We are aware of concerns raised by local residents, businesses, and tourists about violent crime in our towns, cities and rural areas across the district.

In the city centre, we will increase patrols and engage more with the community to make our presence felt. This helps reassure the public and acts as a deterrent to crime. We will also support the enforcement of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) - a legal order that helps stop behaviour that negatively affects public spaces, such as street drinking or drug use.

We will use our media channels to share updates on our work and highlight our successes.

We remain committed to community engagement and education. We will also continue to use restorative justice, which brings together those involved in crime or anti-social behaviour to talk about the harm caused and agree on steps to repair it—helping to reduce tensions and build stronger community relationships.

Anti-social behaviour continues to be a concern for both residents and local businesses.

We’re committed to making sure everyone can enjoy the shops and local facilities in a safe and welcoming environment - free from nuisance behaviour like street drinking, loitering, or people asking for money in public spaces.

To support this, we’re increasing visible patrols in the city centre, North Station Road, and Castle Park to help deter anti-social behaviour and make people feel safer.

We’re also supporting the council in enforcing the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which helps stop behaviour that negatively affects public spaces. If someone breaks the rules, we can issue:

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) - on-the-spot fines
Community Behaviour Warnings (CBWs) - written warnings for disruptive behaviour
Community Behaviour Notices (CBNs) - formal notices if the behaviour continues, with legal consequences
New CCTV systems will also be installed to improve monitoring and public safety.

Communities in Colchester have identified hate crime as a key area of concern. Given the current climate of global civil unrest, there is growing apprehension about the potential for an increase in such incidents locally.

We remain committed to working closely with our partners to monitor tensions, support affected communities, and take proactive steps to prevent hate-related offences. We will continue to support public awareness campaigns to ensure that individuals understand what constitutes a hate crime and how to report it. Supporting those targeted by hate incidents remains a priority, and we are committed to helping them access the appropriate support services.

We will also maintain close liaison with community groups - and counter-groups - to ensure the safe and peaceful delivery of any protests or marches in Colchester. Additionally, we will work alongside our partners to support educational initiatives that promote tolerance, inclusion, and respect for diversity.

Communities in Colchester have expressed ongoing concern about domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

We are committed to tackling and reducing domestic abuse wherever it occurs, and to safeguarding victims from further harm. Our efforts also focus on raising awareness of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and ensuring that public spaces across Colchester are as safe and welcoming as possible - so that women and girls can enjoy all the town has to offer with confidence.

We are actively working with local businesses in the night-time economy to promote the 'Ask Angela' initiative, ensuring it is well understood by both staff and patrons. In addition, the SOS Bus continues to provide vital support to vulnerable individuals in the town centre, offering a safe space and immediate assistance when needed.