RESIDENTS in Thurrock once again received a message from crime-fighting chiefs this week – please report, report, report.

At his annual 'meet the residents' Q&A and forum in Grays, Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst faced up to residents concerned about the rising tide of anti-social behaviour across the borough.

Alongside him were borough police chief CI Danny Barnes and Thurrock Council's Assistant Director Counter Fraud, Enforcement and Community Safety, Mike Dineen.

They responded to a number of questions from residents and a large number of local councillors, who repeated concerns about the level of policing across Thurrock and the local force's capacity to deal with problems.

First to speak was a former councillor, Gary Byrne who is no stranger to Mr Hirst's visits to Thurrock and who has repeatedly raised the issue of problems in Corringham, where he was a former representative for the Homesteads ward.

He echoed a recent Thurrock Nub News story highlighting increased problems in Corringham, saying it was now a huge issue for local traders whose properties were being attacked and their trade diminished because residents were afraid to visit the town centre because of balaclava-clad young people on bikes.

Mr Byrne said: "Just the last few months, for some reason, have seen this happening more and more.

"We have got to the point where we're getting a lot of anger. It is worrying now and scary.

"Can you actually supply police?"

He asked if things could end up replicating a situation in Braintree where council resources are being used to employ private firms to increase local security under a project known as Operation Vanguard.

Mr Hirst did not rule out the possibility but said the onus was with Thurrock Council, saying: "I think it could be done if there is a willingness to put some resources in in the same way that the County Council has for Braintree, Colchester and Chelmsford."

CI Barnes acknowledged that there was an increase in the amount of anti-social behaviour but he remained optimistic his force could deploy the required resource to combat it. But he, like all members of the panel stressed the importance of local people reporting crime and anti-social behaviour in a timely manner.

That was echoed in turn by local ward councillors who, after the meeting, exhorted residents to play their part.

Reform's Little Thurrock councillor, Marion Cherry said the meeting had been a positive one, adding: "Subjects raised covered the increase in fly-tipping, the need for more CCTV and the need for an increase in more visible policing. As well as the problems caused by riders of e-scooters, e-bikes, and the worrying trend of catapult use which has caused the maiming and even death of animals and birds.

"There were some great ideas shared with regard to assisting the police in their efforts to fight crime.

"The overriding message as always for the public is Report, Report, Report.

"For an emergency telephone 999 and non-urgent 101. Or if you prefer you can go online and if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Speaking after the meeting Mr Hirst thanked everyone who attended and took part in the discussion, saying: "Public meetings are an important opportunity for residents to speak directly with local leaders, ask questions and share their concerns.

"We are grateful to everyone who came along to the meeting and contributed to a constructive and informative discussion.

"The wide range of topics raised demonstrates how much people care about their community, and those conversations help inform the work of policing, fire and community safety partners across Thurrock."

You can watch the whole meeting via this link:-