Epping Forest has its say at PCC public meeting

ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour, cyber crime and rural policing were just some of the issues raised by residents at a public meeting in Loughton hosted by the Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston. The meeting, which took place at Epping Forest College in Borders Lane, was attended by Mr Alston, Epping Forest District Commander Chief Insp Denise Morrissey as well as Paul Gardener and Caroline Wiggins from the Epping Forest Community Safety Partnership. Over 60 residents who attended were given a briefing on crime trends in the area by Chief Inspector Denise Morrissey, District Commander for Epping Forest, which included an exceptional decease in overall crime of 8.8% comparing the year to date with last year. Comparing reports for 1st September 2012 to 31st August 2013 with 1st September 2013 to 31st August 2014, other areas of note included:

• Burglary in a Dwelling has decreased by 8.6% (65 fewer offences);
• Theft from Vehicles has decreased by 38.1% (422 fewer offences);
• Theft & Taking Motor Vehicles has decreased by 16.9% (63 fewer offences);
• Anti-Social Behaviour has decreased by 11.9% (451 fewer incidents);
• Shoplifting has increased by 25.8% (85 more offences);
• Criminal Damage has increased by 3.2% (28 more offences);
• Other Violence Against the Person has increased by 12.9% (169 more offences).

Particular focus was also given to burglary, vehicle crime, the night-time economy and violent offences. The audience were also given the opportunity to ask questions and issues raised included: how police are coping with increasing budget cuts; the opening times of Loughton police station; the spread of police resources between Loughton and Epping; and the force response to violence associated with the night-time economy. Following the meeting, Mr Alston said: “It is always a pleasure to meet with the residents of Essex and gain invaluable insight into their experience of crime and policing in the county.  “I look forward to meeting with many more people during the course of my public events throughout the rest of this year and next.” The meeting took place on Wednesday October 22. A full crime document can be read here: https://www.essex.pfcc.police.uk/2014/10/have-your-say-in-epping-forest-2/