PRIVATE security guards have begun patrols in Colchester to combat alleged problems with asylum seekers.
Colchester is one of three locations to see the introduction of security guards under Essex County Council’s new Operation Vanguard.
Six uniformed security operatives have been deployed across Colchester, Chelmsford and Braintree.
The scheme follows concerns about groups of asylum seekers being transported daily from the Home Office’s Wethersfield asylum centre.
Peter Harris, leader of Essex County Council, said: "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 three-month pilot will see two Security Industry Authority-licensed operatives patrolling each town or city centre seven days a week from 10am to 6pm.
The patrols are delivered by security firm My Local Bobby and aim to deter anti-social behaviour, reassure the public, and assess whether further support is needed.
The scheme comes as the number of asylum seekers at the former RAF Wethersfield site is set to increase by 55 per cent to to 1,245 people in total.
Essex County Council said up to 17 minibuses travel each day from the site to the three locations, and described the patrols as a proactive response to community concerns.
The trial will cost an estimated £118,000 plus VAT, funded from existing council reserves.
However, the move has attracted criticism from opposition councillors and refugee support groups.
Labour Colchester county councillor Lee Scordis said: "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."
A council report similarly stated there was no evidence linking crime levels to the Wethersfield site, but noted that the asylum seekers’ presence had created a "fear and perception of a risk of crime" among some residents.
The scheme has sparked debate in Colchester, with some residents welcoming the additional security and others warning it could spread unfounded fears about asylum seekers.
It has drawn criticism from organisations such as refugee charity Rama, which says the move could make residents feel "uncomfortable".
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