Tendring: Meet the District Commander, Chief Inspector Ella Latham

Reducing anti-social behaviour, knife crime and violence in all its forms, particularly against women and girls, are top priorities for Chief Inspector Ella Latham.

Key to ensuring Tendring is a safe place to live, work and visit, is working with local partner agencies and listening to the concerns of communities across the district.

Chief Inspector Latham, who has a strong background in community, response and public order policing, says:

“Tendring is such a diverse district, with coastal communities, an international port at Harwich and a large rural area, which it is a privilege to police. 
“My top priorities are to reduce anti-social behaviour, knife crime and violence in all its forms, particularly against women and girls.”

And she wants residents and visitors to tell officers about local concerns and issues so we can target our operational activity and work with partner agencies to keep our communities safe.

“We’ve listened to your concerns about anti-social behaviour, criminal damage, drug and alcohol abuse, speeding and motorbikes being ridden illegally.
“We also work closely with partner agencies to improve street lighting and CCTV coverage while mounting high-visibility patrols in vulnerable areas.
“I know our rural communities feel particularly vulnerable. Officers are tackling hot spots with dedicated patrols and targeted operations while responding to community concerns.
“With support from our partners, we are disrupting this behaviour and helping to divert people from offending.”

Another key issue is addressing the fear and perception of crime.

In the year to 31 October 2023, anti-social behaviour decreased by 44.2%, with 978 fewer incidents recorded than the previous 12 months.

This year, Clacton has benefited from extra patrols, thanks to part of £1.1million invested by Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst.

More than 3,250 hours of extra patrols will be completed in the nine months to April 2024.

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

Overall, crime fell 12.7%, or 12,591 offences, in the same period – that includes a 21.4% reduction in domestic abuse offences reported, and a 9.8% reduction in assaults causing injury.

But Chief Inspector Latham acknowledges there is always more which can be done to tackle criminal activity.

“It’s vital we protect women and girls from violence.
“Our investigation teams focus on supporting victims, achieving the best outcome for them and bringing offenders to justice.
“Lowering the fear of knife crime, as well as the number of crimes involving knives, is also key to reducing violence. There is no excuse for carrying knifes.
“We work closely with schools to educate young people about the dangers because, often, a knife is used against the person carrying it. If officers suspect someone is carrying a knife, they will stop and search them.”

Offences of weapons possession in Tendring have risen in the past year, to 135, compared with 112 in the previous 12 months because of this positive policing activity and because we encourage the reporting of people who are suspected to be carrying knives and other weapons.

Chief Inspector Latham says:

“Keep in contact with us, come to our engagement events and please tell us if you have any local concerns or have any information about a crime, criminal activity or anti-social behaviour.
“We are part of the community and need your help to keep it safe.”

 

Tell us

You can report crimes, anti-social behaviour and information about criminal activity to us online where you can also use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator on weekdays between 10am and 9pm. Alternatively, you can ring 101.

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, online or by calling 0800 555 111. If it's a crime in progress, always ring 999. 

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