CRIME in Maldon dropped by 2.1 per cent in the 12 months to the end of September – but anti-social behaviour was up by 15.7 per cent, a report to councillors has revealed.

Reports of anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping to Maldon police and the district council increased during lockdown, as did the need for support for domestic abuse victims. This support was largely provided by Essex Compass, a consortium of the county's domestic abuse services and groups.

The report reads: "The district council has received numerous service requests for anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping since March 2020.

"Another area of increase during lockdown has been for domestic abuse support and the Essex Compass has seen an increase for services during the last six months."

The report from Maldon's Community Safety Partnership will be debated by members of Maldon District Council's (MDC) Crime and Disorder Committee next Thursday (22 October). The safety partnership involves local authorities, including MDC, working together with local partners and police teams.

In the past week (starting on October 12), police, council officers and HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) staff worked together on a week of action to tackle metal theft and illegal waste carriers, in a bid to help reduce the fly-tipping problem.

Issues for the partnership to tackle going forward

The report continues: "Current concerns for the partnership focus around violence and vulnerability, and disruption of organised crime together with monitoring "hot spots" such as Maldon High Street, Promenade Park, Hythe Quay and some of the parks across the district where young people are congregating and consuming alcohol and using nitrous oxide cannisters.

"Officers are currently reviewing the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) for the district with a view to extending the coverage to include the High Street, Hythe Quay and Promenade Park to include alcohol and drug misuse."

The report also tells how during lockdown there were issues at the district's inland waterways, including Hoe Mill Lock and Beeleigh Falls, such as anti-social behaviour, litter, drunkenness and dangerous parking.