ROBERT Halfon, Member of Parliament for Harlow, has welcomed the announcement that 500 extra police officers have been recruited in Essex, with 30 new officers on duty in Harlow alone, since September 2019, bringing the total number of officers in the county up to 3,816 compared to 3,674 in 2010.

Almost 21,000 new police officers have been recruited across the country, with Conservative Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst, confirming that Essex Police is now larger and stronger than it has ever been. Across the country, there are now record breaking numbers of police officers, with 3,542 more than under the last Labour Government. 

A Conservative Party press release states: “This is Conservative Party delivery in action and represents the fulfilment of a key 2019 manifesto promise. It comes as part of a wider plan of action from the Government to tackle crime across the nation. Under this Conservative Government, crime and harm are falling. Anti-social behaviour is down across Essex by 55% since 2015, burglary by 49%, and further significant reductions in theft and homicide. 

“The Conservative Government’s Beating Crime Plan will deliver a safer Britain alongside record funding for our police, with a £17.2 billion policing budget for 2023–2024. This is alongside the Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Act which is giving the police and courts the powers they need to tackle serious crime head on. The Government is also delivering its Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, backed by £100 million in funding, making our streets and neighbourhoods safer for women and girls”.

Harlow MP, Robert Halfon, welcomed the announcement, saying, “I work closely with Essex Police in Harlow and know how valuable the new officers in our town and across the county will be as we continue to cut crime, drive down anti-social behaviour and make our streets safer.

“The latest figures show that Harlow police is now bigger than ever before, with 30 additional officers joining the force in the last two years. I am pleased that anti-social behaviour is falling and burglary has nearly halved. It is clear it is only the Conservatives who can keep our streets safe, give people peace of mind, and deliver on the priorities of the British people.

“In Parliament, I have repeatedly voted to increase police powers, toughen up sentencing and ensure our justice system is fair, effective and efficient when it comes to protecting the public. Just last year, I voted in favour of a new, landmark law that strengthened police powers to tackle crime whilst increasing sentences for serious criminals, meaning they spend longer behind bars and off our streets. I will continue to work hard for Harlow and the villages to do more to ensure our streets and communities become safer as we continue to see a fall in crime rates.”

Speaking on the announcement, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their communities, on their streets and in their homes. Now we’ve delivered on our 2019 manifesto promise, with more than 20,000 new police officers. With a record 150,000 police officers across England and Wales, people can trust in the Conservatives to keep our streets safe and deliver for local areas.”

Commenting on the figures, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst said, “Essex Police is bigger and stronger than ever before. The Conservative Government has rightly brought in new crimes to protect women and girls from harm, particularly with regard to stalking and harassment and controlling and coercive behaviour. They have also toughened up drugs laws, banning previously legal but dangerous highs, to protect our young people. As the new officers are trained up and deployed you can expect to see a stronger street presence dealing with drugs and violence, as well as more dealing with fraud and child abuse on-line.”

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