Protect Committee Meeting September 2026

Tuesday 9^th September 2025, 2.30pm

BID

Stats May - August

· £14,188.93 - value of stolen goods recovered

· 1,374 – business visits and responses

· 84 – ASB incidents attended

· 35 – street community engagements

· 241 – visitor enquiries

· 9 – first aid incidents

Ongoing project targeting our top five offenders. Team prioritising follow ups with businesses, encouraging consistent police reporting. We’re seeking to strengthen the case for Criminal Behaviour Orders that can restrict movements and increase the likelihood of court action for breaches.

A ‘report it’ day is due to be organised, and I will prioritise this in the upcoming quarter.

We co-host a Conflict Management Session with Business Crime team and hoping to host two more sessions.

We have a planned Cyber Security training on the 11th September but have thus far had no sign-ups.

ALERT - Undertaking a review of users to ensure access is only given to those that have the appropriate need.

Training sessions - Committee members interested in hosting a one-hour BID training session (in person or online) are encouraged to get in touch.

Night Time Economy Charter - Working with Essex Police, Southend PubWatch, and the Community Safety Partnership to showcase the positive initiatives and activities supporting safety in the evening economy in Southend.

Police

· Police led morning briefings happen every morning.

· A wraparound program to find a solution to prolific offenders is planned to be trialled.

· Current shift pattern lends itself to visibility and enhancing the feeling of safety.

· Safe Space – continues to operate in the city centre every Friday and Saturday night from 9pm – 4am and has been extended until the end of January 2026.

· Discussion around how do we gage the feelings of safety in Southend.

Committee Member Updates

Concerns around the use of e-scooters.

AOB

Bollards - a booking system will be implemented on MySouthend, and it is important to note that the policy is designed to restrict vehicle access. Businesses with alternative delivery access e.g. rear entrance, will not be granted access onto the High Street.

Switch On - will be taking place on Saturday 15^th November followed by 7.30pm fireworks finale. Fireworks will commence from the 27^th September, but details are to be announced. 

Next Meeting - 6th November at 10am