ESSEX Police has released upbeat news, saying crime continues to fall across the region and new figures show residents and their property continue to be safe here.

Figures for the 12 months to the end of July 2021 show the force received 4,300 fewer reports of crime across the county.

A statement adds: "In that time we've seen fewer reports people being injured following assaults, robberies, burglaries, and vehicle crime.

"We were seeing a fall in reports of many of these types of crimes before the pandemic but the drop has continued as our officers and staff work hard to protect you and your property."

The statistics show

• 603 fewer violence with injury offences (the most serious assaults, incidents where someone is injured following an assault) - down 4.2%;
• 104 fewer robberies - down 7.4%.
• 2,664 fewer burglaries - down 29.6%;
• 999 fewer thefts from vehicles - down 15.2%;
• 602 fewer vehicle thefts - down 13.9%;
• 1,649 fewer reports of criminal damage - down 10.9%.

The force statement adds: "And we were seeing a fall in reports of many of these types of crimes even before the pandemic.

"Our Disruptor and Operation Raptor teams are also working to identify, disrupt, and arrest drug dealers

In the first six months of this year our Op Raptor teams carried out 104 warrants, made 272 arrests, seized more than £200,000 in cash, and recovered 27 weapons."

Assistant Chief Constable Kevin Baldwin says: "Essex continues to be a really safe place to live, work, visit and study. Recorded crime is falling and we are putting in place measures to ensure victims of crime are being better supported.

"We've embedded the Government's new Victim's Code into our practices to ensure victims are at the heart of everything we do and that provide them the best support and service we possibly can.

"Our Victim Feedback Panels ensure we learn from where things work and where we can do better.

"And the force continues to grow – by next March we will have more than 3,369 brave men and women keeping you safe.

"As part of our continual investment we are introducing new teams of specialist officers to tackle domestic abuse and support victims.

"We're also making sure we're attracting people from more diverse backgrounds through our innovative 'We Value Difference' recruitment campaign so our force looks like the communities we represent."