The former Wethersfield Air Force Base is used to house asylum seekers. (Image: Getty)
The UK-controlled Reform Council has deployed private security officers to patrol city centers following reports of concerns about a “congestion of male migrants” from a nearby accommodation facility.
Essex County Council has announced that six “operatives” will monitor the town centers of Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford from Monday for an initial three-month trial period.
The scheme, dubbed Operation Vanguard, is being funded by withdrawing up to £150,000 from the community improvement fund, with a three-month trial expected to cost around £118,000 plus VAT, according to the party.
The measure was unveiled in August after the government notified Braintree District Council of plans to expand the nearby former RAF Wethersfield, which houses asylum seekers, some of whom travel to neighboring areas by bus.
The Home Office has confirmed it will increase the site’s capacity from 800 to 1,245 people, with work continuing beyond 2027.
Operation Vanguard has been criticized by local politicians, including Labor Party county councilor Lee Scordis.
He told the Press Association: “The council and police’s own report says there is no evidence of any increase in crime among asylum seekers in Colchester.
“This decision is clearly driven by prejudice. We have no answers as to what they will do, what powers they will have, or even if the council has consulted the police on this.”
The council’s report, entitled “Operation Vanguard launched”, said the Home Office said “there is no evidence that Wethersfield AAA (Aerodrome Asylum Accommodation) has an impact on crime rates”.
The report continues: “Regardless of this, there is anecdotal evidence – which the Home Office has publicly acknowledged – that the presence of this community of asylum seekers creates fear and a perceived risk of crime.”
According to Reform UK, the initiative arose as a “direct response to concerns from local residents, particularly women and girls, about the concentration of male migrants in urban centres”.
Leader of the British Reform Essex County Council, Peter Harris, said: “Today Operation Vanguard moves from words to action.
Reformist British Essex County Council leader Peter Harris (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)
“Six trained security guards, two each in Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester, will provide a visible and reassuring presence on our streets, especially for women and children.
“Our message is simple: the safety of the people of Essex comes first.”
Security officers will work from 10:00 to 18:00 seven days a week.
Reform UK said the scheme would “deter anti-social behaviour”, provide “comfort” to local residents and “gather evidence” as to whether further support may be needed.
It is worth noting that when fighting crime, private security guards do not have any greater legal powers than ordinary members of the public, meaning that policing responsibilities will continue to rest firmly with the police. While security officers will work primarily at migrant landing sites, they will provide support for additional security matters if the need arises, the spokesman confirmed.
Liberal Democrat councilor Stephen Robinson, leader of Chelmsford City Council, said: “We need to make sure our communities are safe and cohesive, but stoking fear and stoking stereotypes about asylum seekers, which is what Reform UK is doing, will not achieve that.
“We need effective policing wherever crime and anti-social behavior occurs, and investment in projects that actually make a difference, such as Chelmsford City Council’s Women’s Safety Charter led by the Liberal Democrats… not ineffective private policing.
“The asylum system is in disarray because some reform politicians who used to be Conservative ministers have allowed the system to get out of control.
“This has resulted in taxpayers shelling out money for hotels and emergency shelters.”
A Home Office spokesman said: “Public safety remains our top priority and we expect any crime to be treated seriously. We are working with local police to ensure the safety of the local community around the site, the staff who work there and those housed.
“Community concerns are central to our immigration reforms. We are working to equitably house asylum seekers across the country, close all asylum hotels and relocate asylum seekers to alternative accommodation, including former military installations.”
Essex Police have been contacted for comment.
