An operation to clamp down on knife crime in Clacton has been scaled down after 30 people were arrested.

Operation Statesman was Essex police’s response to a crime spree in the town which had seen young people targeted for their mobile telephones during July.

The centre’s neighbourhood policing team was reinforced with a dedicated support team comprised of dog handlers, Taser-equipped officers and undercover squads during a two-week phase of the operation.

District Commander, Chief Inspector Cat Barrie, said she wanted to make it clear to the community as well as criminals still operating in the town that “her officers will not be taking their eye off the ball”.

“Operation Statesman was one of the most successful policing initiatives I have been involved in as it has enhanced our activity and engagement on three fronts,” Chief Insp Barrie said.

“We have arrested a number of criminals already who had already been on our radar as well as individuals who are new to us and possibly to the area. We have been able to do this through intelligence-led policing, with information coming from the community as well as through our own detective work.

“Secondly, we have hopefully sent a positive message out to the residents and shopkeepers of Clacton that we will crack crime here and respond immediately to any spike which increases anxiety.

“Thirdly, we have enhanced our engagement with people and gained their trust, confidence and assistance. We would like to thank them for their help as it is this partnership approach which has helped Statesman become the success that it is.”

Since Saturday, July 20, there were no reported knifepoint robberies in the town, with police activity since the beginning of June resulting in 16 arrests for robbery offences and a further 14 arrested as a direct result of police raids carried out.

Anyone with information on suspected criminals or activity should contact Essex police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.