BOBBIES on the beat in town centres have held the thin blue line against criminals.

In the year since Essex Police launched its town centre team initiative, the 58 officers which make up the teams have made more than 1,000 arrests and led the force in at least 2,000 investigations.

By having a smaller area to cover, the officers have been able to spend more time talking to residents about their concerns and then taking necessary action.

Day-to-day activities for the officers have included catching drug dealers, shoplifters, people carrying weapons, as well as putting a stop to anti-social behaviour.

The Colchester Town Centre Team caught two burglars with the help of CCTV.

Jamie Barnes, 39, broke into Ernest Jones in Culver Square in May last year and stole 18 watches worth more than £20,000.

PC Darin Patrick identified Barnes from camera footage. He was jailed for two years and two months after admitting burglary.

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  • Jamie Barnes

When Holland and Barrett in Culver Square was burgled in February, CCTV also helped the team identify the offender, John Birch.

The 41-year-old, of no fixed address, was arrested the following day and was jailed for 16 months after admitting the burglary.

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  • John Birch

District commander Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston said: “The dedicated team understand our town centre and working closely with partners they are able to effectively tackle issues and provide a visible reassuring presence.

“They have had a number of successes and put in place measures to prevent offenders returning to the town centre.

“They have worked with partners to support vulnerable people and reduced aggressive street begging, and working with licensing teams, the SOS Bus and Street Pastors, they have reduced issues related to the night time economy.”

The team has worked with organisations across the town to tackle a wide range of issues including working with partners to support the homeless community, helping them secure accommodation and manage issues with substance misuse.

So far, 49 people have been referred to the multi-agency project.

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  • The Colchester team

The team has also helped vulnerable people who are at risk of being exploited by criminals and have helped Colchester Borough Homes with four closure orders on homes where there have been reports of persistent anti-social behaviour and drugs activity.

Tackling anti-social behaviour related to persistent aggressive street begging, street drinking and drugs has also been tackled.

Essex Police said over the past year the team has also spent more than 5,200 hours on high visibility patrols, carried out eight warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act at addresses in the town centre, made 140 arrests and issued seven community protection warnings and ten community protection notices.

They have also secured three criminal behaviour orders against prolific offenders.

Venues across Essex have worked with the teams to accommodate the use of knife arches to detect weapons and to raise awareness of the dangers of carrying knives.

Mike Lilley, Colchester councillor responsible for communities, wellbeing and public safety, said: “By working with all of its partners, including the council’s neighbourhood and community safety teams, the town centre police team has had a really positive impact in Colchester.

“This is a fantastic example of community partnership working which has been a huge asset during recent weeks as the town centre has started to re-open following lockdown.”