The Maldon district saw antisocial behaviour fall by almost a quarter last year, new figures reveal.

Essex Police recorded 901 incidents of antisocial behaviour between 1 January and 31 December 2021 - a drop of 23.7 per cent compared to the previous 12 months.

The force attributed the drop in part to breaches of public health regulations being recorded as antisocial behaviour in the first year of the pandemic.

Chief Inspector Steve Scott-Haynes, district commander of Essex Police, praised the drop in incidents.

He said: "Officers from our community policing team work closely with Maldon District Council to identify areas of concern so we can focus on problem-solving and deterrence as much as enforcement."

A second officer has now been appointed to Maldon's town centre policing team, while emergency services in the district have been trialling a tri-service rural community officer scheme since February last year to target more isolated areas of the Dengie.

The rural scheme - a partnership between Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service - is headed by Les Davis, who carries out patrols, meets residents and liaises with community groups in person and online while working as a first responder for the ambulance service.

Chief Inspector Scott-Haynes said: "His work is helping all three emergency services better understand what will help to make residents in rural areas feel safer and more secure and to devise solutions."

Officers conduct joint patrols with Mr Davis and the district council's antisocial behaviour officer in areas where problems have been reported.

Essex Police said the team recently worked together in Bradwell to "solve the issue of quad bikes being ridden up and down the beach, which was causing distress to residents".

The force is currently working with charities and care homes to find out more about the concerns of the district's older residents.

Chief Inspector Scott-Haynes added: "Key to keeping antisocial behaviour levels low is two-way engagement. We publish a newsletter to keep everyone informed about our policing activity but we also need your help.

"If you see or hear about anti-social behaviour issues or you are experiencing problems yourself, do report them to us so we can liaise with relevant partners and community organisations to take action and find solutions."

READ MORE:

- Police seize drugs in Heybridge raid following 'community intelligence'

- Police tax rise will put 200 more police officers on Essex streets in 2023