NIGHT-time crime will be the main focus of discussion at a public forum involving police in Essex this week.

Community safety will be under the spotlight when officers meet residents of Harwich and Dovercourt on Friday.

As part of a night of action, the constabulary will join a number of local partners to carry out a range of activities, as well as give advice and guidance on community safety, and take enforcement if and when needed.

The event, which takes place from 5pm to 11.30pm, will focus particularly on issues which can adversely affect night-time trade, and on making sure that both residents and visitors can enjoy their evening out.

The initiative is being organised by the Tendring Community Safety Partnership (TCSP) and will also involve traffic police, Anglian Community Enterprise, Tendring District Council, Chelsea FC Foundation, Crimestoppers and the council’s youth service.

Lynda McWilliams, Tendring’s cabinet member for customer and central services, said a similar event staged in Clacton during the summer and had proved a success. She added: “Tendring as a whole is a safe place to live, work and enjoy yourself with one of the lowest crime rates in the whole of Essex - and we all want it to stay that way.

“The aim is mainly to educate and engage but also enforce where necessary - ensuring people can make the most of a night out in Harwich and Dovercourt.”

The event will start with the SOS Bus and Community Safety Partnership stall and youth bus, as well as the Chelsea FC Foundation, located on Harwich Green.

Alcohol and drugs advice will be available, and advice on sexual health matters, with the Frisky Risky Behaviour Teams talking to the public.

A stall run by the TCSP will offer advice and leaflets on fire and personal safety, and crime prevention.

Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch are also attending with volunteers from Crimestoppers.

From 8.30pm the SOS bus will relocate to Dovercourt town centre.

Images of the “One Punch” campaign against drunken violence will be projected onto buildings in both towns.