The Essex Police Commissioner website has the latest? figures knife crime in Essex :
So it’s down slightly in a few districts, level in Rochford and with a 31% increase in Southend.
The police commissioner Nick Alston, writes:
Knife crime is down in some of our districts, and the bulk of the increase is concentrated in the areas of Basildon, Southend and Tendring. ?It is likely that part of this specific increase is due to the changing demographics of some of our communities, increased reporting of domestic abuse incidents, and police activity around organised criminal groups.? I am working closely with the Chief Constable to ensure we fully understand the nature of these crime patterns…..
….. Around a quarter of the offences, 395 offences or 26 per cent, were for possession of a knife or bladed item.? I will continue to support proactive policing to take weapons off our streets, and bring those carrying weapons to justice.? As PCC, I will also continue to support the ethical and proportionate use of Stop and Search tactics to target those carrying weapons or dealing in drugs.? I believe the vast majority of the people of Essex are in agreement with such an approach.
I believe in firm but fair policing.? I also believe that our judiciary should continue to have the ability to judge individual cases on their merits.