|
My name is Chris Cooke
I have recently returned to the Community Safety Unit (CSU) as its Senior Community Safety Officer. I worked previously at the unit as an Officer, then Operations Coordinator.
I was afforded an opportunity in 2022 to second to Culture & Tourism, where I undertook the role of City Centre & Markets Manager. There, I was able to expand my professional network and learn new skills. That included management of the Southend General Market, coordination of services to improve the city centre and organising some of Southend’s busiest and most prestigious events. These ranged from, Armed Forces Day and Remembrance Sunday to the Halloween Parade, LuminoCity and City Jam.
A strength that I bring to the CSU is that I have the experience and good relationships to call upon colleagues or partners to solve problems. This is useful especially now that I am supervising a team that fields a wide range of issues.
This leads on to what I find to be the biggest challenge that the unit faces, and that I face personally; the team is a highly visible and approachable foot patrol at its core, and receives reports relating not only to crime and anti-social behaviour, but road safety, social care, environmental health, fly-tipping, parking, trading standards and more. Sometimes, the unit will receive a report of more than one type, or from several sources, and it is our job to pick out the relevant details and work out the most effective way we can help.
The most rewarding part of my role is just that; taking a predicament, cutting through any confusion and finding the most practical route to a solution. Similarly, I enjoy finding ways by which our processes can be streamlined and our resource management made more efficient.
My intention is to use my organisational experience to shape the Community Safety Unit’s operations, and that includes building into it the flexibility to adapt to changing demands, and see that Southend continues to be provided a quality service.
|
|
|
Transport Safety Officers
Since January, the introduction of Transport Safety Officers (TSOs) has enhanced safety on our city's train services. This pilot scheme, funded with £490,000 from the Department for Transport (DfT), is a collaboration between Southend-on-Sea City Council, Thurrock Council, and Essex County Council.
TSOs work closely with train operators, police, and local partners to address antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls to promote passenger safety. Their primary focus on engagement and education has been well-received, contributing to a safer and more pleasant travel environment.
Recruited TSOs have undergone extensive training and vetting, equipping them to manage low-level nuisance and disorder incidents effectively. Their presence on designated routes and locations compliments the efforts of other safety personnel, creating a cohesive safety network.
This initiative aligns with broader government commitments to address anti-social behaviour.
To report a crime or concern on the rail network, download the free Railway Guardian app or text British Transport Police on 61016.
|
|
|
Emergency Services Day
Members of our Emergency Services enjoyed meeting many of our residents at our First Emergency Services Day of the year.
We will be hosting two further dates over the summer holiday period so come along and meet members of the emergency services.
Wednesday 31st July and Wednesday 14th August 11am-2pm
|
|
|
Seizure of E Scooters
Members of the Community Safety Team joined Essex Police for a joint operation targeting E Scooters and E Bikes due to a rise in complaints.
Operation Sierra targeted Southend High Street and resulted in the seizure of 6 E Scooters and 1 E Bike. Advice was provided and a zero tolerance shown.
|
|
|
Community Payback
Community Safety joined together with partner agencies for a Community Payback Event in Warrior Square In April. Community Payback is work implemented to individuals by the courts.
The area was generally improved, and well attended by residents. We provided community safety advice, reassurance and giveaways to them. Residents provided positive feedback and noticed a real difference from the hard work carried out on the day.
This is something we hope to continue to support across the city.
|
|
|
Knife Angel Comes To Southend
Southend-on-Sea has been selected by the British Ironworks to host The Knife Angel during July to symbolise the devastating impact of violent crime.
The Knife Angel, The National Monument Against Violence and Aggression is a thought provoking 27-foot-high sculpture crafted from over 100,000 confiscated or surrendered weapons. The weapons include knives, inscribed with messages from impacted families or former offenders, confiscated by Police Forces across the country.
It has been created as an iconic symbol against violence and aggression, particularly knife crime in the UK, to educate young people on the harmful and long-lasting effects that violent behaviour can have on communities, families, and victims.
The Knife Angel has been touring the country as a poignant symbol of hope and social change. From Monday 1 July to Sunday 28 July, it will be located at the Victoria Circus end of the High Street, offering both residents and visitors a unique opportunity to witness the sculpture up close and the powerful message it sends.
A free programme of learning opportunities is planned throughout July, aimed at preventing youth involvement in violence. The sessions will encourage parents, carers and residents of all ages to also learn more about the impacts of violence, the signs of exploitation and county lines, explore proactive solutions, and engage in meaningful dialogue.
|
|
|
 |
|
Providing Support
Our Anti Social Behaviour Team at Southend City Council deal with a variety of cases and issues across the city. Such issues can often lead to further investigations, and the discovery of extra support needed.
Recent complaints from a few residents regarding a neighbour led to our ASB Officer making further enquiries due to concerns.
Numerous letters were sent and a representative for the resident was then established. It was then discovered there were issues around the residents vulnerability.
Therefore, relevant partners have now been involved from social care. This has lead to vital support being put into place for the resident, and the issues have now ceased. This has led to a happy environment for the surrounding neighbours and the resident too.
|
|
|
 |
|
Court Success for ongoing ASB
An ongoing Anti Social Behaviour Case being dealt with by various partner agencies has seen a positive result in Court. A couple who were causing multiple ASB issues, and criminal offences have appeared in court and received the below:
Suspended 20 week prison sentence for 12 months
70 days rehabilitation
225 hours unpaid work
£150 compensation
2 year restraining order
|
|
|
Cracking Down on Car Cruise ASB
The Community Safety Partnership have been cracking down on irresponsible drivers. This has led to over 90 car cruise Fixed Penalty Notices being issued from February to date.
Such enforcement is aimed to tackle those causing anti social behaviour and not for those responsible car meets taking place.
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
Man who harassed vulnerable teen jailed
A persistent beggar who regularly caused distress to members of the public in Southend has been jailed for 10 months after breaching a court order sought by Essex Police.
Richard Lewis, 37, of no fixed address, was made the subject of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) by Southend Magistrates’ Court on 5 April.
This order followed reports Lewis had been aggressively begging and escorting people to cash points to ensure they withdrew money for him.
Despite the order being in place, on Sunday 7 April, he approached a vulnerable teenage boy, who has autism, in Southend.
He asked the boy for money and when refused, resorted to intimidation.
Community Safety Officers assisted Essex Police in obtaining statements.
Lewis then appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Friday 19 April, he admitted seven breaches of a CBO, three public order offences and possession of an offensive weapon.
He was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay £100 in compensation to the teenage boy.
|
|
|
Spotting the signs of Child Exploitation
Members of the Essex Safeguarding Board, Community Safety Partnership including Community Safety Officers, Essex Police and Transport Safety Officers were patrolling Southend`s train stations, as part of Operation Henderson.
The purpose being to engage with the public around the signs of child criminal exploitation, and how to report their concerns.
For further details please visit the below website:
Further Details Here
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
Informative and Articulate
Was the feedback received from the Salvation Army after our Community Safety officers paid them a visit.
Our Community Safety officers visited the Salvation army last week and spoke with around 40 attendees at Friday Friendship Group. They provided advice and some of our community safety giveaways too.
It was lovely for the Community Safety Unit to receive a thank you email regarding our officers and the positive impact they made to those members of our community.
|
|
|
Diary Dates
June
13th - The Ironworks Networking Event 16:30-18:30pm
15th- Southchurch Day
18th - Tesco Pop Up 11am-12:30pm
July
1st July - 28th July
Knife Angel Southend High Street- A Variety of partners across the month between 9am-5pm
1st -Local Community Meeting EAST : 7pm The Hub at Shoebury
2nd- Local Community Meeting WEST : 7pm Woodlands Centre
1st-7th July
ASB Awareness Week
31st - Emergency Services Seafront Day Of Action - 11:00-14:00
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|