POLICE officers arrested one person and carried out 15 stop and searches as part of proactive work in Grays to tackle and deter crime linked to local gangs such as robbery and knife offences.

Officers from the Essex Police 'Op Raptor' team, which focusses on tackling gang and drug crime, the Operational Support Group (OSG), Grays Community Policing Team (CPT) and colleagues from British Transport Police were out across the town centre on Wednesday (29 March).

They deployed one of the OpenGate weapons detectors in two areas – the Grays railway station by the level crossing and the entrance to Burger King.

The gate outside Burger King.

They also engaged with local residents and businesses to discuss any concerns they have.

One person was arrested on suspicion of breaching a gang injunction that's in place in the town.

Officers also carried out 15 stop and searches, two of which identified possession of Class B drugs offences which were dealt with.

Detective Chief Inspector Neal Miller said: "This was a really positive day of action and I am really pleased that local businesses provided positive feedback to us about the work we're doing to tackle this issue.

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"We also heard that the gang injunction in place in the area is having an effect deterring those affected by it from coming to the area and causing issues.

"But our work is not done and these issues are not eradicated in one day, so we'll continue to work the residents, businesses, and partners to keep the town centre safe."

District Commander for Thurrock, Temporary Chief Inspector Tony Atkin, said: "It's a great piece of work done by Raptor and supported by Grays CPT. 

"The work by Raptor completed around a prominent gang has left a vacuum in Grays, which I am keen to prevent being filled by another gang and work like this I hope will go some way to achieve this. 

"In addition, I am in the process of assessing and increasing the schools engagement in Thurrock provided by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, Violence and Vulnerability Unit and CYPs to target those most vulnerable of being exploited by Gangs in order to divert them away from this activity."