// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Patrols to start in Essex locations visited by asylum seekers
The former Wethersfield airbase has housed asylum seekers since July 2023
Patrols by private security guards are to begin from Monday at three Essex locations that asylum seekers frequently visit, a council has confirmed.
Six trained and uniformed "security operatives" would patrol Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford centres seven days a week, from 10:00 to 18:00, as part of a three-month trial, said Reform UK-led Essex County Council.
The initiative, named Operation Vanguard, was launched in direct response to concerns raised by residents and would "deter anti-social behaviour", it added.
It came after the government said it was looking to increase the number of people at MDP Wethersfield - which has been used to house single male migrants since 2023 - from about 800 to 1,220.
However, new Essex Police chief constable Rachel Nolan said crime linked to the large asylum accommodation in the county was "very low".
Peter Harris, the leader of Essex County Council, said patrols would start on Monday
Speaking to BBC Look East presenter Susie Fowler-Watt, Nolan said: "Crimes and incidents associated with the Wethersfield site are very low.
"Certainly, as far as I've seen, there is absolutely no reason for anyone to be concerned about criminality associated with migrants from the Wethersfield camp in Essex."
County council leader Peter Harris said: "Six trained security guards, two each in Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester, will provide a visible and reassuring presence on our streets, particularly for women and children.