CHRISTMAS party season is underway and our teams will be out in town and city centres this weekend to keep the public safe and help anyone who needs assistance.
Officers have been visiting venues across the county and will be out patrolling in high footfall areas including the centres of Chelmsford, Colchester and Southend to look out for vulnerable people and spot signs of concerning behaviour.
They will be a focusing on protecting women and girls, helping people who become isolated from their friends, and offering advice about personal safety and drink spiking prevention.
Officers will be working with local councils’ community safety teams, street pastors and charity partners to make sure people who need help on a night out can get it.
They will be checking in regularly with staff at bars and handing out information about spiking and the Ask for Angela scheme where people can get help if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Chief Inspector Paul Hogben leads the force’s anti-spiking work. He said that making plans and taking a few simple precautions can help prevent people from getting into difficulty:
“This is traditionally one of the busiest weekends of the year and we want people to enjoy themselves and get home safely.
“We’ve been working with venues to make sure their staff know how to respond if they see a situation that causes concern, and we’re engaging with groups on nights out to offer advice and encourage them to look out for each other.
“Our officers and our community safety partners are there to help people who are vulnerable, as well as acting as a deterrent to anyone who may be looking to take advantage of someone who’s become separated from their friends or had one or two drinks too many. At Christmas we see large groups out together but it can be easy to suddenly find yourself on your own.
“We’re also raising awareness of spiking and, although it is not a big problem across Essex, we’d advise people not to leave their drinks unattended or accept drinks from people they don’t know.
“Our town and city centres are safe but if you’re heading out for the evening, plan how you’re going to get home, know your alcohol limits, and if you don’t feel safe for whatever reason, tell someone. Talk to staff at a venue or talk to a police officer, we are here to help you.”
