Community safety is relevant at both individual and community levels. This research report is about perceptions of safety which is different from an objective measure of changing crime rates, or of actual levels of risk. The reason for this is that it is our perception of safety, or lack of it, that will significantly influence our sense of wellbeing, whether we feel comfortable to move about freely, the view we hold of other community members, and the levels of participation in community life by ourselves and our families.

The research work included three different elements: an overview of existing literature and reports, focus groups, and a survey – the latter two focussing on West Auckland. Considered together, a number of themes emerge.

The data was drawn from a survey of 159 West Auckland residents and five focus groups representing three cultural groups (Māori, Pacific people and Asian/other‐ “Ethnic”), one socio‐economic group (the “Mortgage Belt”) and one age group (“Youth”). (From the website and the report). Record #5599