“MORE arrests, more charges, more visibility – our Neighbourhood Policing Teams are working for you”.
That’s from one of our most senior officers as he marks six months since our enhanced teams came into effect.
Between the 1 April and the start of October the NPTs made 20 percent more arrests and secured 28 percent more charges than their equivalent teams did during the same time last year.
As part of our commitment to our neighbourhoods, 74 more officer roles were added to our NPTs at the start of April.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin said: “We value our neighbourhoods, and our Neighbourhood Policing Teams have been working hard responding to and tackling the issues that matter most to you.
“In their first six months made more than 1,260 arrests and secured more than 1,100 charges.
“That represents significant increases on the same time last year showing that our officers are getting tough on those committing crime.
“Utilising new tactics, with officers in plain clothes, the NPT in Epping and Brentwood have reduced shoplifting by 16 percent.
“The NPT in Wickford have been using drones to better identify anti-social behaviour and gather evidence.
“Work by Southend’s NPT secured a jail sentence for a prolific car thief, while teams across the county have been securing banning orders against shoplifters and those causing anti-social behaviour in your town centres.
“Chelmsford’s NPT secured a two year jail sentence against a man jailed for sexual assault.
“In Basildon the NPT have been enforcing the public space protection order prohibiting the use of e-scooters, e-bikes, and pedal bikes in the town centre and seized 36 e-scooters and e-bikes in just two weeks of action.
“And it’s not just enforcement, officers have been visible in your area patrolling and carrying out engagement events.
“In Southend alone officers carried out 5,400 hours of visible patrols during the peak summer season ensuring people were – and most importantly felt – safe.
“All the while crime across the county continues to fall.
“And as the days get shorter, the evening’s darker, and the nights draw in – we’ll continue to be in your neighbourhoods keeping you safe and tackling those intent on committing crime.”
