SPEEDING drivers, anti-social behaviour in the town centre and the illegal use of e-scooters on public roads were among the topics raised at the PFCC Harlow district public meeting on Thursday 21st May. 

The meeting was held in the main hall of Passmores Academy in Tracyes Road, Harlow. 

Answering questions from the public were Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst MBE, joined by district commander Chief Inspector Emily Holmes of Essex Police, ECFRS Group Manager Steve Wintrip. 

Attendees at the meeting heard how over the past 12 months to the end of March 2026 all crime in Harlow district is down 2.2%, Burglary is down 9.3% and Theft of a vehicle has reduced by 19.4%. These are the very latest figures available. 

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst said: “Being able to hear directly from local communities is invaluable in better understanding concerns and ensure we are working together to make Essex a safer place.” 

The PFCC Essex hosts a public meeting once a year in each of the 14 districts of Essex, allowing residents to raise community safety matters directly with the panel. This is part of the ongoing PFCC Essex engagement schedule which has directly engaged with more than 2,000 Essex residents in the past 12 months. 

The next public meeting is the PFCC Essex Public Meeting for Tendring District which will be taking place at the Harwich and Dovercourt Hub, 276 High St, Harwich, CO12 3PD, from 7pm to 8pm.