ESSEX Police are reporting a year of success in Thurrock, saying anti-social behavior in the borough has taken a significant drop.

In a new release, police in Thurrock say in the 12 months to 30 November 2021, there were 813 fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour in the borough compared with the year before. They have not given details of how many offences there are in a year.

And the force is paying tribute to the work of other organisations, including Thurrock Council's Park Rangers and other enforcement officers from the authority.

Inspector Terry Fisher says: "These figures are good news but any victim of anti-social behaviour is one too many. We understand the impact anti-social behaviour can have on our local communities and we work with Thurrock Council, among others, to tackle these issues.

"Having park rangers, civil enforcement officers and other council staff as professional 'eyes and ears' helps my officers to target problem areas, identify offenders and bring them to justice."

Thurrock Council ranger Ray Reeves looks after Coalhouse Fort Park in East Tilbury.

He says: "We do have problems with people performing donut car manoeuvres in the car park, as well as scooter and moped riders doing wheelies. It's dangerous, it's a public car park where there are other people and children who could be injured and cars which could be damaged.

"At night, you can find people taking drugs and also nitrous oxide, which, while not illegal, causes a litter problem because of all the boxes and cannisters, which aren't good for the environment.

"But, if we get problems here with anti-social behaviour, I contact the Thurrock Community Policing Team to ask them to come along and deal with it. Just having someone to call for back-up is great.

"Their presence, just being seen, has an impact on anti-social behaviour, not only because they can use their powers to deal with incidents but because the fact that police are out in the park spreads across social media so quickly."

A spokesperson for Essex Police adds: "If you're experiencing anti-social behaviour or you see or hear about anti-social behaviour issues, we want you to report it to us so that we can work with our community partners to resolve community issues.

"You can report incidents of anti-social behaviour on our website via Live Chat – open from 7am-11pm every day – or by completing an online report. You can also ring 101.

"If you've been a victim of anti-social behaviour, or any crime, and are feeling mentally impacted by it, contact Victim Support on 0808 1689 111."