THURROCK'S Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) focused on tackling anti-social behaviour in Tilbury, with a busy 48-hour period of targeted engagement across the town over Friday and Saturday (8 & 9 May).

A dispersal order was put in place on Friday, running until Saturday evening, alongside the use of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) cameras on Friday. Together, this formed part of focused effort to disrupt any disorder, reassure the local community, and deal with those causing harm.

One man was arrested in connection with an outstanding criminal damage investigation and later released on bail with conditions.

Another was arrested in connection with an outstanding warrant and was further arrested after being found in possession of cannabis.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "Prevention and education remained a priority throughout. Officers carried out multiple engagements with local teenagers, offering advice and guidance around anti-social behaviour and its consequences.

"We also spoke with people who were keen to understand more about the LFR equipment, helping to increase awareness and understanding of how we use the technology to keep people safe.

"We explained how the technology utilises CCTV camera feeds to software to scan faces against a predetermined database or 'watch list' of people of interest.

"The scanning of an image takes less than a second, and the data and image of those not on the watchlist is automatically and immediately deleted and not stored.

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"The NPT officers' work continued across the area, with retailers visited as part of reassurance patrols.

"And road safety concerns around use of scooters were addressed with two given words of advice and one issued with a formal warning

"Officers on duty later in the day responded to reports of a group acting anti-socially in Canberra Square.

"Stop and searches were carried out on three individuals, with cannabis and nitrous oxide found.

"Two of the group, both aged under 18 years, refused to comply with the dispersal order and were arrested – one for breaching the order and another for possession of a Class C drug.

"Officers also took a child home with concerns for the dangerous way he was riding his bike, and we spoke to his family about being safe in the town.

"Our focus is clear: anti-social behaviour in Tilbury will not be tolerated. Officers will continue to use a mix of enforcement, engagement, and partnership working to keep communities safe."

CI Danny Barnes.

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Thurrock District Commander, Chief Inspector Danny Barnes, said: "As District Commander, I am determined to make a difference to anti-social behaviour in Tilbury and across the District.

"What you have seen over the past 48 hours is not a one‑off. This is the beginning of a continued and coordinated approach to tackling anti-social behaviour in Tilbury.

"We know this won't be solved overnight, and we can't be everywhere every minute, but what I can promise is my priority is making sure residents feel safe in their towns.

"That means visible policing, early intervention with young people, and firm enforcement where behaviour crosses the line.

"We will keep listening to local concerns and working with partners to reduce crime and address the issues that matter most to the community."