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Town centre police operation hailed a success
An operation to tackle anti-social behaviour and drug-related crime in Harlow town centre has been hailed a success with 45 arrests in six months.
During the operation, which ran from July to December, police also used stop and search powers 170 times, seized a variety of weapons and drugs and executed four drugs warrants at addresses in the town centre.
Officers also issued three Community Protection Warnings, one Community Protection Notice and have applied to magistrates for two Criminal Behaviour Orders restricting access to the town centre for those committing offences or responsible for anti-social behaviour.
In response to community concerns, Harlow town centre has a dedicated police officer and PCSO along with three community support officers from Harlow Council.
Over the six months foot patrols by uniformed and plain clothes officers have been increased, and with the support of the council CCTV coverage has been improved.
There has also been a knife arch operation at Harlow College.
Officers continue to hold regular partnership meetings with Harlow Council and representatives from the Water Gardens and Harvey Centre.
Inspector Tony Walker, of Harlow’s Community Policing Team, said: “We remain committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and drug-related crime in our town centre.
“We have listened to the community’s concerns and we have acted, with a fall in crime in the town centre especially with theft offences.
“There has been dramatic drop in shoplifting offences in January this year compared to last year with 124 fewer incidents.
“We want to continue to build on the success of this operation and we plan to continue with our visible patrols while targeting specific individuals who commit crime and anti-social behaviour."
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