Council extends funding for additional nighttime police patrols in Chelmsford city centre
Chelmsford City Council has extended its funding of extra police patrols in the city centre on Friday and Saturday nights. After additional patrols over the summer achieved positive results, the council has invested further to enable the high-visibility foot patrols to continue.
Additional patrols funded for October, November and December
To ensure Chelmsford remains safe and welcoming for everyone, Chelmsford City Council is funding additional Essex Police officer patrols on Friday and Saturday evenings, from 7pm until 3am, during October, November and December. The cost of these evening and nighttime patrols comes from the council’s dedicated anti-social behaviour fund, which was boosted in the council's February 2026 budget.
Patrols will cover the High Street and surrounding areas in the city centre, as well as popular green spaces such as Central Park and Bell Meadow, providing reassurance to residents and visitors during the nighttime economy’s busiest hours.
Police officers patrol the High Street and surrounding areas in the city centre.
Working to keep Chelmsford’s nighttime economy safe and thriving
With over 15 million visitors a year, Chelmsford is one of the county’s most popular locations for nights out and there’s a network of businesses, organisations and service providers working together year-round to help keep the nighttime economy safe, well-managed and vibrant.
Councillor Natacha Dudley, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, says it’s important that the nighttime economy is supported during its busiest time of year:
““As we enter the festive season, Chelmsford’s nightlife is busier than ever and it’s always wonderful to see so many residents and visitors enjoying all that the city has to offer.
Cllr Natacha Dudley, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Chelmsford City Council
“The Safer Chelmsford Partnership is a robust network of committed organisations and individuals, who work to keep people safe across the district. The partnership’s work in the nighttime economy has been recognised by ATCM’s Purple Flag Accreditation for 13 years and counting, and every partner plays a vital role in its achievements. Essex Police are a central member of the partnership and, as such, Chelmsford City Council is happy to be able to provide the funding that’s required to keep police visible during the lead up to Christmas party season and the new year.
“We know that a visible policing presence is reassuring to those who are out enjoying themselves responsibly, and data tells us that it’s also one of the most effective ways to deter offending. I’m sure we’ll continue to see the positive impact of local police being amongst local communities over the coming months.”
Positive impact of increased police presence
The extra nighttime patrols in the city centre this summer saw officers attend 11 incidents and make 10 arrests. Over 264 hours of foot patrols, officers seized two knives, conducted five drug disposals, one vehicle stop and seized one e-bike. They also resolved multiple non-criminal incidents and spent time engaging with licensed premises, other businesses, and members of the public.
Inspector Emily Holmes, who leads the Chelmsford & Maldon Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
““The additional patrols over the summer gave our officers more opportunities to be visible in the city centre, engage with people and step in early when issues arose. We’re pleased to be able to continue that work over the coming months, particularly as Chelmsford becomes busier in the run-up to Christmas.
Inspector Emily Holmes, Essex Police
“Most people coming into the city centre are there to enjoy themselves responsibly, and we want them to be able to do that safely. By working closely with Chelmsford City Council, licensed premises and our other partners, we can maintain a visible policing presence, respond quickly where concerns arise and take action against those whose behaviour causes harm or makes others feel unsafe.”
Part of wider action being taken to keep Chelmsford safe
Police patrols are just one element of the wide variety of enforcement-focused, preventative and collaborative work that’s keeping Chelmsford a safe place to live, work and visit.
Chelmsford City Council’s community safety team is launching a new anti-knife crime project next month and is currently training nightlife venues and other local businesses to help eliminate behaviours that make women feel unsafe, as part of Chelmsford’s Women’s Safety Charter.
Chelmsford City Council works closely with Essex Police and local businesses.
New CCTV cameras have recently been installed in the city centre, improving the network’s coverage of Tindal Square, and around Meadows Shopping Centre, to enhance visibility of French’s Walk and Kings Head Walk.
The council's CCTV network is continually assessed and enhanced.
The council’s wider Public Health and Protection Services department is supported by Essex Police, the Safer Chelmsford Partnership, and Chelmsford’s Business Improvement District, Chelmsford for You.
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