Anna Firth MP recently met with Inspector Paul Hogben and the Southend Police team to discuss crime and safety concerns following a summer of disruption across the city. In July, there were hundreds of nitrous oxide canisters confiscated from crowds of teenagers who had flocked from London and disrupted peace for thousands of families on the seafront. Coupled with rising cases of anti-social behaviour, littering and other criminal activity, Essex Police were forced to introduce dispersal orders across the High Street, Esplanade, and Marine Parade.
The Southend West MP has been lobbying the Home Office for greater police powers and to tackle harmful drugs such as nitrous oxide which bring trouble to an otherwise peaceful city. Anna discussed the progress she has made with the Southend Police team following a successful meeting with the Home Secretary earlier this year. She personally commended the local police force for their impressive approach to tackling crime and encouraging partnership work with local Members of Parliament. Successes of Operation Union were also shared, highlighted by the Home Secretary as a “major win for the force” during Anna’s meeting earlier this year. 36% of people who were searched had contraband, 10% higher than their national average.
The operation is backed by emergency services, the council, transport networks and tourism and hospitality traders to tackle emerging issues and to prevent and detect crime. Stats show that when the police patrol on foot for 10-15 minutes their presence is more effective than when they simply stop and drive through an area - hence leading to less anti-social behaviour. Overall, the meeting was extremely positive and both parties left the meeting with confidence that they will be in a much better place to tackle crime during peak times next summer.
Anna said,
“I absolutely love meeting Inspector Hogben and our local officers – the news is always so positive and forward looking.”
“The Home Secretary was massively impressed by their proactive approach to policing and it is my absolutely pleasure to work with them to keep our streets safe.”
“From Operation Union to the state-of-the-art knife poles, we have had some major successes this year. Onwards and upwards.”
