A two-month operation in Brightlingsea to help combat anti-social behaviour and nuisance vehicles has been launched.
Extra officers will be patrolling the town until the New Year as part of a pilot that is being by funded by our partners Brightlingsea Town Council and Tendring District Council.
Sergeant Simon Tattersall, of Clacton’s Local Policing Team, helped set up the operation, which will mostly include foot patrols.He said: “We have listened to concerns from members of Brightlingsea’s community and we have acted. By working closely with our partners we have been able to increase our patrols in the town right through the festive period.
“These patrols will be made up of officers working extra shifts, rather than being taken away from usual duties in the county.
“I would like to thank both Brightlingsea Town Council and Tendring District Council for their funding and partnership working. I would also like to thank the community for their support.
"Remember, if you see us in the area, please come say hello, approach us and talk to us, we are here to listen.”
Councillor Lynda McWilliams, Tendring District Council's cabinet member for partnerships and Tendring Community Safety Partnership chairman, said: “Essex Police was keen to put on additional high visibility patrols and by working together with Brightlingsea Town Council, I am delighted we are able to support this operation.
“Although crime has fallen in the town we understand the concerns of residents and businesses, who would like to see more feet on the street, and it is therefore great we can help provide this reassurance.”
Ben Smith, Mayor of Brightlingsea Town Council, said: "The operation is a great way to increase police visibility in Brightlingsea and it will hopefully help reduce crime in the local area.
"The Town Council was more than happy to contribute to this operation financially and we will evaluate it once it concludes with the view of repeating it at a suitable time in the future."