How hotspot patrols are tackling serious violence across the county

Targeted patrols in areas that have a higher probability of a violent incident have led to 66 arrests, 103 stop searches and the seizure of 11 weapons in the past three months.

In the same time period, there has been a 20% reduction in knife-related serious violence and incidents involving knives are down by 10.6% across the county.

There are 15 Operation Grip hotspot areas in Essex: four in Southend, three in Basildon, two in Colchester, and one in each of Chelmsford, Harlow, Clacton, Braintree, Grays and Brentwood.

The patrols see uniformed officers go out on short, sharp foot patrols to prevent violent crime, deter offending and catch people carrying weapons.

The officers also proactively engage with the community and identify areas where improvements could be made with issues like street lighting and CCTV coverage to reduce the possibility of crime and help people feel safer.

Grip is funded by the Home Office and has led to the purchase of a state-of-the-art OpenGate weapons detection system.

The Grip team were behind the proactive patrols to encourage the surrendering of weapons before the legislation changed in September. They visited 3,500 addresses in the hotspot zones across the county and retrieved 128 weapons including zombie knives, swords, and machetes.

Officers on Grip patrols also have arrested suspects for possession of drugs, assault, robbery, burglary, and sexual assault.

This week, officers from our Operational Support Group deployed the OpenGate in the Basildon Grip zone as part of Sceptre week, which targets knife crime.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Hughes of the Serious Violence Unit said hotspot patrols are effective in preventing crime and reassuring the community.

“We target our high-harm hotspots using a variety of tactics to reduce incidents of violence and catch the people who are responsible for causing harm.

“Through our analysis, we are making sure we are getting our officers in the right places at the right times.

“Alongside our high-visibility patrols, we’re building relationships with the local community, holding engagement events and having conversations people that live and work in those areas to help identify issues that we can work with our partners to tackle.”

Det Ch Insp Hughes added that the OpenGate system provides a considerable deterrent.

“We use the OpenGate in areas we know that people carry weapons. It can pop up anywhere and sends a clear message to offenders.

“The public tell us they feel reassured to see it, and we’ve apprehended people who’ve turned a corner, seen our officers and then attempted to make off.

“We are there to make sure people feel safe and are safe, and we will continue to pursue those intent on breaking the law.”

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