THE district police commander responsible for Maldon says he is confident measures are being put in place to increase safety and security in the area.

Chief Insp Gerry Parker spoke to the Standard following a recent spate of burglaries in the Dengie area.

He said: “Burglaries are an unacceptable crime in our society.

“Our homes and businesses are our places of safety.

“There is some good news in that burglaries in this area are down 30 to 35 per cent less than last year’s figures.

“It can be a difficult crime to prevent but we are doing our best to tackle the issue.

“I would like to express my thanks to groups such as the Dengie Farmwatch and the Neighbourhood Watch for providing us with information.

“We are able to help more if residents are able to share information with us such as CCTV footage.”

Asked if location posed a challenge to policing in the area, he said: “There is always going to be a challenge with the size of Maldon’s geographical design.

“Narrow winding roads and few alternative routes are partly responsible.

“However, I feel really comfortable that by listening to residents and planning out where the areas of concern are, we are able to plan ahead for more situations and respond quickly and efficiently.”

In his time as commander, Mr Parker has implemented reforms including introducing two dedicated police constables and two police community support officers for Maldon and the Dengie.

He has also secured resources from the operational policing command which helps with effective work in rural areas.

There are now 12 extra police officers, six of which are being used to bolster the Maldon policing community team.

Speaking of his policing background, he said: “Prior to my current role, I started off as a police constable in Chelmsford.

“I then became a designated officer for Southminster and Maldon and I had been in that role for about two and a half years as a constable and a sergeant.

“I then moved to specialist policing where I worked with teams such as counter terrorism.

“Finally, I did road policing in Stanway before coming into my role as district commander.

“In a way, it has given me an opportunity to come full circle.

“I would say that, as I have worked in this area before, I have the advantage of understanding the concerns and issues raised with residents.

“I do understand what it’s like to police the area.”