Essex launches “Operation Vanguard” security-guard trial amid asylum-seeker concerns

Essex County Council has begun a three-month pilot, dubbed Operation Vanguard, deploying six private security operatives—two each in Braintree, Chelmsford and Colchester. The guards patrol town centres from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, with the stated aim of providing a visible presence, deterring anti-social behaviour and gathering evidence on any additional support needs. The council will draw up to £150,000 from a community-improvement fund, with an estimated trial cost of £118,000 plus VAT.

Reform council hires security guards over 'gatherings of migrants' - despite no evidence of increase in crime

The initiative follows the expansion of the former RAF base at Wethersfield, which houses single-male asylum seekers. The Home Office plans to raise the site’s capacity from roughly 800 residents to 1,220 or 1,245 and keep it operational beyond 2027. Residents have raised concerns about “gatherings of male migrants” in town centres, prompting the council’s response.

Reform council hires security guards over 'gatherings of migrants' - despite no evidence of increase in crime

• Rachel Nolan, chief constable of Essex Police (who began her role on 1 September), said crime and incidents linked to the Wethersfield site are “very low” and that there is “absolutely no reason” for the public to worry about criminality associated with the migrants.

BBC NewsBBC NewsReform council hires security guards over 'gatherings of migrants' - despite no evidence of increase in crime

• Lee Scordis, Labour county councillor, joined other local politicians in criticizing the plan, questioning its necessity given the council’s own report and police statements that found no evidence of a crime rise linked to the asylum centre.

Reform council hires security guards over 'gatherings of migrants' - despite no evidence of increase in crime

• Security-guard drawdown: up to £150,000 from a community fund.

Reform council hires security guards over 'gatherings of migrants' - despite no evidence of increase in crime

• Trial budget: about £118,000 plus VAT.

Reform council hires security guards over 'gatherings of migrants' - despite no evidence of increase in crime

• Operatives deployed: six (two per town).

Reform council hires security guards over 'gatherings of migrants' - despite no evidence of increase in crime

• Guard hours: 8 hours per day, seven days a week.

Reform council hires security guards over 'gatherings of migrants' - despite no evidence of increase in crime

• Wethersfield capacity: ?800 current residents; planned increase to 1,220 or 1,245.

BBC News

The pilot will run for three months, after which the council intends to assess whether additional security measures are required.

Reform council hires security guards over 'gatherings of migrants' - despite no evidence of increase in crime