GRAYS has been highlighted as a hotspot for violence and crime as Essex Police reported on two arrests as part of an ongoping crackdown.

Two arrests were made yesterday (Wednesday, 6 September) by officers from the Operation Grip hotspot policing team.

Under Operation Grip, officers focus on hotspots for violence and crime using data from the last three years and utilise current intelligence to identify those committing crime. 

The first arrest was at around 9.45am when officers patrolling in Grays spotted a man who was wanted on suspicion of theft and possession of Class A drugs. Despite making off from police, officers pursued him on foot and arrested him. He remains in custody.

A second arrest came about when officers saw what appeared to be a drug deal taking place in Chelmsford and a man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned on concern in the supply of Class A drugs and has been released on bail pending enquiries. 

Head of Serious Violence Unit, Detective Superintendent Gary Biddle, explains: "Our officers work closely with, and in support of all our Essex Police teams, travelling across the county to where they are needed most. They are highly visible to act as a deterrent for crime but we welcome the chance to engage with the public so we can keep up-to-date on what is happening in the area and find out what the concerns of our residents are. This intelligence is vital if we are to be effective.

"Operation Grip shows we're listening to the public and want to reassure them that, as a force, we are doing everything we can to stamp out high harm crimes – those crimes that affect people and our communities the most such as drugs."

If you have information that could help us tackle crime or know of anyone who is responsible for drug dealing, contact us on 101 or, alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.