Colchester has experienced a 7.1% reduction in antisocial behaviour (ASB) incidents over the past year, according to data from Essex Police’s Performance Analyst Unit, covering the twelve months up to September 2024.
This notable decline in ASB can be partly credited to collaborative efforts between Colchester City Council and its partners, supported by funding from the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC). Over the last two years, the council has secured more than £1.1 million through two rounds of Safer Streets funding, which has been instrumental in supporting various safety initiatives across the city.
The council’s Community Safety Team has been successful in securing additional funding, including a recent £7,000 award from the PFCC. This funding will enhance the ongoing efforts of Colchester’s Neighbourhood Wardens and Essex Police by enabling more Titan security patrols and equipping the team with tag devices to collect data during patrols in the city centre.
A strong partnership approach is essential for reducing crime and ASB. In line with this, Colchester City Council, Essex Police, and the PFCC conducted a joint patrol in the city centre on 9 October 2024. The patrol led to street drinkers being moved on from key areas such as St Botolph’s Priory and Vineyard Street. Additionally, plans have been made to introduce bi-weekly joint patrols with the Police and Neighbourhood Wardens, supplementing the existing daily patrols and further reinforcing safety measures across the city.
Jane Gardner, Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said: “I feel strongly about our mission to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour across the city and throughout Essex. Our joint patrol on 9 October was another fantastic opportunity for us all to meet up, patrol the area and show those thinking about taking part in ASB, that it will not be tolerated.
“Working with partners, such as Colchester Council, is essential to providing safe and strong communities – local authorities are often the eyes and ears within their areas, and as such are fantastic at identifying areas that may need our help.”
In August, an intensive two-weeks of patrols were completed by the council, Essex Police and partners, with more than 300 interactions with street drinkers to warn and disperse them.
Cllr Natalie Sommers, Portfolio Holder for Communities, Heritage, and Public Protection said: “I’d like to thank the PFCC for their funding of patrols to tackle antisocial behaviour in our city, it’s great to see that all the hard work put in by the police and our partners has led to the reported reduction in ASB. Our residents’ safety is of the utmost importance to us, and the extra patrols from the Police and our wardens are a welcome addition to our efforts.
“Collaboration with partners to achieve our shared goals will always be a top priority, ensuring Colchester continues to be a safe and welcoming place to live, work and visit for all.”
The PFCC recently reaffirmed its commitment to tackling ASB with a £1.6m investment in fifteen targeted areas across Essex, including Colchester. This funding supports the council’s efforts to reduce ASB.
Consistent patrols will continue throughout the city, carried out by our Neighbourhood Wardens, Essex Police and Titan Security. If you experience any antisocial behaviour, you can report it online here or contact the Police on 999 for emergencies, or 101 for non-emergencies.
Page last reviewed: 22 October 2024