TRIALS of a new crime prevention scheme claimed their first successes within an hour.

The Safer Colchester Project was launched in Monkwick on Tuesday, with the aim of reducing both crime and the fear of crime.

Some 60 minutes into it, police had arrested a man on suspicion of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply.

Soon afterwards, officers tackled a totally different cause of local concern – a noisy group of mini-moto riders, which was moved on.

The scheme, sponsored by the Safer Essex Partnership, is trying out new ways in which police can work alongside Essex County Council, Colchester Council and Colchester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

Over the next three months, police will work with borough and county council officials to improve the quality of life in Monkwick High Woods and Greenstead. They will by dealing with all kinds of crime, antisocial behaviour, abandoned cars and other issues highlighted by residents.

If the pilot scheme is successful, it could be extended to other parts of Essex.

Insp Andy Fusher, of Colchester police, said: “It was an excellent start to what is going to be a really beneficial project for the area.

“Police community support officers and special constables joined officers from Shrub End police station and the garrison to provide a high-visibility presence and a contact point for local people with concerns or queries.”

He added: “Later in the day, a group of nuisance youths riding mini-motos was moved on.

“This and the earlier arrest were both down to officers talking to people in the community. These are exactly the kind of results we want this project to achieve.”

The 19-year-old man, from Dalston, East London, arrested on suspicion of supplying a Class A drug, has since been released on police bail until October 10, pending further investigations.

Barry Wild, chairman of Monkwick Residents’ Association, described the day as a good start. He said: “If it keeps going on the way it is going, it will bring this estate up.”

Dave Harris, a ward councillor, added: “I want to encourage residents to have the confidence to come forward with information.”

Tim Young, Colchester councillor responsible for street and waste services, said: “We are pleased to see the immediate success of the partnership work, which will continue to take action against antisocial behaviour.”