Debden: Extra patrols to tackle anti-social behaviour

We’ve put on extra patrols in Debden after listening to feedback from residents about anti-social behaviour in the area.

More than 2,000 hours of extra patrols will be completed in the nine months to April 2024, thanks to the area receiving part of £1.1million in funding invested by Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst.

Epping Community Policing and Town Centre teams and Epping Forest District Council community safety officers have been speaking with residents and retailers to hear their concerns and provide reassurance.

It’s part of the Government’s Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy which incorporates high-visibility patrols, public engagement, targeted youth outreach and early intervention. Debden was one of 11 hotspots identified across Essex.

Since Operation Dial was launched in July, it’s funded a total of 4,157 hours of patrols by Essex Police and community safety partnership (CSP) organisations, which have resulted in:

• 35 arrests
• 109 stop and searches
• 58 informal warnings issued
• 45 fixed penalty notices issued.

The area in Debden for increased patrols includes The Broadway and Vere Road plus parts of Barrington Road and Burton Road.

Inspector Leanne Archer says:

“Residents told us they were concerned about anti-social behaviour, mainly relating to drug use, public urination and large gatherings of young people.
“This can be intimidating to residents, particularly now the evenings have drawn in.
“The Broadway is a focal point for anti-social behaviour while, elsewhere, there have been problems with vulnerable people being targeted by drug users.
“We’ve focused on arresting persistent offenders, imposing court orders and targeting extra patrols, where we speak to people to gain valuable information and provide reassurance.”

Epping Forest CSP members will also use civil powers to combat anti-social behaviour.

Policing teams hold events at New City College and local schools so students know their local officers and can tell them of any concerns. The council’s youth outreach service also holds weekly sessions.

Leanne says it’s important to have a strong relationship with CSP organisations, particularly with the council’s community safety officers.

“Sharing information is essential to combating problems in the long term. It’s more effective as we can use each partner’s skills and powers to work together to achieve our objective, which is to make Debden a safer place for all.”

Anti-social behaviour in Epping Forest district has decreased by 27.3% in the past 12 months with 402 fewer offences recorded. Across Essex, ASB has fallen by more than 60% in six years. 

Leanne says the response in Debden has been positive.

“People and businesses are pleased to see our officers and the council’s community safety officers. They are happy to engage and say they feel reassured by our presence.
“We still need information from the public to help inform our operational activity. You can either report it to us online at www.essex.police.uk/ro or to Epping Forest District Council via its online Report page.”

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If you would like to report a non-emergency crime, antisocial behaviour, or give us information, you can report online or by use our Live Chat service.

To find out more about our different reporting services, 999 BSL and much more visit our Help Us Help You page.