Southend: Crime levels continue to fall

Today there is reporting in the national media which is disparaging of Southend and what our fantastic city has to offer.

In response one of our most senior officers has spoken out.

Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett said:

“It’s really disappointing that there are people within Southend who seek to talk the city and its people down.

“We’re really proud to serve this community and proud of everything the city has to offer.

“Fortunately though, it appears those who wish to talk down Southend are in a minority as 80 percent of people in the district believe we do a good or excellent job – the highest of any area in the county.

“We want people to come here and enjoy the beautiful seafront, the world-famous pier, and the fantastic city centre.

“Despite the picture some are trying to paint, Southend is a really safe place.

“Crime is been falling here and has been for some time, and has been falling at a quicker rate than most other parts of the county.

“There were 1,500 fewer crimes reported across the district in the last year (a 6.5 percent fall), with 1,000 fewer violent crimes (a 12 percent fall) and 80 fewer sexual offences (a 10 percent fall).

“Knife crime is down by more than 11 percent in the last year, while anti-social behaviour reports are down 22 percent.

“We work hard, with our partners, to understand concerns of businesses and residents and to address these.

“Where there have been incidents which have caused concern, we have responded quickly, such as that which took place last month.

“We responded quickly and robustly making arrests within minutes. The eight people charged have not gone home as they are still remanded in custody.

“I completely and categorically reject the assertion that any part of Southend is a ‘no go zone’.

“Thousands of people come to the city each and every week and have a fantastic time, enjoying everything it has to offer.

“And we’ve put in place plans, with our partners, to ensure they can do this.

“Operation Union, which runs throughout the summer, is having a really positive impact.

“We’ve made more than 75 arrests so far this summer as part of it and carried out more than 230 stop searches with more than 40 percent leading to illegal items being discovered, and we’ve seen violence and anti-social behaviour reduce.

“We work alongside Southend-on-Sea City Council, the British Transport Police, rail operators and seafront businesses as part of the operation to keep you safe.

“Our officers are supported by British Transport Police - who monitor activity along the train lines into the city - the council’s community safety officers and CCTV team, and the local private security teams employed by the pubs and leisure attractions.

“Finally, I want to thank the vast majority of people in Southend who support the city and us.

“You will continue to see us visible in our communities so when you see us, please come and say hi.”