£200,000 investment to target anti-social behaviour hotspots across Essex, like Canvey, Wickford and Braintree
Eight places will be targeted by Essex's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner
Eight anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspots across Essex are now seeing £200,000 of investment in extra high-visibility patrols, youth outreach and targeted action.
The money, coming from Essex's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, will lead to three additional police patrols each week and one Community Safety Partnership patrol every week for 22 weeks. These will be targeted at the days and times ASB is taking place.
Weekly detached youth outreach work will take place in each area, alongside targeted days and nights of action.
Funding has been focussed on locations where visible patrols and youth engagement are expected to have the greatest impact.
The eight locations are:
- Canvey Town Centre
- Brentwood Town Centre
- Stanway/Tollgate in Colchester
- Harwich/Dovercourt
- Braintree Town Centre
- Debden in Epping Forest
- The Stow in Harlow
- Wickford Town Centre and Cranfield Park in Basildon
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said:
“Tackling anti-social behaviour in Essex remains a priority. The latest figures show a
rise in anti-social behaviour, a clear warning that progress cannot be taken for
granted even though recorded incidents are down when compared to previous years
by two-thirds since 2016. There can be no complacency when the trend starts
moving in the wrong direction.
“That is why £200,000 has been invested in additional patrols, targeted activity and
early intervention in the communities where the level of anti-social behaviour
requires further intervention.
“I want to see a more robust response to persistent anti-social behaviour. Repeat
problems must be tackled with those responsible facing the full force of the law.
Essex residents rightly want to see action when they report concerns.
“There is a relentless focus on this and I will continue to hold the Chief Constable to account. The recent trend of anti-social behaviour incidents must be reversed."