Six new police officers have started their new roles as the district’s new Town Centre Team which officially launched today.

The team will enable an increase in visible patrols as they investigate community issues within their designated town centres.

Two officers will be assigned to Loughton and Waltham Abbey respectively, all six members will be led by Sergeant Rob Fitt.

Investment in more policing in town centres will place officers in 23 locations across the county to deal with the issues on your doorstep.

As part of the force’s dedication to visible, frontline officers, the 58 constables will tackle the most prominent issues in communities whilst building stronger relationships with the public.

District commander for Brentwood and Epping, Chief Inspector Lewis Basford, said: “I think the Town Centre Teams will be an excellent opportunity for our officers to really integrate into the local community and help community groups and local businesses to voice their problems, which we can then investigate fully.

“All of our officers have come from a response background, so have a brilliant knowledge of the local towns and are really keen to get out into the community and meet the organisations, businesses, and associations that make our communities great.

“To begin with, the teams will be focusing on being visible and tackling antisocial behaviour and shoplifting in town centres, but as the challenges within the communities change, we’ll make sure we meet them head on.”

Community issues are at the forefront of the Town Centre Teams’ priorities, including crime against businesses and antisocial behaviour in town centres.

Brentwood Borough Council leader, Councillor Chris Hossack said: “This is good news for our residents who already benefit from a strong level of support from our own Community Safety team and our Community Safety Partnership.

“We welcome this additional police incentive which will reinforce the good work already being done in Brentwood to ensure the Borough remains a safe and favoured place to live.”

Speaking about the creation of the Town Centre Teams, Chief Constable BJ Harrington said: “My priorities for the force are clear: we will be visible to deter crime in the community, we will provide better and consistent support to victims and to the vulnerable and we will act against anyone who is intent on inflicting violence in our county.

“With the introduction of the Town Centre Teams, we can be at the centre of these conversations. The public know their local area the best, and so do local officers who can put their boots on the ground and their faces in the village hall.

“If people have got an issue, or suspect criminal acts are taking place in their community, I need them to feel comfortable reporting it to us.

“If we work together we can keep the tide turning and put a stop to antisocial behaviour, drug dealing, and other insidious crimes that cause irreparable harm to families, friends and whole communities.

“With a record number of officers passing out in a single ceremony last month, our force is continuing to grow.

“I am so proud that we’re able to have response-trained officers to answer your 999 calls and, on top of that, provide additional officers to your community.”

Councillor Nigel Bedford, Cabinet member for communities and partnership services at Epping Forest District Council said: “Introducing the additional officers through the Town Centre Teams in Epping Forest will provide a greater visible policing presence in the district.

“I think knowing there will be more opportunity to raise issues and share their concerns will be reassuring to many of our residents.

“Making it easier for members of the public, local businesses and organisations to access and interact with their policing teams will encourage better partnerships and strengthen relationships within our local communities.”

The Town Centre Team constables will be assigned to several towns across Essex, including Chelmsford, Colchester, Harwich, Harlow, Maldon and Saffron Walden.