Protect Committee Meeting March 2026

Thursday 5^th March 2026, 10am

BID

Stats November - February

· £30,361.66 - value of stolen goods recovered.

· 2,230 – business visits and responses

· 138 – ASB incidents attended

·  116 - rough sleepers

· 319 – street drinkers

· 162 – begging incidents

· 617 – visitor enquiries

· 21– first aid incidents

Street Rangers were first on scene at an attempted burglary at a jeweller in the BID zone. Their rapid response disrupted the offenders, preventing any loss, and ensuring public safety. Police later arrested two men.

We engaged the Essex Police and the Community Safety Team for more collaboration on reduction of street drinking anti-social behaviour. Have since undertaken two joint patrols specifically targeting within the city centre.

Clear, Hold, Build launch event held on the 24th February - project to reduce criminality in Warrior Square. The project is key for the BID to be a part of as reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in that location will have a positive effect on the BID zone. I have recommended that one of the Street Rangers sit on the operations board to ensure they can directly feedback insights.

Confirmed a second Conflict Management training session with the police for Thursday 19th March at 5.30pm, scheduled in response to member feedback on preferred timings.

Successfully retained the Purple Flag award, an accreditation held since 2012. Submissions will be changing from winter to summer, therefore the next submission is due mid-June with assessors visiting the area likely in July/August 2026.

Educational action day today (5^th March) on High Street which the Street Ranger team are supporting.

A specific group of youths are disrupting the city centre. Safety teams have been encouraged by the police to report every incident so action can be taken.

Two of prolific offenders have been banned from the high street with businesses affected being informed. Will increase activity to reduce and curb.

Community Safety

· From the 1^st Feb fully staffed – 13 including.

· From the 1^st April, late shifts of 2-10pm will be all year round.

· They’ll be more joint patrols.

Police

· Additional policing out from 4^th March to support the youth issue with overlapping support from the Town Centre and neighbourhood policing team.

· Careful not to police people just hanging around.

· Good success with young biker kids – bit of advice, talking to parents.

· High visibility deployments increasing as part of a specific operation.

· Two known individuals have recently been arrested, bailed and displaced.

· Union will be occurring again this year – supportive for seafront but also the High Street.

Committee Member Updates

Reoccurrence of an individual being a nuisance on his excessively loud motorbike.

AOB

City Day - Saturday 7^th March. Activity throughout the city with focus on the city centre. 11.30am-5.30pm across the High Street and in the centre, then 6pm-10.30pm around Pier Hill/Royals Square with lighting, disco balls, DJs, and commissioned piece from Sonny Green.

Bunting - Will be installed at the end of March.

Next Meeting - w/c 4th May at 10am