Grays visit by police top brass marked deployment of new officers to neighbourhood teams
A NEW policing initiative was launched in Grays today with a visit and walkabout involving Essex Chief Cosntable Ben-Julian Harrington and Police and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst.
They joined Thurrock Council Commissioner CEO Dr David Smith and borough MP Jen Craft on a walk through the town's high street.
The event marks the deployment of eight new officers to Thurrock's Neighbourhood Police Teams, formerly the Community Policing team.
Across the county 74 additional officer roles have been announced in response to the Government's Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. Essex Police has received nearly £4.5 million of funding this year to support the delivery of the guarantee.
The teams will tackle crimes like street robbery, commercial burglary, vehicle crime, and shoplifting, providing a visible police presence in key areas.
The additional officers in Thurrock will will patrol town centres across the borough, such as Grays High Street and Derwent Parade, with Tilbury also assigned two dedicated officers – reflecting an increase in reported crime in the area, particularly around Calcutta Road.
Mrs Craft said: "Having hosted several community events discussing crime and anti-social behaviour, I know how important visible, local policing is to people in Thurrock.
"A stronger police presence across our borough is key to tackling crime and keeping communities safe, so it's fantastic to have eight new neighbourhood officers on our streets thanks to the government's plans.
"This dedicated neighbourhood team is another step toward delivering Labour's Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, putting more bobbies on the beat to strengthen ties between police and the communities they serve."
Thurrock's divisional commander CI Tony Atkin was also at today's event. he says: "Residents will see new police officers on the streets of Grays, South Ockendon, Stanford-le-Hope, Tilbury and across the wider district.
"They'll be joining the rest of the established team to continue reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, carrying out pro-active operations and targeting repeat offenders and those who exploit vulnerable people.
"The types of crimes our neighbourhood policing teams investigate include some robberies and sexual offences, vehicle crime, shop theft, business burglaries and dangerous dog incidents.
"We'll continue listening to and talking with our town centre shops, local businesses and community groups but we also want to hear from you.
"You tell us that nuisance vehicles, on and off road, is your top local concern and we continue to deal with this, using the tactical options available to us.
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