TARGETED patrols of 15 hotspots in towns and cities across Essex led to 353 arrests, a 13% reduction in anti-social behaviour (ASB) and an 11% reduction in serious violence over the past year.
Officers carried out more than 25,000 hours of high-visibility patrols across Southend, Colchester, Chelmsford, Basildon, Harlow, Clacton, Braintree, Grays and Brentwood as part of Operation Guardian.
Data analysis was used to identify areas at the highest risk of violence or ASB, with officers carrying out short, targeted foot patrols to disrupt offending and engage with the public.
These conversations helped highlight problem areas where improvements such as better street lighting and CCTV could reduce crime and help communities feel safer.
Across the 12 months of patrols, officers carried out 785 stop-searches, seized 19 weapons, took enforcement action following Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) breaches on 551 occasions, and issued 57 community resolutions.
Arrests were made for offences including causing actual bodily harm, sexual assault, possession of drugs, possession of weapons, theft, robbery and burglary.
The Operation Guardian team has also led initiatives to deal with area-specific issues.
These include night-time economy patrols in Chelmsford and Colchester, focusing on protecting vulnerable people and identifying predatory behaviour as part of Project Vigilant, as well as targeted activity to address youth-related anti-social behaviour in Basildon and Grays.
The team also worked closely with council colleagues, whose community safety teams delivered thousand of hours of patrols and youth outreach work.
“Targeted hotspot patrols have helped strengthen community confidence and reduce levels of offending in places where we know incidents are most likely,” said Inspector Sharon Wyatt.
“By increasing our visibility and acting on suspicious behaviour, we are creating a hostile environment for those looking to offend and also improving the feel of areas where previously people may have felt vulnerable.
“While on patrol, our officers are always talking to the people who live and work in these areas which helps us better understand their concerns and tackle issues that matter most, ranging from anti-social behaviour and shoplifting through to drug dealing and violence.
“By working closely with communities and having strong partnerships with council community safety colleagues, we can help deliver lasting solutions at a local level.”
