Tackling street robberies in Clacton

Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, talks about the police and partner response to recent street robberies in the Clacton area:

“Operational policing is clearly a matter for the Chief Constable of Essex Police and his team but, as Police and Crime Commissioner, I have made it a priority that local problems should be met by local policing solutions. I am therefore pleased with the impact of Operation Statesman in the Clacton area which has led to 30 arrests so far.

“Chief Insp Cat Barrie and her team have worked closely with specialist officers and colleagues in British Transport Police to tackle an increase in street robberies where knives were used.  Officers also worked closely with the community, and have received lots of valuable information from local shopkeepers and from members of the public who can use Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 to report crime anonymously.

“I was in Clacton on Monday August 12, lending my support to the efforts of Only Cowards Carry, a group created by Caroline Shearer, to educate young people about the dangers of carrying a knife.  I greatly respect the work of Only Cowards Carry and Knifecrimes.org to change attitudes and increase awareness of risk through education.

“It is very clear to me that the majority of residents of Clacton support the police use of intelligence-led Stop and Search powers to apprehend anyone foolish enough to carry a knife. 

“The response to the recent increase in knifepoint robberies in Clacton has been multi-faceted: a strong and effective police operation; excellent engagement and educational work; and intelligence-led enforcement against those carrying weapons.

“Essex is a safe county but if similar problems emerge elsewhere I know that Essex Police and partner agencies will address them using these and other measures that have been shown to work.”

The latest Essex Police briefing can be seen here.