NEIGHBOURHOOD policing officers have initiated a dedicated summer holiday operation to tackle youth-related anti-social behaviour across the Maldon district.

Over the past 10 days, Maldon Neighbourhood Policing Team has conducted joint patrols with Maldon District Council staff in the Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch areas in response to reports of anti-social behaviour.

Sergeant Matt Dalby, who leads the team, says: "We take concerns very seriously and recognise the significant impact such behaviour can have on the quality of life for local residents.

"These joint patrols help us deliver a more visible and effective response to local issues."

And our officers will continue to carry out targeted patrols throughout the school holidays to keep our neighbourhoods and communities safe and to engage with young people at risk of harm or involvement in criminality.

Maldon Church Boxing Club

Sgt Dalby says: "My ask of parents is: please be aware of where your children are, who they're with and what they're carrying. My officers risk their safety to respond to incidents that could be avoided.

"Anti-social behaviour that impacts the lives of local residents will not be tolerated, and we will take robust action."

On Friday, 25 July, neighbourhood policing officers responded to reports of a group of young people behaving anti-socially in the area, with one allegedly in possession of a knife.

Officers located a group of under-18s in possession of alcohol, vapes, drug paraphernalia, a catapult, and a wooden item made to look like a knife.

All the items were confiscated, one youth was arrested for a public order offence, and the others were spoken to and taken home to their parents.

That same evening, officers arrested a man during a patrol in Maldon High Street. During a search, a knife was discovered.

Checking rural roads.

Recent patrols in Burnham-on-Crouch, Mayland and Southminster have led to the seizure of two vehicles. Officers took action after identifying vehicles being driven without insurance and in an anti-social manner.

One youth had his motorbike seized after being caught riding on and off-road without insurance.

Sgt Dalby explains such behaviour causes residents significant concern and poses a serious risk to public safety, including to young children playing.

"If you are riding an illegal bike on or off-road where children are playing during the summer holidays, you can expect us to seize your vehicle and take enforcement action," he adds.

Officers have also been conducting speed checks at key locations in the district to encourage safe driving and reduce the risk of accidents.

Community engagement is at the heart of Maldon Neighbourhood Policing Team's approach to policing.

Sgt Dalby explains: "We recognise how vital it is to build and maintain meaningful relationships with the neighbourhoods and communities we serve and are always looking for opportunities to strengthen those connections.

"Through these relationships we learn of local concerns and the information you provide helps us to target our patrols and operational activity and take meaningful action."

Visits to community groups and local schools are also important in building links. Earlier this month, neighbourhood policing officers visited Church Boxing Club in Maldon and attended Burnham-on-Crouch Primary School fete.

As well as a base at Maldon District Council offices in Princes Road, Maldon, Maldon Neighbourhood Policing Team now also has a base in a building owned by the council in Riverside Park, Burnham, which we share with Maldon District Council's Community Safety Team.

Sgt Dalby added: "This will enable us to work even more closely together in keeping the community safe and addressing concerns proactively.

"But we can't do this without you providing us with information about crime, criminal activity and anti-social behaviour in your area. You can report online via the Essex Police website at www.essex.police.uk/ro or by ringing 101. Of course, if it's a crime in progress, or there's a danger to life, call 999."

Across the Maldon district, incidents of anti-social behaviour continue to drop. In the year to 30 June 2025, police received 235 reports, a 5.2% decrease on the previous 12 months and a 75.8% decrease on the year to 30 June 2018.