Maldon's Neighbourhood Policing Team will be 'strengthened' alongside teams from across Essex - according to the county police force.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington launched the new 'Neighbourhood Policing Teams' in May.

The teams, renamed from 'Community Policing Teams', will see 74 additional officer roles across the county.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington says the force knows how important visibility is: "We value our neighbourhoods which is why we're increasing local presence and visibility.

"More than 90 percent of people in Essex tell us that they think a regular uniformed presence in their area is important and we're listening to that feedback.

"But these officers won't just be visible in your neighbourhoods – they'll be preventing and investigating crime, getting justice for victims, and working with partners to resolve issues that matter to you.

"This adds to our commitment to keep our cops visible in the communities they serve."

Maldon will see the allocation of one new officer, while Chelmsford will receive eight and Braintree seven.

This is the lowest allocation of all district's receiving new officers, with Basildon and Southend receiving the highest with 11 new officers respectively.

In a post on social media, Maldon Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Emily Holmes said: "We understand how important visible, proactive policing is to you and know it is key to reducing crime and anti-social behaviour across the Maldon district still further.

"Maldon is already one of the safest districts in Essex with low rates of crime and anti-social behaviour."

In the past year, the team recorded an 8.5% reduction in reported crime in the town, including burglaries and vehicle offences cut down by around a quarter.

She added: "We are not complacent. While our neighbourhood policing officers will continue to investigate crime and get justice for victims, a large part of their work also involves working with partner agencies to solve local problems

"They also speak with local shops, businesses and community groups to find what issues matter most in our neighbourhoods and they want to hear what you have to say, too.

"We need everyone's help to keep our neighbourhoods safe. You tell us that road safety is a priority and we'll continue to carry out speed checks in identified problem areas.

"While we may not use it immediately, the information you give us about speeding vehicles, crime and anti-social behaviour helps us to identify hotspots and trends.

"So, please, tell us what you know, either online or by ringing 101."

In a recent operation by the Maldon Neighbourhood Policing Team, officers dished out three parking tickets, seized an e-scooter from a 14-year-old, and caught 32 speeders.

It comes as part of a broader strategy to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the district.