JUST days after a report was considered by Thurrock councillors detailing public concern over policing and crime levels in the borough, the head of the region's police team has offered words of reassurance and comfort, backed by figures that show crime is down.

On Wednesday, 4 September, Thurrock Nub News reflected public concern in a story based on figures put before councillors in a report produced by the Thurrock Community Safety Partnership.

While there has been an overall decrease in reported crime in Thurrock, the figures highlighted 5,000 violent crimes and 500 sex assaults between April 2023 and March 2024.

Today (Thursday, 12 September) Thurrock District Commander Chief Inspector Tony Atkin says his top policing priorities are residents' top concerns, which are anti-social behaviour, hate crime, burglary, robbery and vehicle crime.

In a report issued by Essex Police, latest figures, which compare the year to 31 July 2024 with the previous 12 months, show that all crime in the borough has decreased by 4.9%, or 813 offences, year on year, with anti-social behaviour showing a similar reduction – 4.9% or 89 incidents recorded.

Violent crimes have dropped by 6.8%, or 395 offences, with reports of stalking and harassment showing the biggest fall – 15.5% or 294 crimes recorded.

The report says there has been an 11.9% drop in sexual offences, with incidents of rape – which often occur in a domestic setting – falling by 12.4%. Reports of domestic abuse have declined by 9.2% or 236 offences.

Chief Inspector Atkin says: "Incidents of anti-social behaviour continue to fall but we know we need to do more to prevent them.

"This means being visible in our communities and town centres, working with partner agencies, attending community events and speaking with faith and community leaders.

"We also work with young people, seeking to educate them about, and divert them from, criminal exploitation, gang crime and the danger of taking part in any criminal activity."

Hate crime is another area where reported offences in Thurrock are decreasing – by 18% or 88 offences in the year to 31 July 2024, compared with the previous 12 months.

But, says Chief Inspector Atkin: "As with any crime, one victim is one too many and we seek to bring offenders to justice where we have the evidence to do so and can secure charges."

CI Atkin has released a video expressing his views:-

The report says year on year, burglaries have reduced by 26 offences, or 3.8%, although robberies – both business and personal – have edged up by 10, or 6.4%.

Meanwhile, vehicle crimes, which includes thefts of, thefts from and vehicle interference, have dropped by 208 offences, or 8.5%.

Chief Inspector Atkin explains: "Vehicle crime is a nationwide issue and, here in Thurrock, we're not immune.

"But we've focussed our activity on hotspots you've told us about and, once more, made arrests and seen a reduction in thefts."

He adds that none of these reductions in criminal offences and anti-social behaviour incidents is possible without the support of everyone who lives in, works in or visits Thurrock.

"So, please tell us if you have any local concerns or information about crime, criminal activity or anti-social behaviour.

"We are part of the community and we need your help to keep our streets safe. Remember, if you see it, report it."

Chief Inspector Atkin says he's proud to lead the borough's local and community policing response – the officers who respond to emergency calls and who are detecting, solving and preventing crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Thurrock is one of our county's most diverse districts.

"We've got the largest retail park in Europe, two major dock complexes and a vibrant network of rural towns and villages steeped in history.

"I've been a police officer for 23 years, working within Essex and London in a variety of roles, both uniformed and detective, investigating anything from anti-social behaviour, right up to murder.

"This experience means I am well-placed to tackle the policing issues facing Thurrock."

You can report crimes, anti-social behaviour and information about criminal activity to Essex Police online or use the 'Live Chat' button to speak to an online operator on weekdays between 10am and 9pm. Alternatively, you can ring 101.

You can also contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, online or by calling 0800 555 111. If it's a crime in progress, always ring 999.