Southend: Officers collaborate with BID and council partners to combat ASB

Officers from Southend Community Policing Team (CPT) and our Business Crime Team joined representatives from Southend’s Business Improvement District (BID) and the city council for a day of action to focus on anti-social behaviour.

The Safer Business Action Day saw patrols along the High Street, Warrior Square, the shopping centres and surrounding streets to engage with young people and talk to prominent businesses about whether they’ve had any issues with anti-social behaviour and what to do if they have.

CPT officers were joined by BID rangers, community safety officers and members of the council’s CCTV and Youth Engagement teams. They spoke to 86 young people and discovered one to be carrying cannabis.

The Business Crime Team visited more than 30 of Southend’s most popular stores to speak to staff and hand out ‘Open for Business, Closed for Crime’ shop stickers and information about how to report incidents of ASB.

Sergeant Steve Wells of the Southend Town Centre Team said:

‘Anti-social behaviour has fallen across Southend by more than 30% in the past year but we continue to make sure the centre of the city is a safe and pleasant place for people to work and shop.

“We have listened to the concerns of local businesses about the impact ASB has on the area and we are conducting high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas and actively engaging with young people to deter offending. We also continue to enforce the terms of the PSPO that prevents cycling and e-scooter use.

“ASB is not a low-level crime, it seriously damages communities. By working closely with our BID and council partners, we are taking a joined-up approach to addressing any issues.

“We also need people to report ASB when they experience or witness it by calling 101 or reporting via the Essex Police website. Tell us and we can take action.”

Suzanne Gloyne, Southend City BID Manager, said:

‘We listened to feedback received from businesses regarding ASB concerns which can peak during the school holidays and this Safer Business Action Day has demonstrated the power of collaborative efforts in making our city centre safer, more inviting and a vibrant place to shop and socialise.

“It was a really great piece of partnership working that will continue to focus on supporting our businesses and residents.’

Simon Ford, Head of Community Safety at Southend-on-Sea City Council, added:

‘We recognise the impact of negative behaviours can have on both community and local businesses. By working together, we can challenge negative behaviours and create an environment where businesses can flourish.

“The Safer Business Action Day is not a temporary solution, but the start of strong partnership working, committed to building a vibrant and safe city centre for all.’

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