HARLOW’S Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) have increased patrols and community engagement activity following feedback from residents who said they felt vulnerable on the cycle tracks that surround the town.

Crime in Harlow has dropped by 7.6% over the past 12 months and knife-enabled crime is down by 17.5% in the same period claim Essex Police but Inspector Leanne Archer said her team are committed to maintaining a highly visible presence across the town.

This follows two incidents on Tuesday 30 September at Nicholls Field and Second Avenue that took place along well-used access routes and were widely shared online.

“The cycle tracks are the heartbeat of Harlow and these are areas that people need to feel safe,” said Inspector Archer. “We’ve been speaking to the people who use the tracks on a daily basis and have made sure we are visible, approachable and acting on their concerns.

“Alongside the patrols, we’ve been working closely with partners locally to explore how we can change the look and feel of the area so people feel safer.

“With regard to the incidents on 30 September, this is a live investigation and we have made progress in identifying those involved. So far, we’ve made one arrest and seized a weapon.

“We don’t believe these were random acts, and there have been no similar instances since. However, we need to trace the owner of black Surron e-bike with purple graphics.

“I’d appeal to anyone who may have Ring doorbell, CCTV, or phone footage of this bike being ridden around the town to please get in touch with us. You can contact us via our website or, if you’d prefer to be anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers.”

Inspector Archer’s team have also been visiting local schools to talk about the dangers of weapons and drugs.

She said: “If you carry a knife, there’s a 50% chance you will become a victim of knife crime. We are educating young people, going into schools, taking the OpenGate weapons detector with us, and letting people know what potentially awaits them if they get lured into that lifestyle.

“We want to give young people the confidence not to carry weapons or be drawn into gangs where they will be exploited and face extreme danger.

“We have seen a reduction in offending across Harlow – violent crime and robbery are both falling – and our team are doing all they can to make sure this trend continues.”