Essex County Council, controlled by Reform UK, has launched Operation Vanguard, a three-month trial deploying six private security operatives to patrol town centres in Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford. The initiative, which begins Monday, responds to reported concerns about "gatherings of male migrants" from a neighbouring accommodation facility.
The scheme is financed through a withdrawal of up to £150,000 from a community improvement fund. The three-month trial is projected to cost approximately £118,000 plus VAT.
Background and expansion plans
The measure was unveiled in August after the Government notified Braintree District Council of plans to expand the nearby former RAF airbase Wethersfield, which accommodates asylum seekers, some of whom travel to neighbouring areas by bus. The Home Office confirmed it would increase the site's capacity from 800 to 1,245, with operations continuing beyond 2027.
A council report entitled Launch of Operation Vanguard reveals that the Home Office states "there is no evidence of Wethersfield AAA (Airfield Asylum Accommodation) having an impact on crime levels". 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 a fear and perception of a risk of crime."
Political reactions
Operation Vanguard has faced criticism from local politicians, including Labour county councillor Lee Scordis. He told the Press Association: "The council's own report and the police tell us there is no evidence of any rise in crime from asylum seekers in Colchester. This decision is clearly driven by prejudice. We have no answers over what they will do, the powers they will have and even if the council has consulted the police on this."
Liberal Democrat councillor Stephen Robinson, leader of Chelmsford City Council, said: "We need to make sure our communities are safe and cohesive, but stoking fear and stirring up stereotypes about asylum seekers, which is what Reform UK is doing, will not achieve that. We need effective policing, wherever crime and anti-social behaviour occurs, and investment in projects that really make a difference like Liberal Democrat-led Chelmsford City Council's Women's Safety Charter... not ineffective, private security."
Reform UK's response
According to Reform UK, the initiative emerged as a "direct response to concerns raised amongst local residents, particularly women and girls, over gatherings of male migrants in town centres". Reform UK leader of Essex County Council, Peter Harris, declared: "Today, Operation Vanguard moves from words to action. 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. Our message is simple: the safety of Essex residents comes first."
The security personnel will operate between 10am and 6pm, seven days a week. Reform UK stated the scheme will "deter anti-social behaviour", provide "reassurance" to local residents and "gather evidence" regarding whether further support might be necessary.
Private security guards hold no greater legal powers than ordinary members of the public when tackling crime, meaning that policing responsibilities will continue to rest with the constabulary. While security personnel will operate mainly in the areas where the migrants are dropped off, they will provide support with additional security matters should the need arise, a spokesperson confirmed.
A Home Office spokesperson said: "Public safety remains our first priority and we expect any criminality to be taken seriously. We work with local police to ensure the safety and security of local communities around the site, the staff who work there and those accommodated. The concerns of communities are central to our immigration reforms. We are working to fairly house asylum seekers across the country, close every asylum hotel and move asylum seekers into alternative accommodation including former military sites." Essex Police have been approached for comment.
