Harlow Council is continuing its commitment to protecting our communities through Operation Guardian, a proactive initiative tackling antisocial behaviour (ASB) and serious violence in the town.
Since July 2025, the council’s Community Safety team has been working closely with the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), GS Guards and Essex Police to deliver targeted patrols and focused days of action. These efforts are guided by data from the Community Safety Partnership and the Home Office, ensuring resources are deployed where they are needed most.
Harlow town centre has been identified as a priority zone, with patrols strategically scheduled to have the greatest impact. In addition to regular patrols, the council has committed to delivering at least four days of action, each addressing specific issues contributing to ASB and disorder.
On Wednesday (22 October 2025), officers from Harlow Council’s Community Safety and Licensing teams carried out a day of action in the town centre. The operation included high-visibility patrols to engage with individuals in known hotspots and conduct licensing compliance checks. While only minor issues were identified, officers worked constructively with premises licence holders to provide advice and outline necessary corrective actions. Follow-up visits will ensure these matters are resolved swiftly.
Councillor Joel Charles, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, said:
“Harlow Council is committed to tackling antisocial behaviour and crime. Support is being provided to ensure the town centre remains a place where people feel safe to live, work and visit at all times.
“Police officers are being supported by members of the council’s Community Safety team to provide a more visible presence in and around the main shopping areas of the town centre to act as a deterrent. Recent patrols have been carried out as part of a tactical operation led by the police. Operation Guardian is a policing model used to specifically target areas, based on evidence, where there is a higher probability that a violent incident could take place.
“A more proactive approach to maintaining community safety has been adopted. The action carried out under Operation Guardian demonstrates how increased activity on the ground can help improve confidence in local policing.
“Perpetrators of antisocial behaviour and crime in Harlow will be held to account.”
Operation Guardian will be reviewed in 2026 to ensure it continues to deliver results and supports a safer, more resilient Harlow.