ESSEX residents are being urged to voice their concerns to help police and local authorities tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
The anonymous Community Safety Survey by Safer Essex asks a range of questions to focus multi-agency efforts in different parts of the county.
In 2024, 46% of respondents said they had been a victim of crime – an increase of 18% from 2023. 84% of respondents identified burglary as their biggest concern, followed by 83% saying theft from their vehicle.
However, there have been nearly 9,000 fewer offences overall in the last year and 20,000 fewer over the last five years, according to Essex Police.
82% named fraud and scams as a top concern, which is a rise of 5% from 2023. This is consistent with a 6.1% increase in fraud crime between 2023 and 2024, according to Action Fraud.
The rise represents 9,604 fraud offences in 12 months – an increase of 552 – and a loss of £68.5 million. As a result, the Multi Agency Approach to Fraud (MAAF) has engaged with residents to share their experiences.
Residents in Braintree, Rochford, Castle Point and Brentwood showed elevated concerns for crime between 2023 and 2024, despite each district having low or below average crime rates. Some of the main reasons include hearing about crime, police presence and having previously been a victim.
Levels of confidence in identifying and reporting both radicalisation and modern slavery increased between 2023 and 2024. However, the number of people who said they were ‘not confident at all’ also rose.
Essex residents are now being urged to complete the anonymous Community Safety Survey 2025. The results will help police and local authorities continue to build a picture of crime in Essex and develop solutions.
This has included new neighbourhood policing teams in response to concerns about police presence, as well as the MAAF now coming under Safer Essex for greater cohesion.
This year’s survey will also ask residents what they know about Crimestoppers and how it works to combat crime.
Residents can take part in this year’s Community Safety Survey until 3 August 2025 at https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/equalities-and-partnership/community_safety_survey_2025
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, Communities and Business Engagement at Essex County Council, said: “With a sharp rise in the number of residents saying they’ve been victims of crime, it’s essential their voices are placed at the centre of any action taken to tackle issues.
“Resources must be directed towards dealing with crimes that concern people most, such as anti-social behaviour, burglary and drug dealing, and ensuring reported crimes receive a timely and meaningful response.
“I urge all Essex residents to take part in this year’s survey to inform the police of what truly matters and bridge the gap between official statistics and real-life experiences.”
BJ Harrington QPM, Essex Police Chief Constable, said: “I would urge anyone who lives or works in Essex to have their say. The majority of your officers and police staff live in the county that they’re proud to protect and serve, so we all want to make Essex an even safer place. Crime is falling overall across Essex and if we work together we’ll make sure that positive trend continues.”
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Safe, secure communities are the bedrock on which we build prosperity and wellbeing for everyone.
“Working together with our Safer Essex partners, we have invested in patrols and action around identified anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspots and improved town and city neighbourhoods through our Safer Streets interventions. Both of these innovative actions are supported by our strong Community Safety Partnerships.
“All this partnership work has contributed to a decrease in crime of 5.8% in the 12 months to the end of May, with ASB incidents dropping by 7% in the same period. This is on top of a reduction of more than 70% in ASB incidents since 2016. Our plan is working.
“By completing this Safer Essex survey, residents can tell us their concerns around crime and community safety, helping inform how we plan and allocate resources for further effective interventions.”
Phillipa Brent-Isherwood, Chair of Safer Essex, said: “Together we have built a strong, successful working partnership approach to community safety across the whole of greater Essex.
“All Safer Essex partners, from Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service to councils, health authorities and community groups, have contributed to creating a safe county for residents, families and businesses.
“To maintain our successful approach and plan for the future, we need to hear the views of our biggest, most valuable partner: the people who live and work in Essex. As we have seen from last year’s survey, the results drive real action within and across the partnership, so people’s views can make a tangible difference to how we work together to keep Essex a great place in which to live, work and play for many years to come.”
