POLICE DETAILS
Essex Police - Chelmsford South Neighbourhood

Essex Police Information

Leicestershire Police

Essex Police aims to help people, keep people safe and catch criminals.

Chelmsford South Neighbourhood

Essex Police has not provided any neighbourhood information at this time.

Police Force Map - Essex Police

Neighbourhood Map - Chelmsford South

Senior Officer Details

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BJ Harrington QPM (Chief Constable)

Essex Police Chief Constable, Ben-Julian Harrington, or BJ, grew up in North London and attended St. Ignatius College in Enfield. He began his policing career with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in 1990. He served communities in and around Chingford and Walthamstow. BJ brought with him experience not only from his work with HM Customs and Excise, but his skills as a reserve soldier in the Parachute Regiment too.

Over the next 27 years, BJ worked in a variety of policing roles across London. He gained real-life policing experience needed to understand and lead a police service.

After learning the ropes as a response police officer, BJ joined the Metropolitan Police Services’ specialist public order team, the Territorial Support Group (TSG). He became a Sergeant in 1996 and continued his promotion through the ranks. By October 2014, BJ had become Area Commander for Northwest London. He had gained operational policing experience in a variety of roles

From the start, BJ always had an interest in operational policing. In particular, public order policing. His passion for keeping people safe showed throughout his time with the MPS. This was demonstrated through the operational roles he undertook as he moved up through the policing ranks.

Roles included overseeing the policing of football crowds and the Notting Hill Carnival. Large scale protests, and the London 2012 Olympics. Not to mention the implementations of Safer Neighbourhood Teams. All this experience led him to become Commander for Public Order in London.

BJ also worked as one of the National Counter Terrorism Commanders.

In 2017, BJ was seconded to the role of Deputy Chief Constable for Essex Police. He took over as the Chief Constable in October 2018.

Utilising his wealth of policing experience, BJ has worked on building community confidence in Essex. Along with his Chief Officer team, he continues to shape a workforce representative of our diverse communities. A workforce that has the ability to meet what our communities need.

This has included making sure his officers, staff and volunteers have the equipment they need for 21st Century Policing,. This involved the modernisation of the force's IT capabilities.

BJ also continues to champion diversity, equality, and inclusion throughout the force. He is a firm ally for LGBTQ+ communities. He continues to lead on, and enhance, the force’s Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion strategy. The widely acclaimed ‘We Value Difference’ recruitment campaign gained plaudits from the College of Policing.

During his time as Essex Police Chief Constable, BJ has built a strong and capable command team. This has ensured the force has effectively dealt with significant and challenging events. This has included the unprecedented impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. The fatal stabbing of MP Sir David Amess by a terrorist. And the tragic death of 39 migrants found in a container lorry once it had reached Essex. This case resulted in the conviction and imprisonment of seven people for a total of more than 92 years.

Alongside his Chief Constable responsibilities, BJ is also the chair of the NPCC Operations Coordination Committee (NOCC). This committee has 13 wide-ranging national portfolios. It includes armed policing, public order and specialist areas such as aviation, maritime and roads policing. As part of this national responsibility, BJ also leads on the Joint Emergency Interoperability Programme (JESIP). This involves setting out how all emergency services work together to save lives and reduce harm.

He is also the president of the Essex Police Choir, Band and Sports Association.

BJ has a postgraduate diploma in Police Leadership from Leicester University. He is also a graduate of the Cabinet Office Leaders UK senior public service leadership programme.

The Essex Police Chief was awarded the Queen's Policing Medal (QPM) for Distinguished Service, as part of Queen Elizabeth's New Year's Honours in 2022.

BJ is married to a former police officer, has two teenage daughters and an annoying Spaniel.

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BJ Harrington QPM (Chief Constable)

Essex Police Chief Constable, Ben-Julian Harrington, or BJ, grew up in North London and attended St. Ignatius College in Enfield. He began his policing career with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in 1990. He served communities in and around Chingford and Walthamstow. BJ brought with him experience not only from his work with HM Customs and Excise, but his skills as a reserve soldier in the Parachute Regiment too.

Over the next 27 years, BJ worked in a variety of policing roles across London. He gained real-life policing experience needed to understand and lead a police service.

After learning the ropes as a response police officer, BJ joined the Metropolitan Police Services’ specialist public order team, the Territorial Support Group (TSG). He became a Sergeant in 1996 and continued his promotion through the ranks. By October 2014, BJ had become Area Commander for Northwest London. He had gained operational policing experience in a variety of roles

From the start, BJ always had an interest in operational policing. In particular, public order policing. His passion for keeping people safe showed throughout his time with the MPS. This was demonstrated through the operational roles he undertook as he moved up through the policing ranks.

Roles included overseeing the policing of football crowds and the Notting Hill Carnival. Large scale protests, and the London 2012 Olympics. Not to mention the implementations of Safer Neighbourhood Teams. All this experience led him to become Commander for Public Order in London.

BJ also worked as one of the National Counter Terrorism Commanders.

In 2017, BJ was seconded to the role of Deputy Chief Constable for Essex Police. He took over as the Chief Constable in October 2018.

Utilising his wealth of policing experience, BJ has worked on building community confidence in Essex. Along with his Chief Officer team, he continues to shape a workforce representative of our diverse communities. A workforce that has the ability to meet what our communities need.

This has included making sure his officers, staff and volunteers have the equipment they need for 21st Century Policing,. This involved the modernisation of the force's IT capabilities.

BJ also continues to champion diversity, equality, and inclusion throughout the force. He is a firm ally for LGBTQ+ communities. He continues to lead on, and enhance, the force’s Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion strategy. The widely acclaimed ‘We Value Difference’ recruitment campaign gained plaudits from the College of Policing.

During his time as Essex Police Chief Constable, BJ has built a strong and capable command team. This has ensured the force has effectively dealt with significant and challenging events. This has included the unprecedented impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. The fatal stabbing of MP Sir David Amess by a terrorist. And the tragic death of 39 migrants found in a container lorry once it had reached Essex. This case resulted in the conviction and imprisonment of seven people for a total of more than 92 years.

Alongside his Chief Constable responsibilities, BJ is also the chair of the NPCC Operations Coordination Committee (NOCC). This committee has 13 wide-ranging national portfolios. It includes armed policing, public order and specialist areas such as aviation, maritime and roads policing. As part of this national responsibility, BJ also leads on the Joint Emergency Interoperability Programme (JESIP). This involves setting out how all emergency services work together to save lives and reduce harm.

He is also the president of the Essex Police Choir, Band and Sports Association.

BJ has a postgraduate diploma in Police Leadership from Leicester University. He is also a graduate of the Cabinet Office Leaders UK senior public service leadership programme.

The Essex Police Chief was awarded the Queen's Policing Medal (QPM) for Distinguished Service, as part of Queen Elizabeth's New Year's Honours in 2022.

BJ is married to a former police officer, has two teenage daughters and an annoying Spaniel.

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BJ Harrington QPM (Chief Constable)

Essex Police Chief Constable, Ben-Julian Harrington, or BJ, grew up in North London and attended St. Ignatius College in Enfield. He began his policing career with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in 1990. He served communities in and around Chingford and Walthamstow. BJ brought with him experience not only from his work with HM Customs and Excise, but his skills as a reserve soldier in the Parachute Regiment too.

Over the next 27 years, BJ worked in a variety of policing roles across London. He gained real-life policing experience needed to understand and lead a police service.

After learning the ropes as a response police officer, BJ joined the Metropolitan Police Services’ specialist public order team, the Territorial Support Group (TSG). He became a Sergeant in 1996 and continued his promotion through the ranks. By October 2014, BJ had become Area Commander for Northwest London. He had gained operational policing experience in a variety of roles

From the start, BJ always had an interest in operational policing. In particular, public order policing. His passion for keeping people safe showed throughout his time with the MPS. This was demonstrated through the operational roles he undertook as he moved up through the policing ranks.

Roles included overseeing the policing of football crowds and the Notting Hill Carnival. Large scale protests, and the London 2012 Olympics. Not to mention the implementations of Safer Neighbourhood Teams. All this experience led him to become Commander for Public Order in London.

BJ also worked as one of the National Counter Terrorism Commanders.

In 2017, BJ was seconded to the role of Deputy Chief Constable for Essex Police. He took over as the Chief Constable in October 2018.

Utilising his wealth of policing experience, BJ has worked on building community confidence in Essex. Along with his Chief Officer team, he continues to shape a workforce representative of our diverse communities. A workforce that has the ability to meet what our communities need.

This has included making sure his officers, staff and volunteers have the equipment they need for 21st Century Policing,. This involved the modernisation of the force's IT capabilities.

BJ also continues to champion diversity, equality, and inclusion throughout the force. He is a firm ally for LGBTQ+ communities. He continues to lead on, and enhance, the force’s Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion strategy. The widely acclaimed ‘We Value Difference’ recruitment campaign gained plaudits from the College of Policing.

During his time as Essex Police Chief Constable, BJ has built a strong and capable command team. This has ensured the force has effectively dealt with significant and challenging events. This has included the unprecedented impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. The fatal stabbing of MP Sir David Amess by a terrorist. And the tragic death of 39 migrants found in a container lorry once it had reached Essex. This case resulted in the conviction and imprisonment of seven people for a total of more than 92 years.

Alongside his Chief Constable responsibilities, BJ is also the chair of the NPCC Operations Coordination Committee (NOCC). This committee has 13 wide-ranging national portfolios. It includes armed policing, public order and specialist areas such as aviation, maritime and roads policing. As part of this national responsibility, BJ also leads on the Joint Emergency Interoperability Programme (JESIP). This involves setting out how all emergency services work together to save lives and reduce harm.

He is also the president of the Essex Police Choir, Band and Sports Association.

BJ has a postgraduate diploma in Police Leadership from Leicester University. He is also a graduate of the Cabinet Office Leaders UK senior public service leadership programme.

The Essex Police Chief was awarded the Queen's Policing Medal (QPM) for Distinguished Service, as part of Queen Elizabeth's New Year's Honours in 2022.

BJ is married to a former police officer, has two teenage daughters and an annoying Spaniel.

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BJ Harrington QPM (Chief Constable)

Essex Police Chief Constable, Ben-Julian Harrington, or BJ, grew up in North London and attended St. Ignatius College in Enfield. He began his policing career with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in 1990. He served communities in and around Chingford and Walthamstow. BJ brought with him experience not only from his work with HM Customs and Excise, but his skills as a reserve soldier in the Parachute Regiment too.

Over the next 27 years, BJ worked in a variety of policing roles across London. He gained real-life policing experience needed to understand and lead a police service.

After learning the ropes as a response police officer, BJ joined the Metropolitan Police Services’ specialist public order team, the Territorial Support Group (TSG). He became a Sergeant in 1996 and continued his promotion through the ranks. By October 2014, BJ had become Area Commander for Northwest London. He had gained operational policing experience in a variety of roles

From the start, BJ always had an interest in operational policing. In particular, public order policing. His passion for keeping people safe showed throughout his time with the MPS. This was demonstrated through the operational roles he undertook as he moved up through the policing ranks.

Roles included overseeing the policing of football crowds and the Notting Hill Carnival. Large scale protests, and the London 2012 Olympics. Not to mention the implementations of Safer Neighbourhood Teams. All this experience led him to become Commander for Public Order in London.

BJ also worked as one of the National Counter Terrorism Commanders.

In 2017, BJ was seconded to the role of Deputy Chief Constable for Essex Police. He took over as the Chief Constable in October 2018.

Utilising his wealth of policing experience, BJ has worked on building community confidence in Essex. Along with his Chief Officer team, he continues to shape a workforce representative of our diverse communities. A workforce that has the ability to meet what our communities need.

This has included making sure his officers, staff and volunteers have the equipment they need for 21st Century Policing,. This involved the modernisation of the force's IT capabilities.

BJ also continues to champion diversity, equality, and inclusion throughout the force. He is a firm ally for LGBTQ+ communities. He continues to lead on, and enhance, the force’s Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion strategy. The widely acclaimed ‘We Value Difference’ recruitment campaign gained plaudits from the College of Policing.

During his time as Essex Police Chief Constable, BJ has built a strong and capable command team. This has ensured the force has effectively dealt with significant and challenging events. This has included the unprecedented impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. The fatal stabbing of MP Sir David Amess by a terrorist. And the tragic death of 39 migrants found in a container lorry once it had reached Essex. This case resulted in the conviction and imprisonment of seven people for a total of more than 92 years.

Alongside his Chief Constable responsibilities, BJ is also the chair of the NPCC Operations Coordination Committee (NOCC). This committee has 13 wide-ranging national portfolios. It includes armed policing, public order and specialist areas such as aviation, maritime and roads policing. As part of this national responsibility, BJ also leads on the Joint Emergency Interoperability Programme (JESIP). This involves setting out how all emergency services work together to save lives and reduce harm.

He is also the president of the Essex Police Choir, Band and Sports Association.

BJ has a postgraduate diploma in Police Leadership from Leicester University. He is also a graduate of the Cabinet Office Leaders UK senior public service leadership programme.

The Essex Police Chief was awarded the Queen's Policing Medal (QPM) for Distinguished Service, as part of Queen Elizabeth's New Year's Honours in 2022.

BJ is married to a former police officer, has two teenage daughters and an annoying Spaniel.

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BJ Harrington QPM (Chief Constable)

Essex Police Chief Constable, Ben-Julian Harrington, or BJ, grew up in North London and attended St. Ignatius College in Enfield. He began his policing career with the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) in 1990. He served communities in and around Chingford and Walthamstow. BJ brought with him experience not only from his work with HM Customs and Excise, but his skills as a reserve soldier in the Parachute Regiment too.

Over the next 27 years, BJ worked in a variety of policing roles across London. He gained real-life policing experience needed to understand and lead a police service.

After learning the ropes as a response police officer, BJ joined the Metropolitan Police Services’ specialist public order team, the Territorial Support Group (TSG). He became a Sergeant in 1996 and continued his promotion through the ranks. By October 2014, BJ had become Area Commander for Northwest London. He had gained operational policing experience in a variety of roles

From the start, BJ always had an interest in operational policing. In particular, public order policing. His passion for keeping people safe showed throughout his time with the MPS. This was demonstrated through the operational roles he undertook as he moved up through the policing ranks.

Roles included overseeing the policing of football crowds and the Notting Hill Carnival. Large scale protests, and the London 2012 Olympics. Not to mention the implementations of Safer Neighbourhood Teams. All this experience led him to become Commander for Public Order in London.

BJ also worked as one of the National Counter Terrorism Commanders.

In 2017, BJ was seconded to the role of Deputy Chief Constable for Essex Police. He took over as the Chief Constable in October 2018.

Utilising his wealth of policing experience, BJ has worked on building community confidence in Essex. Along with his Chief Officer team, he continues to shape a workforce representative of our diverse communities. A workforce that has the ability to meet what our communities need.

This has included making sure his officers, staff and volunteers have the equipment they need for 21st Century Policing,. This involved the modernisation of the force's IT capabilities.

BJ also continues to champion diversity, equality, and inclusion throughout the force. He is a firm ally for LGBTQ+ communities. He continues to lead on, and enhance, the force’s Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion strategy. The widely acclaimed ‘We Value Difference’ recruitment campaign gained plaudits from the College of Policing.

During his time as Essex Police Chief Constable, BJ has built a strong and capable command team. This has ensured the force has effectively dealt with significant and challenging events. This has included the unprecedented impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. The fatal stabbing of MP Sir David Amess by a terrorist. And the tragic death of 39 migrants found in a container lorry once it had reached Essex. This case resulted in the conviction and imprisonment of seven people for a total of more than 92 years.

Alongside his Chief Constable responsibilities, BJ is also the chair of the NPCC Operations Coordination Committee (NOCC). This committee has 13 wide-ranging national portfolios. It includes armed policing, public order and specialist areas such as aviation, maritime and roads policing. As part of this national responsibility, BJ also leads on the Joint Emergency Interoperability Programme (JESIP). This involves setting out how all emergency services work together to save lives and reduce harm.

He is also the president of the Essex Police Choir, Band and Sports Association.

BJ has a postgraduate diploma in Police Leadership from Leicester University. He is also a graduate of the Cabinet Office Leaders UK senior public service leadership programme.

The Essex Police Chief was awarded the Queen's Policing Medal (QPM) for Distinguished Service, as part of Queen Elizabeth's New Year's Honours in 2022.

BJ is married to a former police officer, has two teenage daughters and an annoying Spaniel.

Neighbourhood Officer Details

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Emily Holmes (Inspector)

I’m Inspector Emily Holmes. I’m one of the inspectors responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Chelmsford and Maldon Districts. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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James Nickless (Police Constable)

I'm PC James Nickless. I'm one of the officers responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Chelmsford South Neighbourhood. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Paul Ballard (Chief Inspector)

I’m Chief Inspector Paul Ballard. I’m the District Commander in the Chelmsford and Maldon Districts. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Sarah Jeans (Sergeant)

I’m Sergeant Sarah Jeans. I’m one of the sergeants responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Chelmsford district. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Scott Smith (Police Constable )

I'm PC Scott Smith. I'm one of the Community Safety Engagement Officers for the Chelmsford District. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Emily Holmes (Inspector)

I’m Inspector Emily Holmes. I’m one of the inspectors responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Chelmsford and Maldon Districts. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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James Nickless (Police Constable)

I'm PC James Nickless. I'm one of the officers responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Chelmsford South Neighbourhood. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Paul Ballard (Chief Inspector)

I’m Chief Inspector Paul Ballard. I’m the District Commander in the Chelmsford and Maldon Districts. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Sarah Jeans (Sergeant)

I’m Sergeant Sarah Jeans. I’m one of the sergeants responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Chelmsford district. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Scott Smith (Police Constable )

I'm PC Scott Smith. I'm one of the Community Safety Engagement Officers for the Chelmsford District. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Emily Holmes (Inspector)

I’m Inspector Emily Holmes. I’m one of the inspectors responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Chelmsford and Maldon Districts. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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James Nickless (Police Constable)

I'm PC James Nickless. I'm one of the officers responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Chelmsford South Neighbourhood. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Paul Ballard (Chief Inspector)

I’m Chief Inspector Paul Ballard. I’m the District Commander in the Chelmsford and Maldon Districts. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Sarah Jeans (Sergeant)

I’m Sergeant Sarah Jeans. I’m one of the sergeants responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Chelmsford district. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Scott Smith (Police Constable )

I'm PC Scott Smith. I'm one of the Community Safety Engagement Officers for the Chelmsford District. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Aaron Homatopoulos (Chief Inspector)

I’m Chief Inspector Aaron Homatopoulos. I’m the District Commander in the Chelmsford and Maldon Districts. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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James Nickless (Police Constable)

I'm PC James Nickless. I'm one of the officers responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Chelmsford South Neighbourhood. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Sarah Jeans (Sergeant)

I’m Sergeant Sarah Jeans. I’m one of the sergeants responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Chelmsford district. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Aaron Homatopoulos (Chief Inspector)

I’m Chief Inspector Aaron Homatopoulos. I’m the District Commander in the Chelmsford and Maldon Districts. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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James Nickless (Police Constable)

I'm PC James Nickless. I'm one of the officers responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Chelmsford South Neighbourhood. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Matthew May (Inspector)

I’m Inspector Matthew May. I’m one of the inspectors responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Chelmsford and Maldon Districts. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

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Sarah Jeans (Sergeant)

I’m Sergeant Sarah Jeans. I’m one of the sergeants responsible for neighbourhood policing in the Chelmsford district. You can reach my team directly by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ tab.

Priorities

25 Sep 2025

Local people in the Chelmsford district have said they are concerned about violent crime.

Response (25 Sep 2025)

In places where violent crime has been reported, our officers are spending more time on patrol to help stop incidents and respond quickly when needed. This includes dealing with problems linked to nightlife, such as in bars, clubs, and busy public areas.

We also use new tools like live facial recognition to help identify people involved in crime and make sure they are held responsible.

Alongside local organisations like Chelmsford City Council, we continue to work together to spot and deal with ongoing issues in our communities.

25 Sep 2025

Although residential burglary is decreasing in our neighbourhoods, we understand it remains a concern for many residents.

Response (25 Sep 2025)

Reducing residential burglary remains a priority for our officers. We regularly share crime prevention advice and keep residents informed about emerging trends, helping them take steps to protect themselves. In the event of a burglary, we remain committed to responding swiftly to reports and conducting thorough investigations. Our officers will continue to patrol our neighbourhoods to deter criminal activity and provide visible reassurance to the community. Our Neighbourhood Policing Team also visit different places and community groups in the area to give advice on how to stay safe and hand out free safety items.

25 Sep 2025

Although vehicle crime is decreasing, it remains a key concern for residents in the Chelmsford district.

Response (25 Sep 2025)

We know vehicle crime can cause a lot of worry, and we understand why it’s a concern for local people. Our officers keep an eye on new trends and share useful tips with residents to help protect their vehicles and avoid becoming victims. We also work with partners like Chelmsford City Council to patrol areas where our data shows vehicle crime is happening.

28 Jan 2026

Local people in the Chelmsford district have said they are concerned about violent crime.

Response (28 Jan 2026)

In areas where violent crime has been reported, our officers are increasing patrols to prevent incidents and respond quickly when needed. This includes addressing issues linked to the night-time economy, such as those occurring in bars, clubs, and busy public spaces.

We are also using innovative tools, including live facial recognition technology, to help identify individuals involved in crime and ensure they are held accountable.

Working alongside local organisations such as Chelmsford City Council, we remain committed to identifying and tackling ongoing issues within our communities. Through partnership and proactive policing, we aim to make Chelmsford a safer place for everyone.

28 Jan 2026

Although residential burglary is decreasing in our neighbourhoods, we understand it remains a concern for many residents.

Response (28 Jan 2026)

Reducing residential burglary remains a key priority for our officers. We regularly share crime prevention advice and keep residents informed about emerging trends, helping them take practical steps to protect their homes.
The impact of burglary is not just financial, it can significantly affect emotional wellbeing and a person’s sense of security. We understand the importance of tackling this crime and supporting victims throughout the process.
In the event of a burglary, we remain committed to responding swiftly to reports and conducting thorough investigations. Our officers will continue to patrol neighbourhoods to deter criminal activity and provide visible reassurance to the community.

28 Jan 2026

Although vehicle crime is decreasing, it remains a key concern for residents in the Chelmsford district.

Response (28 Jan 2026)

We understand that vehicle crime causes real concern for local communities, and we know why it matters. Our officers monitor emerging trends and share practical advice with residents to help them protect their vehicles and reduce the risk of becoming victims.
Working closely with partners such as Chelmsford City Council, we carry out targeted patrols in areas identified through data as vehicle crime hotspots. We also listen to our communities and collaborate with Neighbourhood Watch coordinators to tackle car crime and promote simple, effective prevention techniques.
Through proactive policing, partnership work, and community engagement, we aim to reduce vehicle crime and provide reassurance to residents.

28 Jan 2026

Local people in the Chelmsford district have said they are concerned about violent crime.

Response (28 Jan 2026)

In areas where violent crime has been reported, our officers are increasing patrols to prevent incidents and respond quickly when needed. This includes addressing issues linked to the night-time economy, such as those occurring in bars, clubs, and busy public spaces.

We are also using innovative tools, including live facial recognition technology, to help identify individuals involved in crime and ensure they are held accountable.

Working alongside local organisations such as Chelmsford City Council, we remain committed to identifying and tackling ongoing issues within our communities. Through partnership and proactive policing, we aim to make Chelmsford a safer place for everyone.

28 Jan 2026

Although residential burglary is decreasing in our neighbourhoods, we understand it remains a concern for many residents.

Response (28 Jan 2026)

Reducing residential burglary remains a key priority for our officers. We regularly share crime prevention advice and keep residents informed about emerging trends, helping them take practical steps to protect their homes.
The impact of burglary is not just financial, it can significantly affect emotional wellbeing and a person’s sense of security. We understand the importance of tackling this crime and supporting victims throughout the process.
In the event of a burglary, we remain committed to responding swiftly to reports and conducting thorough investigations. Our officers will continue to patrol neighbourhoods to deter criminal activity and provide visible reassurance to the community.

28 Jan 2026

Although vehicle crime is decreasing, it remains a key concern for residents in the Chelmsford district.

Response (28 Jan 2026)

We understand that vehicle crime causes real concern for local communities, and we know why it matters. Our officers monitor emerging trends and share practical advice with residents to help them protect their vehicles and reduce the risk of becoming victims.
Working closely with partners such as Chelmsford City Council, we carry out targeted patrols in areas identified through data as vehicle crime hotspots. We also listen to our communities and collaborate with Neighbourhood Watch coordinators to tackle car crime and promote simple, effective prevention techniques.
Through proactive policing, partnership work, and community engagement, we aim to reduce vehicle crime and provide reassurance to residents.

2 Jul 2026

Concerns from residents about antisocial behaviour (ASB) in hotspot areas across Chelmsford and Maldon, including town centres, retail and night-time economy areas, residential neighbourhoods, estates, parks and public spaces, waterfront and seafront locations, and rural communities, where repeat nuisance ASB and some drug-related activity have been reported.

Response (2 Jul 2026)

We’ve been listening to our residents and understand the impact Anti-Social behaviour can have on daily life and people’s sense of safety.

In response, we will increase high-visibility patrols in these identified hotspot locations, supported by targeted activity.

We will focus on areas where there are ongoing concerns, particularly around youth-related Anti-Social behaviour, nuisance behaviour and drug-related activity. We will deliver problem-solving plans, work with partners to address persistent locations and use early intervention and referrals to prevent escalation.

Officers will continue to use local intelligence and partner data to direct activity where repeat demand is highest.

2 Jul 2026

Concerns from residents regarding vehicle theft in higher-risk locations across Chelmsford and Maldon, including town centre car parks, residential neighbourhoods, estates, commuter and transport hubs, key road networks, and rural areas vulnerable to acquisitive crime.

Response (2 Jul 2026)

We have been listening to concerns and recognise the disruption vehicle theft causes within our communities.

In response, we will carry out targeted patrols and enforcement activity in these identified locations and along key road networks, focusing on known hotspots and repeat victims.

We will deliver intelligence-led activity, including proactive enforcement, to disrupt criminal behaviour.

Alongside enforcement, we will work with residents and businesses to provide clear crime prevention advice and promote simple measures to reduce risk.

2 Jul 2026

Concerns about safety within night-time economy areas, particularly Chelmsford city centre (licensed premises, high-footfall streets, transport hubs, late-night venues) and Maldon town centre, where demand linked to violence and disorder is highest.

Response (2 Jul 2026)

We understand how important it is that people feel safe when visiting our city and town centres, particularly during the night-time economy.

In response, we will increase high-visibility patrols during peak evening and night-time periods within these locations, focusing on preventing violence and disorder.

We will work closely with partners, including councils and local businesses, to deliver coordinated activity and targeted nights of action.

This will include proactive patrols, enforcement and engagement to deter offending and respond quickly to incidents.

2 Jul 2026

Concerns from residents about burglary and protecting homes and businesses where vulnerability and repeat victimisation have been identified.

Response (2 Jul 2026)

We know burglary can have a significant and lasting impact on victims and communities.

In response, we will deliver proactive patrols in affected residential, rural and business locations and target those responsible for offending.

We will use intelligence and analysis to identify patterns, repeat locations and linked offences and focus enforcement activity where it will have the greatest impact.

2 Jul 2026

Concerns from residents about antisocial behaviour (ASB) in hotspot areas across Chelmsford and Maldon, including town centres, retail and night-time economy areas, residential neighbourhoods, estates, parks and public spaces, waterfront and seafront locations, and rural communities, where repeat nuisance ASB and some drug-related activity have been reported.

Response (2 Jul 2026)

We’ve been listening to our residents and understand the impact Anti-Social behaviour can have on daily life and people’s sense of safety.

In response, we will increase high-visibility patrols in these identified hotspot locations, supported by targeted activity.

We will focus on areas where there are ongoing concerns, particularly around youth-related Anti-Social behaviour, nuisance behaviour and drug-related activity. We will deliver problem-solving plans, work with partners to address persistent locations and use early intervention and referrals to prevent escalation.

Officers will continue to use local intelligence and partner data to direct activity where repeat demand is highest.

2 Jul 2026

Concerns from residents regarding vehicle theft in higher-risk locations across Chelmsford and Maldon, including town centre car parks, residential neighbourhoods, estates, commuter and transport hubs, key road networks, and rural areas vulnerable to acquisitive crime.

Response (2 Jul 2026)

We have been listening to concerns and recognise the disruption vehicle theft causes within our communities.

In response, we will carry out targeted patrols and enforcement activity in these identified locations and along key road networks, focusing on known hotspots and repeat victims.

We will deliver intelligence-led activity, including proactive enforcement, to disrupt criminal behaviour.

Alongside enforcement, we will work with residents and businesses to provide clear crime prevention advice and promote simple measures to reduce risk.

2 Jul 2026

Concerns about safety within night-time economy areas, particularly Chelmsford city centre (licensed premises, high-footfall streets, transport hubs, late-night venues) and Maldon town centre, where demand linked to violence and disorder is highest.

Response (2 Jul 2026)

We understand how important it is that people feel safe when visiting our city and town centres, particularly during the night-time economy.

In response, we will increase high-visibility patrols during peak evening and night-time periods within these locations, focusing on preventing violence and disorder.

We will work closely with partners, including councils and local businesses, to deliver coordinated activity and targeted nights of action.

This will include proactive patrols, enforcement and engagement to deter offending and respond quickly to incidents.

2 Jul 2026

Concerns from residents about burglary and protecting homes and businesses where vulnerability and repeat victimisation have been identified.

Response (2 Jul 2026)

We know burglary can have a significant and lasting impact on victims and communities.

In response, we will deliver proactive patrols in affected residential, rural and business locations and target those responsible for offending.

We will use intelligence and analysis to identify patterns, repeat locations and linked offences and focus enforcement activity where it will have the greatest impact.

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