ESSEX Police's marine unit have been gifted a jet ski by the Maldon District Council.
The Personal Water Craft (PWC) donated to the Essex Police Burnham-based marine unit was launched on Monday to tackle antisocial behaviour on the waterways.
As Covid restrictions ease and the warmer weather arrives more people are expected to head to the coastlines and waterways this summer.
This can cause concerns for the marine communities especially as Essex Police have seen reports of antisocial behaviour increase in relation to the use of PWCs on the River Blackwater, the River Colne, Brightlingsea and Point Clear.
Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable, Andy Prophet said: "Maldon District Council’s generous donation of a PWC to our marine unit is a very welcome addition to our marine resources, which currently include the Alert IV, a 42 ft Launch boat and the Sentinel, a rigid-hulled inflatable boat, known as a RHIB
“The PWC will assist our marine unit in tackling antisocial behaviour on our waterways and coastlines and enable officers to get to areas that would otherwise be inaccessible, such as shallow water or narrow waterways.
"Not only will we be able to quickly respond to reports of antisocial behaviour on the water, we will also be able to carry out targeted patrols in places where we know there is a high volume of leisure water users in order to deter nuisance behaviour and ensure everyone can enjoy the water, regardless of the activity they are participating in.”
The marine unit is made up of six police officers, two special constables and a specialist marine technician.
This unit police 562 miles of coastlines and waterways from the Thames at Crayford Ness to the River Stour in Manningtree.
Councillor Wendy Stamp, leader of Maldon District Council said: "We are delighted to be supporting our colleagues in Essex Police by providing a PWC in order to help them deal with the dangerous and anti-social behaviour which is sometimes seen in our waterways.
"Our Rivers and waterways should be enjoyed by everyone, but this partnership will strengthen our ability to deal with those who cause a nuisance to others and send a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated."
Having the new PWC means the unit can get into waterways which their current boats can't access when antisocial behaviour occurs.
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex said: "Essex has the longest coastline of any English county. That fact makes the work of our marine unit invaluable when it comes to keeping people safe as well as preventing and detecting criminal activity on our waterways.
“There have been concerns raised by residents and partners about anti-social behaviour taking place at out coastal resorts and this new addition to the fleet will help officers engage with those responsible and prevent the problems so our waters are a safer place, especially during the busy summer season.”
It will also help them to improve community engagement and enable the officers to speak to local residents or water users in these harder to reach areas.
Essex Police marine unit Sergeant Alex Southgate said: “It’s really important that we know about, and understand, the issues which are causing our community concerns so that we can work with our local partners to resolve any issues.
“This really isn’t about spoiling people’s fun but ensuring everyone can enjoy the water safely this summer.”
If you witness or experience any antisocial behaviour you can report it through the 101 service on the Essex Police website or call 101. In an emergency always dial 999.
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