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 Based at Burnham-on-Crouch, the Essex Police Marine Unit is responsible
for policing all tidal waters under British jurisdiction and within
the Essex Police area. In effect, this is the whole of the Essex
coastline (in excess of 300 miles in length) from Crayford Ness
on the River Thames to Manningtree on The Stour, plus 12 miles out
to sea.
In addition, the unit is responsible for policing the many estuaries,
inland waterways, rivers, lakes, canals, reservoirs and disused
sandpits, plus any seasonal floods.
The rivers and coastline are patrolled throughout the year to
carry out stop checks and gather information. These patrols enable
officers to keep an up to date idea of who is moving in and out
of the country, and general marine activity. They enable the targeting
of maritime crime and public safety issues of commercial and leisure
craft, including the enforcement of:
- Speed
- Drink driving of people in charge of vessels
- Dangerous navigation
- Maritime coastguard agency codes, and
- Local byelaws
During the summer months, the waters are inevitably much busier
and summer holidays cause an increase in marine crime. Boat vandalism
increases and expensive equipment is often stolen. In the past distress
flares, which can be lethal in the wrong hands, have been taken.
Although the first priority is to maintain law and order, we will
always go to the rescue of anyone in trouble, should the need arise.
 Marine Watch
Marine
Watch is the marine equivalent of Neighbourhood Watch, offering
support and reassurance to a wide range of people throughout marine
communities whilst gaining information to help reduce crime.
It aims to:
- Increase the prevention and detection of marine related crime
- Develop awareness of the work of the marine unit to gain better
community relationships within marine communities in Essex
- Increase the awareness of Marine Watch and work towards forming
a long standing network of representatives and Marine Watch areas
More information about 'Marine Watch' can be found here. |
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