Council introduces private security patrols near asylum seeker accommodation | BBC Politics Live

Patrols by private security guards began this week at three Essex locations that asylum seekers frequently visit, a council has confirmed. Six trained and uniformed “security operatives” have started patrolling in Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford. The patrols have been organised as part of a trial by Reform UK-led Essex County Council. The leader of the council, Peter Harris, says the patrols are needed to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour. But the Chief Constable of Essex Police told the BBC: “Certainly, as far as I've seen, there is absolutely no reason for anyone to be concerned about criminality associated with migrants from the Wethersfield camp in Essex.” On BBC Two’s Politics Live, Vicki Young was joined by the council leader, Labour MP Adam Thompson, former Conservative cabinet minister Gillian Keegan and Naomi Smith from the campaign group Best for Britain. Read more on this story on the BBC News website: https://bbc.in/4j9TaXP For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news #PoliticsLive #UKPolitics #BBCNews