Castle Point and Rochford operation launched to keep parks safe

Operation Green Space has been running since the end of June and sees Community Policing Team (CPT) officers conducting patrols of 12 parks to provide a highly visible presence and engage with those enjoying the outdoors.

The CPT have been heading to the public spaces at busy times and making themselves known as young people said they would feel safer if they saw more officers in the parks and wanted to talk to them when they were there.

Inspector David Kealy of Castle Point Rochford CPT devised the operation.

Safeguarding - PC Ian Risden, Essex police volunteer Active Citizen Robert Baillie and PCSO Kurt Cornwell on patrol. (Image: Essex Police)

He said: “We received reports of behaviour in parks that was unacceptable, and the public told us they sometimes felt unsafe in those areas.

“The parks are for everyone to enjoy, nobody should be intimidated.

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“The officers are out there interacting with people, gathering intelligence, and disrupting any anti-social behaviour.  

“Their presence deters people from causing trouble, and those people using the park for leisure know we are there should anything happen.”

Incidents of anti-social behaviour fell by 21 per cent in Castle Point and 28 per cent in Rochford from in the 12 months to June, with 408 fewer incidents reported.

Insp Kealy added: “The feedback has been really positive. Families have appreciated seeing us and people feel reassured.

“It’s hugely important that we act on the public’s concerns. We are there to serve the community and if we are being told there is a problem, we can build a picture of what is going on.

“We are working hard to combat anti-social behaviour and the latest figures are encouraging but I still believe anti-social behaviour is being underreported.”

The public spaces where Operation Green Space is in place are King George V Park in Rayleigh, Clements Hall and Magnolia Park in Hawkwell, King George’s Field in Ashingdon, Rochford Recreation Ground and Rochford Reservoir, John Burrows Park in Hadleigh, Woodside Park and Tarpots Recreation Park in Benfleet, and Thorney Bay Park, Kismet Park, and King George V Playing Field in Canvey.