Christmas and New Year message from PFCC Roger Hirst
As we come to the end of 2025, I want to thank everyone across Essex—our communities, volunteers and partners and the dedicated teams in Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service—for everything you’ve done to keep people safe this year.
The latest figures also show that in the 12 months to the end of November 2025, all crime in Essex fell by 4.3%—evidence that sustained investment in prevention and visible policing is working.
Our fire and rescue service has continued to focus on prevention and protecting the most vulnerable. Since 2019, the number of people injured by fire has reduced significantly, and in the 12 months to the end of August 2025, our crews and prevention teams carried out over 12,000 home safety visits to help vulnerable residents live safer at home. (To book a free Home Safety Visit for yourself or a loved one, call 0300 303 0088 or visit ECFRS online.)
Behind these results is a simple idea: safe and secure communities are the bedrock on which success, prosperity and wellbeing are built. That remains our focus - driving down crime, reducing anti-social behaviour, and delivering effective and efficient emergency services - and we will keep working with our partners to make a difference where it matters most.
Thank you to those on duty
My sincere thanks go to police officers, staff, firefighters, call handlers and volunteers who will be working through the festive period to keep Essex safe. Your commitment to keeping us safe and knowing you will be there when we need you most is appreciated by all of us.
Looking ahead to 2026
In the year ahead we’ll keep strengthening neighbourhood policing and hotspot patrols; tackle drug-driven violence and organised crime; improve road safety and continue to make public spaces safer, especially for women and girls.
To everyone celebrating, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your support and for playing your part in making Essex a safer place to live, work and travel.