POLICE have been patrolling the Halstead Public Gardens after reports of antisocial behaviour in the area.

Essex Police had said it was planning to clamp down on the issue following reports of gang activity.

It had been previously confirmed to the Halstead Gazette that Essex Police was working on basing some officers in Halstead, in a bid to provide better response times.

Now, police community support officers have been patrolling thePublic Gardens.

A spokesman said: "Tackling antisocial behaviour isn't just about police patrolling an area.

"We aim to make long-term changes by working alongside our partners like district councils, town councils, youth services and housing."

A freedom of information request (FOI) by the Halstead Gazette to Essex Police revealed there have been six reports of a gang of youths in Halstead Public Gardens, off Trinity Street, over a 12-month period.

The dates range from February 1, 2023, to January 31 this year, and the FOI also confirmed there has been two reports of attempted theft or robbery in the gardens reported to the police.

Incidents saw a youth try to rob an 18-year-old and an individual threatened to stab a 14-year-old boy.

Speaking on the issue previously, Insp Philip Jackson, of the Braintree and Uttlesford community policing team, said: “We are aware of a group of young people in this area causing some issues to the wider community over recent months.

“They have been subject to targeted work and intervention via the community policing team, which includes work with partners and support agencies to both detect offending when it arises and divert young people away from future offending.

“We also utilise Halstead Safer Streets funding to provide regular dedicated high-visibility patrols in the community."