A COMMUNITY funded policing scheme has been hailed a success as a number of public concerns have been addressed by new Special Constables.

Policing in Halstead has become more visible following the introduction of SC Mikey Mihalyfi, who began patrolling the town in March.

Joining him will be SC Dave Jeffcott, who is set to start his training this month before joining SC Mihalyfi and five Police Constables and PCSOs for Halstead.

The visibility of these officers, alongside the hard work of our Community, Local Policing, Operation Raptor and intelligence teams, has helped to disrupt and deter drug dealers with no county lines operating in the town.

The officers have also increased stop and searches in the town which has seen four people arrested for drugs offences between March and May this year.

Last week officers also patrolled Bluebridge Industrial Estate, King’s Park Road, Butler Road and near to the public gardens and tennis courts to deal with anti-social behaviour.

Chief Inspector Janette Rawlingson, district commander for Braintree and Uttlesford, said: "Visibility is certainly improving with designated officers for Halstead either already on patrol or training.

"They have been proactively dealing with issues that mean a lot to the community, such as drugs offences and anti-social behaviour.

"The fact there are no county lines operating in Halstead is testament to the hard work of officers.

"Halstead is a safe place to live, work and socialise and just recently we have shown improvements in public confidence and satisfaction levels, meaning our hard work has not gone unnoticed."

A recent public perception survey for Braintree district found that 73 per cent of people believed officers are doing a good to excellent job, an increase of five per cent.

If you are interested in becoming a Special Constable or a police officer visit www.essex.police.uk/joinus.