20 Criminal Behaviour Orders in Force as Police Target Chelmsford City Centre Crime
Essex Police has revealed that 20 Criminal Behaviour Orders are currently in force in Chelmsford as officers work to tackle repeat offending, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in the city centre.
The orders are being used by Chelmsford’s Neighbourhood Policing Team to target persistent offenders whose behaviour causes problems for local businesses, residents and visitors.
Police say the measures are helping officers address shop theft, street-based anti-social behaviour and offences linked to alcohol and drug misuse.
The force confirmed on October 6 that 20 Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) are currently in place, providing officers with additional powers to deal with individuals who repeatedly cause problems.
What are Criminal Behaviour Orders?
Criminal Behaviour Orders are imposed by courts and place specific restrictions or requirements on individuals who have engaged in criminal or anti-social behaviour.
Depending on the circumstances, an order can prevent someone from entering particular shops or areas, drinking alcohol in public places or engaging in other specified behaviour.
Orders can also require individuals to engage with support services, including alcohol or drug treatment programmes.
The restrictions are tailored to the individual and can apply to particular locations or more widely.
Breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order is a criminal offence and can result in further court proceedings, including fines or imprisonment.
Police targeting persistent offenders
Sergeant Graham Thomas, of Chelmsford Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the city was generally safe but a small number of persistent offenders continued to cause problems.
Officers initially try to engage with individuals and encourage them to change their behaviour.
However, where that approach is unsuccessful, police can seek court orders to impose restrictions and provide a means of taking further action if offending continues.
Sergeant Thomas said the orders had proved effective in establishing boundaries and encouraging people to move away from criminal activity.
Police say some individuals stop offending after an order is imposed, while others avoid the city centre because they know officers are monitoring compliance.
Those who continue to breach their conditions can be arrested and brought before the courts.
Support as well as enforcement
Essex Police says the orders are intended to provide more than simply a means of punishment.
Alongside restrictions, they can offer individuals opportunities to address the circumstances contributing to their offending.
This may include accessing support to tackle alcohol or drug dependency and making changes that reduce the likelihood of further criminal behaviour.
Police say the combination of enforcement and intervention is an important part of their approach to tackling persistent offending.
Working with Chelmsford businesses
Chelmsford’s neighbourhood policing and town centre teams work alongside Chelmsford City Council and Chelmsford For You, the city’s Business Improvement District.
The partnership aims to address behaviour affecting businesses, shoppers and people using the city centre.
Essex Police has used Criminal Behaviour Orders as part of its town centre policing approach since the force established dedicated town centre teams in July 2019.
The latest announcement highlights the continued use of the orders as part of efforts to reduce repeat offending and improve public safety.
The force has not provided a breakdown of the 20 current orders by offence type or confirmed how many breaches have resulted in prosecutions.
The orders form part of a wider approach to city centre safety, alongside neighbourhood policing patrols and partnership initiatives aimed at reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.