I hold regular meetings with the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst, and the team policing Brentwood and Ongar for Essex Police, so it was good to hear from out District Commander, Chief Inspector Terry Fisher, recently with news of the new Brentwood Neighbourhood Policing Team:
"The new Brentwood Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) is working to catch criminals, keep you safe and tackle local issues.
The NPT is an expanded version of the former community policing team, with additional officers on the streets of the district to prevent offending, reduce anti-social behaviour, carry out proactive operations and enforce orders.
They will also investigate robberies and sexual offences, vehicle crime, shoplifting, business burglaries, and dangerous dog incidents.
The team will be visible in neighbourhoods across the district and will work together with partners at the council, public services, charities and other agencies to make Brentwood a safe and welcoming place for residents and visitors.
Crime across the district continues to fall. There have been 384 fewer crimes reported in the past year – a drop of 7% – and anti-social behaviour is down by 70% in five years. Incidents of violence have also decreased by 11% and public order offences are down by 15%.
Across Essex, all crime is down by 6.1% with 9,000 fewer offences committed in the past 12 months than in the year before.
Chief Inspector Terry Fisher, District Commander for Epping Forest and Brentwood, said:
“Neighbourhood policing is at the heart of everything we do as a force. Our officers will be working at a local level to deal with the problems that residents have told us impact them most, such as fly tipping, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.
“We know how important it is for our team to be visible right across the district, that’s why we will be out talking to people, listening to their concerns and working out what we can do to help.
“If you‘ve seen something that makes you feel uncomfortable, tell us. The more we know, the more we can do. Don’t assume someone else has reported it. If a crime is being committed, call 999 but you can use the LiveChat service on our website or call 101 to report information. Something you’ve spotted may be crucial to an investigation.
“The team are out in neighbourhoods every day, catching criminals and solving crimes, and I’d encourage everyone to sign up to our Dispatch newsletter to keep up to date with what we have been doing to keep the district safe.”"
