Southend: “We’re keeping the city safe by taking a hard line on troublemakers”

The policing of Southend seafront this summer is succeeding in limiting unruly behaviour and maintaining the city’s family-friendly atmosphere, says Superintendent Leigh Norris, who leads Operation Union.

The operation, which is now in its fourth year, sees officers conducting dedicated patrols of the busiest areas of Southend and Old Leigh between the end of May and beginning of September. They are there to help the public, provide a visible deterrent, and diffuse any potential flashpoints.

So far this year, officers on Union patrols have made 63 arrests for offences including possession of drugs, theft, and assault.

Officers have also conducted 197 stop searches, 83 of which have led to the discovery of illegal items. One man was arrested after being found in possession of 30 wraps of a class A drug. More than 50 searches led to the discovery of cannabis.

Union officers work in collaboration with Southend-on-Sea City Council, the British Transport Police (BTP), the c2c railway, Greater Anglia and seafront businesses to make sure that anyone who comes to the city and causes trouble is swiftly and decisively dealt with.

Activity on the train lines and roads into the city is closely monitored by BTP and Essex Highways, and the council’s CCTV team and community safety officers have their eyes on the streets watching out for watching for anyone acting suspiciously.

Supt Norris said his team have been quick to search and arrest people who are misbehaving:

“Thousands of people of all ages come to Southend every summer to enjoy the beach and attractions. We want everyone to have fun and but not in a way that negatively impacts anyone else.

“Unfortunately, there are occasions when a tiny minority of individuals decide that they want to spoil things. We’ve been clear that anyone who steps out of line by behaving anti-socially or committing crime will be removed from the area and we’ve kept that promise.

“We have strong working relationship with the council’s community safety officers, BTP and the security teams who work for the seafront traders. Together we’re keeping the city safe by taking a hard line on troublemakers and that will continue as we enter the busiest part of the summer.”

Cllr Martin Terry, Southend-on-Sea City Council’s cabinet member for community safety, added:

“Everyone visiting our city wants to feel welcome, feel safe, have a great time and to look forward to returning.

“We're working across the council and with Essex Police and other partners to ensure we are ready this summer whatever the weather.

“All we ask is that everyone is respectful towards the city and staff working to keep everyone safe. Please bin any litter or take it home. If everyone does their bit, then we can all enjoy a fun and safe summer.

“The area is covered by extensive CCTV and there is a Public Space Protection Order in place to deal with any anti-social behaviour should it occur throughout the summer season.”

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