Essex council launches private security patrols in town centres amid asylum seeker concerns

Essex County Council, under Reform UK control, has started a three-month pilot named Operation Vanguard, deploying six private security operatives—two each in Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford—to monitor town centres. Funding is drawn from a community improvement fund, with a withdrawal of up to £150,000 and an estimated cost of £118,000 plus VAT for the trial. The initiative responds to local concerns about gatherings of male migrants from the expanded former RAF Wethersfield site, which the Home Office plans to increase from 800 to 1,245 places.

While the guards possess no powers beyond those of ordinary citizens, officials say their visible presence will deter anti-social behaviour and provide reassurance to women and children. Critics, including Labour councillor Lee Scordis and Liberal Democrat Stephen Robinson, argue the scheme fuels prejudice, citing police reports that show no rise in crime associated with the asylum centre. The Home Office acknowledges anecdotal fear among residents despite a lack of statistical evidence.