Police update
From Acting Inspector Tom Simons, Essex Police
"With Christmas and the New Year behind us it is time to look forward to the summer months. I have been in charge of the Loughton Policing Team for over a year now, and have enjoyed what is a challenging and varied role. When I first started the job, many residents voiced concerns over the fast rate of change of the management policing team within the district. I would like to reinforce my initial view when taking up this position, that the role demands a sustained tenure to fully appreciate the issues facing our community. I look forward to working together for the coming year.
During the course of the last twelve months, we have had great success in reducing the number of burglary offences reported. This success is tempered at the time of writing with an increase in bogus caller burglaries. The current most popular explanations bogus callers give to gain entry to households is either that they work for the water board, or that they are from the council. I would urge our elderly and vulnerable residents to report suspicious behaviour, check identification and if in any doubt refuse entry.
One of the key issues that residents raise with me is their concern over behaviour outside and near to our licensed premises. I take this opportunity to let residents know that we take these instances very seriously. I am currently conducting a thorough and intrusive review of licensed premises, and will be taking robust action to deal with any premises that fails to work with the Police in furthering the licensing objectives. To complement this, I will be re-launching Operation Teutonic this summer – I hope to be able to provide an extra 17 officers to police our night time economies on Friday and Saturday evenings, so that residents can enjoy a safe and peaceful night out if they wish to.
As always, I am keen to hear from residents regarding their views on local policing issues and would encourage you to attend the local Neighbourhood Action Panels."
Details of Epping Forest Naps can be found at: http://www.essex.police.uk/yourarea/

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