“1,100 MORE crimes solved in the last year shows our commitment to tackling ‘real crime’”.

That’s from our Chief Constable reacting to new figures which show we’re continuing to solve more crime than last year.

In the year to the end of August, we solved 1,134 more offences than during the previous 12 months.
During that time we’ve solved more rape and sexual offences, domestic abuse offences, home and business burglaries, vehicle crime, and thefts from shops as well as continuing to reduce violence, vehicle theft and burglary. 

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said: “There is a myth that we’re too distracted on other things to focus on ‘real crime’. Too busy dealing with unimportant things to target ‘real’ criminals.
“That is just plain wrong.

“Essex Officers supported by essential staff officers have been laser focused, targeting criminals, supporting vulnerable people, and getting justice for victims of crime.
“We’ve solved more than 160 more sexual offences, including double the number of rape cases.
“We’ve also doubled the number of vehicle thefts that’ve been solved and seen nearly 900 more shoplifting offences solved.

“Over the same period we’ve secured more than 14,200 charges – 800 more than the year before. And that includes nearly 4,000 for violent offences.

“We’re getting more justice for more victims for offences that have real significant impacts on peoples’ lives. 

“And all the while we are continuing to see crime fall.

And all of this at a time when we have had to focus on violence and anti-social behaviour at protests that have sought to undermine community safety in parts of Essex. 
“But I’m not complacent. There is more to be done. 
“One victim of crime is one too many and I want to be putting more sex offenders, burglars, car thieves, and domestic abuse perpetrators where they belong – behind bars.

“And you have my promise, my commitment, that of the officers, staff and volunteers of Essex Police that we will be relentless in our focus, tireless in our effort, and determined in our approach.”