Extra patrols are underway to combat anti-social behaviour around The Broadway in Debden as part of Operation Dial.
Operation Dial
Officers from Essex Police are working with Epping Forest District Council’s community resilience officers on Operation Dial to carry out extra patrols to combat anti-social behaviour (ASB) around Debden Broadway.
This initiative is part of a larger £1.1 million investment by the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to tackle ASB in 11 hotspot areas across the county.
The funding for this operation is provided by the central government as part of their Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy, with a focus on delivering high visibility patrols, public engagement, targeted youth outreach, and early intervention.
Night on patrol with Epping Forest District Council officers
5:00 PM
Officers started the evening by visiting multiple shops along The Broadway to inquire about any instances of ASB. One sandwich shop, which had previously reported ASB, informed the officers that incidents have decreased since the patrols began and expressed gratitude for their efforts.
5:45 PM
During the patrol, officers assisted a shop selling takeaway food in getting a group of young people to leave the premises after they had been disruptive and abusive to staff.
6:30 PM
Officers discovered several instances of fly-tipping while walking behind the shops on Vere Road and Barrington Road. Officers took notes of the items, including photographs to send to Biffa for the removal. Officers also noted that a business on The Broadway had removed rubbish they had previously been asked to clear.
7:05 PM
Officers spoke to residents who had reported seeing teenagers smoking cannabis and stealing garden equipment. The officers have passed on this information to the housing and CCTV departments to help gather more evidence. One resident, while on Barrington Road, approached the officers and expressed his appreciation for the visible presence of the officers, remarking that he had personally witnessed positive changes since patrols began.
7:30 PM
Before the end of their shift, officers helped a vulnerable individual by referring them to Peabody and housing services for further support.
Creating a safer community
Regulatory Services Portfolio Holder, Cllr Ken Williamson said:
Operation Dial and the additional patrols demonstrate a joint effort between Essex Police and Epping Forest District Council to address anti-social behaviour in Debden. The efforts of the residents in reporting such incidents are deeply appreciated.
The ongoing collaboration aims to create a safer and more peaceful community for residents and businesses in the area.
Report anti-social behaviour
Report an abandoned vehicle, fly tipping, noise nuisance, graffiti, hate crime to Epping Forest District Council (EFDC)
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