Canvey Island: We're working to keep all our communities safe

Since 2016 when they first moved to the area, our officers have forged strong links with the Jewish community on Canvey Island and visit regularly.

Today, PC Ian Risden dropped into their community centre with ERSOU counter-terrorism security adviser Simon Payne. They chatted about local issues with lay community leader Joel Friedman and Mike Gold, administrator of the Haredi Community of Canvey Island, offering security advice, too.

Fittingly, the visit came on the last day of Hanukkah – the eight-day Jewish festival of lights.

“It is important to maintain our relationship to ensure the Jewish community have confidence in us and know they can turn to us whenever they require our assistance.
“We want the community to feel safe.
“After the Covid pandemic, we identified a degree of under-reporting of crime and anti-social behaviour, so we have worked with them to increase reporting, which helps us to identify issues early on.
“As the Haredi community grows, we’ll continue to support them. Today was a good opportunity to meet community leaders to provide reassurance and to wish them Chag sameach! on the last day of Hanukkah.”
PC Ian Risden, Castle Point Community Policing Team

“Today in Canvey, we warmly welcomed PC Ian Risden and others from Essex Police and ERSOU on this concluding day of Hanukkah.
“The Jewish community appreciates the exceptional efforts in ensuring our safety.
“Your commitment to engaging with the sites and communities you care about is truly commendable.”
Joel Friedman, lay community leader

Simon, from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), says he was pleased to meet Joel and Mike and wishes all those celebrating a Happy Hanukkah.

“We work closely with faith groups across the region to ensure any sites of religious significance are as safe as they can be, by providing guidance and support wherever we can. 
“We have a team of security advisors who are specialists in their field and I would encourage any groups who would like further information to visit www.protectuk.police.uk.”

Hanukkah is a celebration of love, happiness and blessings, which commemorates the rededication of the second Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the victory of the Jews over Greek occupiers in the second century BCE.

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