Anti-social behaviour down more than 40% in Essex over the past year
There's been over 8,000 fewer offences recorded in the last 12 months
Last updated 4th Jul 2023
Essex Police have revealed there's been a 31.3% decrease in incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Essex over the past twelve months.
There was 8,562 fewer offences recorded, with 18,771 ASB offences recorded in the year to the end of May 2023. This compares to 27,333 ASB offences over the same period 12 months earlier.
Looking back even further, in the same timeframe in 2017-18, there were 49,444 ASB incidents recorded. The most recent figures represent a 62% drop from this level.
Essex Police have stated that they've been working closely with local communities and those such as councils and local partners to reduce ASB incidents throughout the county.
Anti-social behaviour can include nuisance vehicles, street drinking, intimidating and disruptive behaviour.
Government funding was awarded to Essex Police to combat ASB, as well as 15 other forces.
Back in March, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman visited Chelmsford to discuss the issues affecting Essex communities and to hear more about how the Force is tackling them.
What is the decrease for some of our districts?
Chelmsford's seen a 32% fall in offences in the district. In Harlow, it's 35.4%.
More than 100 e-scooters seized that were being illegally ridden through Harlow were seized and speeding has been tackled in Chelmsford.
In Thurrock there has been a drop of ASB offences of 31.3% and a total of 1,292 fewer ASB incidents in the last year in Southend.
Deputy Chief Constable Andy Prophet, who is also the NPCC lead for anti-social behaviour, said:
“From high streets to seafronts, transport hubs to parks and local housing estates – ASB is not something we should see as ‘low level’ or acceptable. It is not, it ruins lives and blights communities.
“The significant reduction in anti-social behaviour offences across Essex shows the work we are doing alongside our partners is having an impact.
“People have a right to live free from intimidation and harassment in their own communities. ASB is not a low-level offence and can have a great impact on someone’s quality of life.
“The public should continue reporting incidents to us. Policing is one part of the solution but where it is not a policing matter, we will work with local authorities and other agencies to effectively combat ASB and the underlying causes.”