Knife crime across Colchester and Tendring has risen with almost 50 more offences being recorded in the past year. 

Essex Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston, who released the figures, said education, community pressure, policing and sentencing needs to make it clear to residents that it is not acceptable for a person to carry a knife or weapon.

Countywide figures show 117 more knife offences were recorded between March 2013 and February 2014 than the year before, taking the total to 1522.

About half of the offences happened in public places.
Knife crime in Colchester jumped from 135 offences to 145, and in Tendring rose from 153 to 188.

Figures for Maldon shows there was a total of 25 recorded crimes, a rise of 7, and in Braintree knife crime dropped by 9.5 per cent to a total of 57.

Mr Alston said: “It is likely that part of this specific increase is due to the changing demographics of some of our communities, increased reporting of domestic abuse incidents, and police activity around organised criminal groups. I am working closely with the chief constable to ensure we fully understand the nature of these crime patterns.”

Mr Alston added: “I will continue to support proactive policing to take weapons off our streets, and bring those carrying weapons to justice. As PCC, I will also continue to support the ethical and proportionate use of stop and search tactics to target those carrying weapons or dealing in drugs. I believe the vast majority of the people of Essex are in agreement with such an approach.”

Anyone with information about a person carrying a knife or knows that a violent act is likely to occur, should call Essex Police on 999 or 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.