in neighbourhoods was seen as the top priority in local communities, while tackling international money laundering was seen as the least important.

The Department of Home Affairs says the feedback has been factored into its department plan, which was presented to Tynwald last month.