Essex Police praised by Home Secretary

HOME Secretary Theresa May has praised the work of Essex Police after new figures showed the serious crime rate in Harlow had dropped over the last year.

During a debate at the House of Commons, Harlow MP Robert Halfon said there had been fewer incidents of violence, criminal damage, burglaries,  harassment and anti-social behavior in the town over the past year.

Home secretary Theresa May with Essex Police Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle and Harlow Mp Rob Halfon

He then asked the Home Secretary to pay tribute to Essex Police, adding: "Does this not show that community led policing, with limited resources, does make a difference?"

Mrs May replied: "I am indeed happy to  pay a tribute to Essex Police and the work that they have been doing in [Mr Halfon’s] constituency and others, which are covered by Essex Police.

 "I think we do indeed see the value of community lead policing and that is why chief constables up and down the country are making every effort to ensure they get police officers out of back office posts and actually out into the front line which is where people want to see them."

Speaking after the debate, Mr Halfon called the latest crime figures a "credit" to Harlow’s police officers, special constabulary and community support officers.

He also praised the volunteers who provide the Street Pastor project, offering kerbside assistance to late night revellers in the town.

Harlow district commander Chief Inspector Ben Hodder said the force would continue to work with local partners to reduce all types of crime and anti social behaviour in the town

"Obviously we are pleased with these figures and will continue to work hard to reduce those numbers further," he added.