Christmas and New Year message from the PFCC for Essex

Posted Friday 22nd December Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: "Since 2016 all of us together have invested in making our police force, more accessible, more visible and better connected to our local communities. "We have invested in breaking the cycle of domestic abuse by supporting victims and tackling aggressive dysfunctional behaviour early to stop it escalating. "We have invested in tackling gangs and organised crime with more officers, stronger use of stop and search and significant coordinated partnership investment in prevention. "Alongside our partners in education, health and councils we are working together to identify the vulnerable and keep them from being exploited into a life of crime. "This year we hit our growth target with 905 extra officers recruited into the force making Essex Police the biggest and strongest it has ever been. "This extra strength is making a difference and crime is now falling across Essex. "In the last 12 months to November 2023, crime is down by 6.4 per cent and anti-social behaviour is down 38.4 per cent. "Our focus on fire prevention and fire protection is also working. "This year, compared to the previous 12 months, there has been an 8 per cent decrease in the total number of fires, which is also an 8 per cent decrease when compared to the five year average. "Essex is a safe and secure county in which we can all strive to build success, prosperity and well-being for all. "I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."