Southend: Keeping our city safe this summer

Southend is one of the most popular seaside destinations in the UK and our District Commander, Chief Inspector Ian Hughes, says the public will see a highly visible police presence in the city throughout the spring and summer.

Day trippers from across the south and east are attracted by the amusements, beaches and bars but a small minority come intent on behaving anti-socially or committing crime.

Chief Inspector Hughes says anyone causing trouble will be robustly dealt with as we take ‘a zero-tolerance approach to criminality’.

Our priorities include minimising the opportunity to commit high-harm crimes, such as robbery and violence, tackling anti-social behaviour and policing the night-time economy.

Officers will be focusing on seven key areas that are popular with the public in peak season. These includes large stretches of the waterfront from Shoebury to Old Leigh, and Southend High Street.

Chief Inspector Hughes’s team have been working alongside partners at Southend-on-Sea City Council as members of the Southend Community Safety Partnership, along with the British Transport Police and local businesses, to share plans for dealing with the increase in footfall the warmer weather brings.

As well as police officers, the public can expect to see Essex County Fire & Rescue Service firefighters, the council’s community safety officers, Business Improvement District (BID) rangers, beach welfare officers and staff from a number of other agencies on duty.

Southend is famous for its nightlife and our police officers will be patrolling in uniform and plain clothes in the busiest areas for socialising. They will also be working together with licensed premises and venues to monitor alcohol consumption.

They are supported by the council’s team of CCTV operatives who play a vital role in highlighting suspicious behaviour or any potential flashpoints.

Encouragingly, last year saw anti-social behaviour in Southend drop by more than 23%.

Chief Inspector Hughes says his team are not here to stop anyone having fun and the public shouldn’t be concerned by seeing more officers on patrol.

“We want residents and visitors to make the most of everything the city has to offer. We are engaging with the public and local businesses to let them know we are there to help keep them safe.
“We want Southend to be a prosperous place where people enjoy the hospitality but they must do so safely and responsibly, and respect the local area. Those who don’t act appropriately, or who harm others, will face the consequences. To all those who do act responsibly – thank you.”
Chief Inspector Ian Hughes

“We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of residents and visitors to our new City this spring and summer, and we have coordinated plans in place with police colleagues and others to ensure that we are a safe, clean, and pleasant place to visit through our busiest months.
“We welcome the planned visible police presence this year and, alongside our community safety team and other partners, we believe this will reassure local people and those coming to our waterfront and other busy areas and help prevent anti-social behaviour and other issues that the warm weather can often bring.
“If you are visiting this spring and summer, please respect, protect, and enjoy.”
Simon Ford, Head of Community Safety at Southend-on-Sea City Council

 

Tell us what you know

If you see something which you feel needs police attention, or you have information about a crime, anti-social behaviour or criminal activity, ring 999 if it is an emergency or a crime in progress, otherwise you can report it online or speak to one of our Live Chat operators between 7am and 11pm. Alternatively, you can ring 101.

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, online or by calling 0800 555 111.