Police update
From Inspector Tom Simons, Essex Police
"This summer we will once again provide extra officers to police our pubs and clubs over the weekends. Operation Teutonic will see extra officers actively patrolling our high streets to make sure that Loughton and Debden remain safe places to go out and socialise. I believe that alcohol related nuisance and disorder should not solely be dealt with by the police. I feel that licensed premises have a duty to ensure that they also take responsible action both within their premises and in the immediate area. I have taken, and will continue to take, robust action to deal with premises which fall short of the standards we expect. To complement this partnership approach, we have launched new initiatives such as the Pubwatch scheme and the Publink scheme which allow better communication between nightspots and the police.
I believe that my most important job whilst in charge of the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) is to deliver real, citizen focussed policing. I want to see our officers dealing with issues that really matter to the communities which they serve. One mechanism which is currently in place to achieve this is our Neighbourhood Action Panels. I would encourage all members of the community, especially representatives from community groups, residents associations and neighbourhood watches to attend these meetings and take positive interest in how their neighbourhoods are policed. Details of Epping Forest Naps can be found here.
The NPT enjoys an excellent relationship with our volunteer Special Constables, many of whom are based at Loughton Police Station. Coming from all walks of life, these individuals make a real difference to our community. We are currently recruiting Special Constables – If you would like to find out more, our recruitment line is 01245 452277 or visit www.essex.police.uk."

Essex Watch
Do you belong to a Neighbourhood Watch group or scheme in your area? We are currently in the process of revamping and rejuvenating and, or starting local Neighbourhood Watch activities in Loughton, Buckhurst Hill, Chigwell and the surrounding area.
Neighbourhood Watch worked very well during the eighties and nineties but, due to many coordinators moving on, passing on, and in some cases becoming perhaps frustrated and disillusioned, many Watch groups that were once proactive, have since folded on some areas.
Part of my role as the Essex Watch administrator, is to promote and to encourage membership of the voluntary Neighbourhood Watch organisation. As a retired police officer, with some forty-eight years of community involvement behind me, I know only too well, about the importance of community cohesion and the need to get back to good old fashioned values.
With the ever increasing demand upon our emergency services, their financial constraints during today’s difficult times, and the resultant over-stretching of available resources, there has never been a greater need, for communities to pull together, look out for each other, and collectively to make their environment safer and healthier, in every sense of the words. Our emergency services do their best, with the resources that are available to them.
I recently spoke to people gathered at a meeting, where such issues were raised, and, after a reality check, we agreed that if all of us present were prepared to treble the amount of council tax and other levies that we pay, more money could then be made available to improve the services on offer. However, back in the real world, we just have to help each other, and those who support us as members of our emergency services, to do a good job within the current economic climate.
So, if you would like to make a difference, by joining an existing Neighbourhood Watch scheme, or starting one in your area, please contact me:
Colin Freeman, Essex Watch Administrator on 01279 621862 or email colin.freeman@essex.pnn.police.uk

Do you have 16 hours a month to support your community?
The Special Constabulary does an excellent job and they are looking for local people to join them. You can do the hours that suit you as long as you can commit to 16 hours a month - it is voluntary work that evolves around your lifestyle. Please contact the Specials Recruitment hot line 01245 452277 for further details.