The fear of crime in South Lakeland continues to far outweigh the likelihood of becoming a victim, a public consultation has revealed.

The South Lakeland Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership heard how the elderly and young still feared becoming a victim of a crime in spite of low crime figures.

A consultation carried out by Cumbria Police in 2003 revealed a glaring disparity between the two, prompting the SLCDRP to consider launching a campaign to help residents realise the real picture.

According to the results of the consultation, all but a few of the 256 respondents felt completely safe when out alone during the day, while the vast majority of residents also felt safe home alone after dark.

But just over 60 per cent of 18-25 year olds felt safe when out alone after dark, compared to 70 per cent of 26-34 year olds.

Interestingly, 90 per cent of residents aged 35 years and upwards felt safe when out alone after dark.

The main reason cited for the fears was due to large gangs of youths, poor street lighting and lack of police.

But while fears remain high enough for the issue to be recommended a priority issue for the SLCDRP over the coming year, significant differences in the perceived and real levels of crime also emerged.

While 35 per cent of respondents feared their homes or cars being broken into, only two per cent had experienced this type of crime.

Recent police figures for the end of 2004 revealed 31 fewer burglaries, which equates to a 20.5 per cent drop.

Chairman of the SLCDRP and South Lakeland district councillor, Andy Shine, said the situation was regrettable.

"The fear of crime is real we know it's not supported by actual crime but that does not stop the worries that many, in particular elderly residents, have," he said.

"We have to try to do something to alleviate these concerns.

"But I know I would sooner live here than another area where there are high levels of crime."

Chief Superintendent Garry Horlacher, for the South Cumbria area, proposed bringing Operation Street Safe to South Lakeland after it proved a huge success in Barrow.

The operation involved police calling at hundreds of homes to gain an idea of perception of crime, while offering advice on how to avoid becoming a victim.

"It's a difficult issue to overcome, because the fear of crime can stem from other sources such as media coverage and entertainment rather than reflect what is going on locally," he said.

Speaking after the meeting, crime prevention officer for South Cumbria, Terry Belshaw, praised the work of the police and partner agencies for keeping crime levels low.

"We are in danger of becoming complacent because crime is so low," he said.

"It is so low because of the hard work that has been put in."