EAST Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe recently met with Thurrock District police commander Chief Inspector Anthony Atkin to discuss local policing issues, the importance of reporting crime, and how the public can stay in touch.

Among the topics of conversation was the recent release of figures that show how, in general, crime is down thanks to a number of police operations to combat burglaries and car crime.

Mr Metcalfe said: "I had a very positive quarterly meeting with the District Commander. It's great that, on the face of it, crime is down – of course, any incident is one too many but I am very pleased to see year-on-year progress being made.

The South Basildon and East Thurrock MP then heard from CI Atkin how modern policing has become increasingly intelligence-led and how it is critical for members of public to report a crime if they see one.

Mr Metcalfe then discussed how best the public can keep informed about local policing matters. The district commander pointed to the weekly Dispatch e-newsletter which includes news articles, crime prevention advice and more.

Local editions can be found here: https://www.essex.police.uk/police-forces/essex-police/areas/essex-police/au/about-us/dispatch/.

The public can also contact their local police and monitor local trends in crime by entering their postcode on the Essex Police website. It provides a crime map, news, contact details and information about upcoming meetings. A localised edition for Corringham, Orsett and Stanford-le-Hope can be found here: https://www.essex.police.uk/area/your-area/essex/thurrock/corringham-orsett-and-stanford-le-hope/social-media/crime-map.

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Stephen Metcalfe added: "Thurrock District Police have multiple intelligence operations ongoing but they need information to keep them going. Do not hesitate to get in contact if you see a crime.

I would also encourage everyone to check out their local district police website. If you don't know who your local police are, have a look. Just enter your postcode on the website. The crime map is also great for transparency and data-collection."