Essex Police ready for 2026 World Cup

Our officers know the increased risk of disorder stretches beyond town centres and continues on into homes across the county.

Domestic abuse is not solely connected to football and as in issue it remains a force-wide priority throughout the year.

But we do know there is an increase in incidents throughout major tournaments.

In our latest figures (April 2026) we responded to 2,814 domestic-related incidents in one month, with almost 1,000 relating to a violent incident and more than 650 related to stalking or harassment. We expect this demand to increase in the summer months.

Where we are called to incidents of a domestic nature, our priority will always be the safety and wellbeing of victims.

We will always encourage them to be supportive of police action against the perpetrator. Where they don’t want to speak to us, we will ensure they are referred on to partner organisations.

But we also know that will not always be the case. Where we cannot secure an immediate charge against a perpetrator, we will proactively use the powers available to us in order to safeguard victims throughout the tournament.

We issue Domestic Violence Prevention Notices (DVPNs) to perpetrators who we have not yet received authorisation to charge but who we strongly suspect have been violent in the domestic setting.

These notices run for 48 hours and mean the perpetrator cannot return to the home in that time. Within 48 hours, a court hearing takes place where the notice is converted into a Domestic Violence Prevention Order. That order is then in place for 28 days.

But the most effective way of preventing domestic abuse is for perpetrators to stop, think and reflect on their behaviour.

Many perpetrators do not recognise the harm caused by their actions - particularly when these behaviours come through jealousy, manipulation, intimidation, or patterns of control.

Our #Reflect campaign shows that early intervention works, and that support is available for anyone willing to take responsibility and change. Through the Essex Compass network, organisations like Cranstoun - drawing on more than 50 years of experience - help adults and young people understand and address the root causes of their behaviour.

Detective Superintendent Dan Morrissey said:

“All the elements Simon has talked about that can increase the likelihood of public order incidents can play out in homes across the county.
“My officers are ready to robustly deal with anyone committing these offences, and we fully understand the devastating impact domestic abuse can have.
“If you’ve been the victim of domestic abuse, I urge you to contact us and our officers will listen and support you.
“But most importantly I want people to think about how their behaviour affects their loved ones, their family - if you’re abusing those around you then stop, reflect and contact Essex Compass, because there is help available.”

And just as with domestic incidents, we will take robust action against anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car after drinking or taking drugs.

Our Roads Policing Unit will lead our response by increasing high visibility patrols on all our roads, both strategic and rural: there will be no road that can be used to evade being caught.

The impact of drink or drug driving could be immense and the risk you pose to others can be lethal. It’s why we take road safety so seriously: there is no excuse for gambling with other people’s lives.

The consequences for drivers are far-reaching when we catch them as well. It doesn’t stop at losing your driving licence or vehicle or social life, it could cost you your social life, your job, and even leave you in prison.

Summer brings more opportunities to socialise, but there’s never a reason to drive under the influence. Drugs and alcohol can still affect you the next day, so don’t take the risk on our roads if you could be intoxicated.

Sometimes you might not feel able to challenge a friend, but if you’re worried they’re going to do something dangerous you can use Live Chat on our website to let us know discreetly.

You’ll still be talking to a real person in real-time, so we can send the right officers to help.

If you think someone is about to drive after drinking or taking drugs, speak up - a quick message via Live Chat could save a life.

We’re also asking anyone that sees someone become suddenly unwell on a night out to report it and seek help immediately.

If you’re worried about your own safety, you can also ‘Ask for Angela’ at the bar to alert staff.

Sadly, recent experience also tells us that we see a rise in hate crime during major tournaments.

A hate crime is defined as any incident which is perceived by the victim, or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice, based on a personal characteristic - this can be disability, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Hate crimes of any sort, be it in person or online, are not tolerated in Essex and we will work hard with the CPS to bring offenders to justice.

As we do every summer, we’re also encouraging the public to take care when they’re leaving the house - whether that’s for the evening to see a match, or for longer on a summer holiday.

Taking care with your home or vehicle security is a really important part of preventing crime and deterring offending.

We’ve got advice on what you can do to protect your property.