The latest national crime statistics show Essex continues to be a safe place to live, work and study.

Recorded crime is lower than average across England and Wales with 86.4 offences reported per 1,000 people compared to the national average of 88.9.

Fewer people are victims of violence with injury offences, sexual offences, robbery, and theft have all decreased.

Burglary offences have also fallen with more than 795 fewer break-ins across the county in the 12 months to March.

A statement from Essex Police said: “Crime is increasing across the country, and Essex is no different which is why we are investing to help better support victims, protect the vulnerable, tackle violence, and increase visibility.

“We recruited an extra 150 officers last year and will be adding an extra 215 this year.

“We have already increased the number of officers in our community and local policing teams and next week we’ll launch our new Town Centre Teams which will see 68 officers serving a range of communities in 23 locations.

“They’ll deal with issues on your doorstep, tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour and drug supply while being visible in local towns.”

Officers are planning to increase the size of their Gypsy Traveller and Rural Engagement Team (GTRET) to better serve our rural communities.

Specialist units are receiving investments to help investigate business crime, roads policing, fraud, and domestic and sexual offences.

Plans to continue tackling violent and drug-related crimes have also been confirmed.

The possession of weapons and drugs offences recorded in Essex is the most notable increase in the latest crime statistics.

Police are using a stop-and-search technique, while Operation Sceptre is seeing knives seized and taken off streets and putting drug dealers behind bars.

More than £1.5m of additional funding from the Home Office was recently granted to Essex Police to crack down on street violence and knife crime.

This is added to the combined £1.1 million received from the Government and Essex County Council to establish a Violence and Vulnerability Unit.

This unit will see officers from Essex Police, the Youth Offending Service and other agencies coming together to undertake joint operations, interventions, and ensuring relevant data and intelligence is shared.