Residents in Basildon are being invited to share their concerns about local safety during a community session hosted by the Essex Police neighbourhood policing team. The event will take place at the Towngate Theatre, where members of the public can speak directly with officers about issues affecting the community. The theatre’s website lists ‘Let’s Talk’ sessions scheduled for Tuesday 30th April, Thursday 6th June, and Tuesday 30th July, though the year is not specified.
The meeting at the theatre, which is operated by Basildon Borough Council, comes as authorities continue to manage anti-social behaviour in the area. Dispersal orders are periodically used by police in Basildon, allowing officers to require individuals to leave specific areas for up to 48 hours if they are found to be causing trouble or anti-social disruption.
Community safety has been a frequent topic of debate between local leaders and police. Basildon Council leader Gavin Callaghan has previously expressed concern regarding the level of police support in the town. In response to these ongoing challenges, the council has invested 250,000 pounds annually since 2022 to fund community safety wardens who patrol the town centre for 12 hours each day. Additionally, the council has extended a public space protection order through 31 March 2028, which grants authorities powers to address issues such as public intoxication, drug use, and street urination.
Despite these tensions, official figures from 2025 show a decline in reported problems. Police statistics indicate that there were 900 fewer offences recorded in Basildon in 2025 compared to the previous year, and local officers solved 430 more crimes during that period, as the neighbourhood policing team continues to increase its presence across the district.
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