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Vanguard patrols respond to 172 incidents in first month

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www.bbc.co.uk

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Nigel Farage wearing sunglasses standing in a town centre with the leader of the council, both are wearing suits and ties. Standing with their backs to the camera are two security guards wearing red high viz jackets with the word security on their backs

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Vanguard private security patrols in Essex respond to 172 incidents in their first month

Overview

Private security teams hired by Essex County Council for Operation Vanguard have responded to 172 incidents during their first month of a three-month trial across Chelmsford, Colchester and Braintree. The patrols were launched in response to concerns about male migrants from the Wethersfield asylum accommodation, though data does not show whether asylum seekers were involved in the incidents. While council leaders and figures like Nigel Farage praised the scheme's success, local MP Pam Cox raised concerns about the lack of data tracking and the use of private guards without statutory powers.

Key points

  • Essex County Council's Operation Vanguard security teams responded to 172 incidents in their first month.
  • The three-month trial involves six uniformed security operatives patrolling Chelmsford, Colchester and Braintree daily at an expected cost of nearly £120,000.
  • First-month figures include 106 significant incidents (such as vandalism and fights), 33 anti-social behaviour incidents, 21 retail thefts, and 12 safeguarding or welfare incidents.
  • The data does not indicate whether any incidents involved asylum seekers, prompting criticism from Labour MP Pam Cox.
  • Council leader Peter Harris called the scheme a success, and MP Nigel Farage praised the patrols, while a decision on making the trial permanent will be made later.
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