NATIONAL crime statistics show Essex continues to be a safe place to live, work and study, Essex Police have claimed.

Recorded crime across the county is lower than the 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, sexual offences, robbery and theft in Essex than the national average while burglaries have fallen with about 800 fewer break-ins across the county in the 12 months to March.

But a police spokesman admitted: “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 this week we are launching our new town centre teams which will see 68 officers serving a range of communities in 23 locations.

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

The force says it is going to increase the size of its gypsy, traveller and rural engagement team to better serve Essex rural communities.

Police chiefs are also investing in specialist units to help investigate business crime, roads policing, fraud, and domestic and sexual offences.

The force will also continue to work to tackle violent and drug-related crime.

The spokesman said: “There has been a rise in the number of possession of weapons and drugs offences recorded in Essex and each of those offences represents positive, proactive police work.

“Our officers are using stop-and-search in an effective and responsible way, while Operation Sceptre is seeing knives seized and taken off our streets.

“Our Operation Raptor teams are prolific in disrupting drug gangs and putting drug dealers behind bars.”

The force has secured more than £1.5million of additional funding from the Home Office which will be used to prevent and tackle street violence and knife crime.

This is in addition to the combined £1.1million Essex Police have received from the Government and Essex County Council to establish a violence and vulnerability unit.

The 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.