REPORTS of anti-social behaviour in Colchester saw a drop last year, police have said.
Essex Police says incidents of anti-social behaviour in the city fell by 36.4 per cent in 2023 with 937 less offences reported when compared to the year before.
The city has two “hotspot areas” which receive dedicated patrols from police and Colchester Council’s enforcement officers as part of a £1.1million investment made last year by Essex’s police, fire and crime commissioner to combat anti-social behaviour across the county.
The two areas – in Greenstead and off Cowdray Avenue – had previously seen regular issues.
Since patrols started in the two “hotspots”, officers have made ten arrests, stop searched 22 people, and issued 29 informal warnings.
Antisocial behaviour in Essex has fallen by 68 per cent in the last five years.
Insp Jenna Mirrington-French, who leads the force’s community policing team in Colchester, said the dedicated patrols have helped to reduce offending.
She said: “We have seen a continual fall in the number of antisocial behaviour offences reported to us, which shows our focus on anti-social behaviour is having an impact.
“Antisocial behaviour damages communities and can have a devastating effect on people’s lives. Nobody should feel intimidated or harassed in the area they live or work.
“As part of the Safer Colchester Partnership, we have strong relationships with the council and local partners, and we are working together to use our powers to reduce offending and tackle the underlying issues.
“We know residents and local businesses like to see police officers out on patrol so we will be maintaining a highly visible presence in areas where incidents have been reported.
“It’s also important people continue to report anti-social behaviour to us or the council. The more we know, the more we can do to combat problems before they develop.”
Residents who witness anti-social behaviour can report it to Essex Police online at essex.police.uk or by calling 101.
“For issues around fly tipping or abandoned vehicles, you should contact Colchester Council,” a spokesman for the force added.
“If a crime is being committed, always call 999.”
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