Supporting Communities

Stephen and Roger Hirst, the Police and Crime Commissioner, with police in Basildon.

As MP, I had quarterly meetings with Essex Police to discuss local policing matters such as anti-social behaviour, car crime, wildlife crime, and knife crime. Going forwards, I will do the same if I am lucky enough to be re-elected. If you have a concern, I will speak to the District Commanders about it. 

We've had some recent successes with Government investment of £1.1 million in Hotspot Policing in Essex - introducing high-vis patrols and targetted intervention. As a result, there have been 592 extra hours of Essex Police patrols, 444 hours of Community Safety patrols, a community safety event and youth outreach work. All this has reduced anti-social behaviour in Basildon by over 30% year-on-year.

We've also increased police headcount increase dramatically. Essex Police now has the highest headcount than at any point in its 182-year history with over 900 new officers recruited since 2016. Nationally, we have met our 2019 Manifesto commitment to recruit an extra 20,000 police officers.

To combat car crime, Essex Police has set up its own Stolen Vehicle Intelligence Unit - carrying out large-scale operations into organised crime. Virtually every week, local police are finding stolen vehicles and securing convictions of dangerous criminals.

I will do everything I can to work with Essex Police and ensure that you feel safe on the streets and secure in your home.

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