People in Essex feel significantly less safe than people in England as a whole (Essex County Council data).

Full statement

Nearly half of women and over two-thirds of people aged 18-25 don’t feel safe in Essex after dark. Too many people feel they aren’t listened to when they report things to the police and that nothing gets investigated when they report thefts and vandalism.

I will push for Essex Police to tackle the crimes that affect people’s lives and work with partners to tackle the root causes of crime, such as insecure housing and poor support for our most vulnerable residents. As a Liberal Democrat I am campaigning to fund youth services properly so that we can work with young people to set them on the right path.

The Liberal Democrats have a track record of making Essex safer for women, such as the pioneering Women’s Safety Charter by Lib Dem-led Chelmsford City Council. I want the opportunity to build on initiatives like this.

Rural crime and community policing desperately need more attention. Only 0.1% of police in England and Wales are dedicated to rural crime teams. Essex’s team has only 11 officers which is simply not enough for our needs. Local communities across the county are crying out for more community-focused policing. I am committed to increasing the number of community-based officers, including appropriately trained officers for rural communities.

Our emergency services work hard to protect our lives and wellbeing but they simply aren’t given the resources they need. I will hold the Government to account, advocate for proper funding and give a voice to all Essex residents.

Vote Liberal Democrat on 2nd May 2024 for policing and fire services that work for everyone.

Prepared by J Whitehouse 7 St Johns Road Epping CM16 5DN