Dear Sir,

THERE has been pointed criticism of the actions of local police officers this week. I do not feel that criticism is fair or justified. The right approach has been taken during what has been a challenging week.

In August, reported crime in Harlow was found to be down by 8.5 per cent when compared to the previous 12 months. That does not mean that complacency has set in as a result. There is a relentless focus on how best to police Harlow. Additional funding to fight crime has been allocated by our Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner. That has funded more police officers, new CCTV and is being used to support local community initiatives that aim to reduce crime. The council has also allocated £80,000 to the Safer Harlow Partnership to support policing and other prevention initiatives.

It is entirely reasonable to ask questions and constructively challenge how our community is policed, I know that residents are frustrated because not all the facts are immediately available, but that is often the case during a live investigation. The police need time in such situations to gather evidence to piece together what has happened and not rush to judgement.

The incident at the underpass linking Carters Mead and Nicholls Field was one of several that took place within a 24-hour period. This sudden spike in activity triggered an immediate response. Much has been going on behind the scenes this week to bring those responsible to justice.

Police and council officers have worked in lockstep to best respond, putting in place a more visible presence. Several joint patrols have been undertaken, CCTV footage reviewed, and the council’s community safety officers worked with members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team to speak to residents in the affected areas. Every effort has been made to catch the suspected perpetrators – that work will, of course, continue.

Much of the operational activity cannot be shared publicly – what happened in Felmongers is a prime example of the police acting on intelligence. Criticising police officers for showing strength is not helpful and makes their job harder. Police officers need our support. Those who form our Neighbourhood Policing Team have shown a high degree of professionalism this week in particular.

I accept that tensions are running high in our community at the moment. There are certain groups trying to stir up division, and the tragedy in Manchester is likely to have compounded fears amongst members of our local Jewish community about their own safety when they gather for worship. Despite what has happened this week, it is important to remember that Harlow is a safe and welcoming community. The council is committed to working with the police to ensure no one feels unsafe in our town.

If you have any information about the incidents that have taken place this week, please come forward. This is about sending a signal that those intent on causing distress and harm in Harlow are not welcome.

People who commit crime must never be allowed to escape the consequences of their actions.

Yours faithfully,

Cllr Joel Charles
Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Harlow Council