Bobbies on the beat - Leigh-on-Sea

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This new increase brings the number of Essex officers to over 3,700, with 83 more in the City of Southend.

THE MP for Southend West and the MP for Southend East joined the Essex Police and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst to recognise a rise in police officer numbers.

Anna Firth MP met with MP Sir James Duddridge to celebrate the force’s expansion by 900 officers over the last five years.

Ms Firth commented: “Roger is a strong Police and Crime Commissioner, working alongside Sir James and I to nip crime in the bud and make Southend’s streets safer.

“Bobbies on the beat are a key part of that plan, so I really welcome this excellent news.”

This new increase brings the number of Essex officers to over 3,700, with 83 more in the City of Southend.

477 of the 900 are based out in districts preventing crime, investigating crime, and tackling violence. The remainder are in specialist units, which can be deployed across the county.

A spokesperson for Ms Firth said: “As a result of this uplift, crime and harm are falling. Anti-Social Behaviour is down across the county by 55% since 2015, burglary by 49%, theft by a smaller three percent, and homicide has been reduced by over a third.

“As the new officers are trained up and deployed, Essex Police expect to see a stronger street presence dealing with drugs and violence, as well as more dealing with fraud and child abuse on-line.”

Mr Duddridge added: “Essex Police is now at its largest, and I will continue to work with Anna and Roger to ensure that our streets are safe.

“With the additional 83 officers in Southend, Essex Police will be able to step up visible patrols to crack down on and deter crime.”

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