A “SAFE zone” created at the top of Southend High Street has helped vulnerable people more than “23,000 times” in just six months as reports of violence and sex offences city plummet. 

Essex Police’s “Southend safe space” was launched in July and will run on Friday and Saturday nights from 8pm until 4am throughout winter to support anyone in need. 

The safe space was set up after women and girls reported feeling unsafe walking along the High Street, with “nowhere to go” for help. 

According to Essex Police, reported incidents of violence in Southend have dropped by 20 percent in the last 12 months. Sexual offences are down by 19.6 percent, and incidents of anti-social behaviour have almost halved.

Echo: The Safe Space is situated at the top of Southend High Street.The Safe Space is situated at the top of Southend High Street. (Image: Essex Police)

Det Supt Gary Biddle said: “The ultimate aim is for people to feel safe, and we know from the public response that it’s having a positive impact.

“People who have travelled through that area have told us they feel reassured. They like the presence of the Safe Space and want it to continue.”

Officers working ay the safe space have also made 14 arrests, seized five weapons, and helped several people stranded in the city, or who needed safeguarding or medical assistance.

It is staffed by members of Southend Community Policing Team, Southend Council’s community safety officers, representatives of drug and alcohol charity Open Road, and street pastors.

The initiative was developed by the team behind Operation Grip, a Home Office-funded pilot that uses high-visibility hotspot patrols to prevent crime. Grip officers worked with Southend CPT to look at an innovative solution to deter criminality and help people feel safe in the city centre.

The success of Southend’s safe space has now led to similar operations in Basildon and Colchester.

Det Supt Biddle added: “I’d encourage anyone who’s out in Southend to come and have a chat with us. We’ll tell you what Safe Space is all about and you can find out more about what other help and services are available to you locally.”