INCREASING police visibility and slashing violence are top of the agenda for Southend's new district commander as he takes on the new role.

Chief Insp Dave Browning, who has spent 27 years with Essex Police, has taken the lead from Jo Collins following her retirement last month.

Leading Essex Police's response in the city, Mr Browning has pledged to increase police visibility, reduce violence, improve the crime solved rate and enhance public awareness of police activities.

In the last year, reports of crime have decreased by 6.3 per cent, with 1,215 fewer offences reported while reports of anti-social behaviour also falling by 13.9 per cent.

Despite the reported fall, residents in Southend have repeatedly claimed it "does not feel" like crime is down after a series of high-profile incidents - including a machete fight on the seafront after a "beach party" in the summer as well as an incident last month where men were filmed fighting with knives.

Mr Browning said: “Southend is a vibrant area and I’m delighted to be the new District Commander.

“There will be challenges but I want to continue the positive work of my predecessors and I’ve already been out talking to the public and community groups to gauge their views about what they think we could do better.

“We know people want to see officers on the streets and we’re already putting plans in place to increase visibility, such as changing how the Town Centre Team work to maximise the number of officers out on patrol.

“I also want us to continue reducing violence. Violent incidents are down by nine per cent and knife crime is down, but I understand the public perception may not reflect that.”

Mr Browning, who has spent almost his entire career in the south of the county, mainly as a detective in public protection in Southend and Basildon, also praised the strong relationship between the police, the council, and other public service.

He said: “People and business owners are rightly very proud of Southend and very protective of it. We will be working together to do all we can to make it the city and surrounding areas the best they can be for residents and visitors.”

He also highlighted the need for better communication with the public, adding: “At the moment, just under 50 per cent of people surveyed say they feel well informed about what the force is doing.

“We can improve on that, so I’d like to encourage as many people as possible to sign up to our Dispatch e-newsletter and follow our Facebook page. Also, if you see our officers out on patrol, please go and say hello. Tell them if you have concerns and they will act on them.

“We are here to help you and protect you.”