I will work to make sure we have safe and secure communities - raising your concerns with the police and the local council. I want to tackle crime head on with local initiatives and community policing.
Essex Police now has the highest headcount in its history and Hotspot Policing has reduced anti-social behaviour by more than 30% from 2023 to 2024.
As MP, I had quarterly meetings with Essex Police to discuss local policing matters such as anti-social behaviour, car crime, wildlife crime, and knife crime. Going forwards, I will do the same if I am lucky enough to be re-elected. If you have a concern, I will speak to the District Commanders about it.
We've had some recent successes with Government investment of £1.1 million in Hotspot Policing in Essex - introducing high-vis patrols and targetted intervention. As a result, there have been 592 extra hours of Essex Police patrols, 444 hours of Community Safety patrols, a community safety event and youth outreach work. All this has reduced anti-social behaviour in Basildon by over 30% year-on-year.
We've also increased police headcount increase dramatically. Essex Police now has the highest headcount than at any point in its 182-year history with over 900 new officers recruited since 2016. Nationally, we have met our 2019 Manifesto commitment to recruit an extra 20,000 police officers.
To combat car crime, Essex Police has set up its own Stolen Vehicle Intelligence Unit - carrying out large-scale operations into organised crime. Virtually every week, local police are finding stolen vehicles and securing convictions of dangerous criminals.
I will do everything I can to work with Essex Police and ensure that you feel safe on the streets and secure in your home.
Stephen Metcalfe, Conservative parliamentary candidate for South Basildon and East Thurrock, has welcomed the Conservative plan to recruit 8,000 additional full-time police officers – helping to increase the headcount of Essex Police even further.
Stephen Metcalfe has welcomed the news that Basildon has seen double digit decreases in violent crime from April 2023 to April 2024 – thanks to an increased number of police officers, new specialised intelligence operations and a £1.1 million investment in Hotspot Policing.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently met with Thurrock District Commander, Tony Atkin, to discuss car crime, anti-social behaviour, wildlife crime and how the police can increase community cohesion.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, has welcomed the news that the Conservative Government’s bus funding will see the return of bus services in East Tilbury and Horndon.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently undertook an unannounced visit to Royal Mail’s Basildon Delivery Office to discuss delivery times and the changing nature of the postal industry.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock, recently visited Coral in Corringham to place a £50 charity bet on the 2024 Grand National, with any winnings going to Stephen’s nominated charity, the MCA Trust.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, supported the Heart of Pitsea at its last hullabaloo to celebrate and reflect on the community group’s achievements over the last 12 years.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, has welcomed the Transport Secretary’s support for motorists against blanket 20mph zones and low traffic neighbourhoods.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently participated in Gateway FM’s ‘Junior Question Time’ radio show and asked the young panellists for their thoughts on the growth of Artificial Intelligence.
Stephen Metcalfe, MP for South Basildon & East Thurrock, recently attended the “Big Hug Event” in Basildon which marked the anniversary of two years since the start of the Ukraine War and highlighted the strong links which have formed between the UK and Ukraine.
