Town centre patrols in place to protect Christmas partygoers

Extra teams of officers are patrolling the county’s busiest town centres during the Christmas party season to look out for vulnerable people and spot signs of concerning behaviour.

The mix of uniformed and plain clothes officers have been deployed in areas of Chelmsford, Colchester, Harlow, Grays and Basildon with a focus on protecting women and girls, helping people who become isolated from their friends, and offering advice about personal safety and drink spiking prevention.

The patrols operate from early evening until after the local bars and nightclubs have shut. They are organised by the same team who initiated the Safe Space deployments in Southend and Braintree.

Officers have been working with local councils’ community safety teams, street pastors and charity partners to make sure people who need help on a night out can get it. They have also been engaging with staff at venues and handing out anti-spiking bottle toppers and keyring torches.

Across the county, incidents of violence, public order and sexual offences have all decreased in the past 12 months. Overall, crime is down by 6.1%.

Detective Inspector Karen Miller said the emphasis of the operation was on public engagement and crime prevention:

“This is the busiest time of year in our town centres with lots of people out celebrating. We want to make sure everyone can enjoy themselves and get home safely.

“At Christmas, we see large groups out together, and sometimes when people have had one drink too many or they’re with work colleagues they don’t normally socialise with, it can be easy to become separated and suddenly find yourself on your own.

“Our officers and our partners are there to help people who are vulnerable, as well as acting as a deterrent to anyone who may be looking to take advantage of someone who’s intoxicated or lost their friends.

“So far, we have safeguarded more than a dozen people, prevented a number of drink-related flashpoints from escalating, and made three arrests.

“We’re also talking to venues and taxi firms to make sure their staff know how to respond if they see a situation that causes concern, and we’re engaging with groups on nights out to offer advice and encourage them to look out for each other.

“Our town centres are safe but if you’re heading to a bar or nightclub, plan how you’re going to get home, know your alcohol limits, and if you don’t feel safe for whatever reason, tell someone. Talk to staff at a venue or talk to a police officer, we are here to help you.”