More than 5,000 hours of patrols in our communities to prevent and detect crime

Local officers are patrolling all our towns and cities, preventing crime and catching suspects in the process.

Our officers carried out 5,300 hours of proactive patrols in just nine days at the end of October (Saturday 21-Sunday 29), with anti-social behaviour hotspots targeted by officers on the street.

It is on these patrols that officers in Braintree were able to identify two suspects, one wanted in connection with theft and the other who failed to attend court after being charged with burglary. Both are now remanded in custody ahead of their court dates.

Likewise in Harlow, officers in the town centre were able to arrest a teenager suspected of theft, attempted burglary, possession of an offensive weapon and a public order offence after reports of items being taken from Iceland, TK Maxx and McDonald’s the previous afternoon.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Mariner said:

“This week of patrolling during half-term was a perfect opportunity to see those in our communities and offer a reassuring presence in our popular public spaces.
“This kind of policing is a driving factor in bringing down the number of crimes committed in Essex – and it’s working. Crime is dropping, and anti-social behaviour is dropping even faster.
“Even with our officers on the streets, the public are still an invaluable resource in helping us tackle crime where they live. If you see something, say something and we will investigate.”

These officers were also patrolling with partners in local councils, hosting public meetings and community events, and enforcing Public Space Protection Orders – where individuals are not allowed to enter certain spaces due to their previous behaviour.

Teams also carried out licensing checks on local businesses and made test purchases to find any businesses selling prohibited items to underage cadets.

‘Stop and search can deter people carrying knives and drugs’

As a result of the patrolling, officers in Essex carried out 215 stop and searches. Stop and search is one of the powers officers can use if they are concerned someone may be in possession of something they shouldn’t.

It should only be carried out if it is proportionate and reasonable to do so, and works as a preventative measure like patrols to discourage people from trying to carry illegal items.

Superintendent Philip Stinger says officers use stop and search to detect crime and criminals and to help keep people safe, adding:

“Our officers will carry out a stop and search if they suspect a person is carrying stolen or prohibited goods, such as drugs or offensive weapons. Stop and search can help avoid arrests if the outcome is negative.
“We strive to ensure we are carrying out stop and search in a fair and lawful manner. It’s a policing power which, used effectively, can deter people from carrying knives and dealing drugs in public.”