OFFICERS from Essex Police's Business Crime Reduction team have spent several days in Grays talking to business owners around their concerns and offering support, which they hope will take the form of a new partnership process.

The team is made up of three officers who endeavour to communicate with the businesses and provide support, and an analyst who can help identify trends of crime so that areas can be targeted to prevent crime and ensure justice.

A statement from the force says: "We have also been looking at ways to introduce a Business Crime Reduction Partnership, which involves the team building on new relationships we have made with Thurrock Council.

Ideas have been discussed with business owners and a plan has been put in place to move this forward. A launch date is planned for late August.

To find out more or get in touch with the team you can contact them at [email protected]