Essex Council trials private security patrols in town centres

Essex County Council has begun a three-month trial of private security patrols in the town centres of Braintree, Colchester, and Chelmsford. The initiative, named Operation Vanguard, involves six security operatives patrolling the areas. This measure follows concerns raised by residents, particularly regarding gatherings of male migrants in town centres.

The trial was announced after the Home Office informed Braintree District Council of plans to increase the capacity of the former RAF Wethersfield airbase, which houses asylum seekers, to 1,245 people. Some asylum seekers travel to surrounding areas by bus. Reform UK stated that Operation Vanguard is a direct response to concerns about male migrants in town centres, particularly from women and girls.

Resident and Security Firm Reactions

Public reaction to the patrols has been divided. Patricia Crowhurst, 78, a support worker in Braintree, questioned the use of funds, suggesting the money could be better allocated to the police. Sheila Clark, 66, a part-time carer, expressed more concern about drug-related issues in the town and stated she felt safer with the security patrols present.

Louise Edwards, 39, a carer, believes the patrols will act as a deterrent, stating, "The world's not as it used to be." Jordan Taylor, 25, from Braintree, called it a "great idea" and suggested it would prevent crime.

Andy Cullen, an area manager for the security firm My Local Bobby, confirmed that the operatives in Braintree were wearing stab vests. He stated that operatives can perform a citizen's arrest if they witness a crime, but added that the firm had not been instructed to focus on migrants. "It's really about providing that safer, smiley community, that's what we want," Cullen told the Standard.

Funding and Costs

Operation Vanguard is being funded through a drawdown of up to £150,000 from a community improvement fund. The three-month trial is anticipated to cost approximately £118,000 plus VAT, according to Reform UK.

The security operatives are equipped with stab vests and have the authority to perform citizen's arrests. The trial is scheduled to run for an initial three-month period.