THE police officer in charge of patrolling three of the borough's town centres took to social media on Thursday evening (28 November) to answer a wide range of questions.

Sgt Ben Forbes manages town centre policing teams in Grays, South Ockendon and Stanford-le-Hope - areas where residents have frequently complained of a lack of police presence and several of them pulled no punches when questioning Sgt Forbes.

Blair Lloyd-Warne, a businessman who has a shop and cafe in Stanford-le-Hope and is no stranger to questioning issues in the town quizzed Sgt Forbes about the way town centres are policed and suggested that a radio network should be set in place to allow show owners and workers to communicate with police directly and quickly.

Sgt Forbes, who was keen to stress that his officers regularly patrol and also engage with businesses in Stanford-le-Hope, had some reservations, but agreed to consider the idea.

He said: "Just this month we have 15 recorded visible and engagements we have had in Stanford-le-Hope and that, of course, will grow and develop.

"In addition, my officers regularly have their refreshment breaks in Stanford to remain visible which is their own choice.

"I am a huge believer in being visible locally but also remotely.

"It means I can have that further community engagement more widely but also localised. I'm more than happy, in fact I'm asking for feedback on how we can improve and am happy to meet in person to discuss this further."

The apparent significant rise in car thefts in the borough - which has gone unrecorded on official statistics released by Essex Police - was a matter of concern and resident Ceri Turner asked: "What is being done to combat this?"

Sgt Forbes responded: "We have seen a number of motor vehicle thefts and as such, we have started a dedicated operation with our wider community policing colleagues which looks to prevent and deter these offence types.

"We are also working regularly with our colleagues who investigate these matters across Thurrock to make sure all information is shared and acted on.

"We also need anyone who sees anything suspicious to use the 101 or 999 system so we can respond accordingly.

"But please be assured that we are taking a proactive step to reduce these offences and arrest those responsible."

Grays resident Ute van der Merwe spoke about her fears about being in the town at night, saying she was scared and asking if there was 'Any chance of getting more police visibility especially near the train station?"

That brought a response from Sgt Forbes that he was looking to step up patrols in the town and also to conduct joint patrols with British Transport Police.

He also revealed that he was working with Thurrock Council on security in the area, saying: "I am currently working with the council to develop the street lighting along the High Street into the station as I feel there is scope to increase this which I hope will provide a greater level of reassurance for you.

"Thanks for reaching out and my absolute priority is to make sure everyone feels safe in our town centres."

Paul Brooks then raised the issue of young people using trains to commute to college from Grays being targeted by criminals, with the theft of mobile phones being a particular concern.

Sgt Forbes responded: "My team and I work closely with our counterparts in the British Transport Police who have ownership over railways offences.

"However - We are here to make a difference and proactively patrol Grays Train Station which is inside our town centre to work in partnership with BTP officers.

"Being visible and delivering a proactive response is absolutely key and something I assure you I take seriously."

Young people being targeted by gangs in Stanford-le-Hope - an issue that had been raised on social media (and on Thurrock Nub News) earlier in the day - was brought up by resident Tracey Payne but Sgt Forbes responded by saying: "Since we went live in July, we have seen such a positive response from local businesses, partners and community members on how visible, proactive and engaging approach.

The problems with young troublemakers prompted Donna Dickens to ask if there were plans to put a police team in Corringham, which she identified as a problem area, prompting Sgt Forbes to say: "At this time, Thurrock's Town Centre Teams are in Grays, South Ockendon and Stanford-le-Hope.

Corringham and the remaining areas across Thurrock have dedicated neighbourhood officers who all regularly patrol, hold Coffee with a Cop events and speak to their community members at local forums to address any concerns raised.

Sgt Forbes also tried to allay fears about young people and gang culture in South Ockendon and he said: "We are patrolling, we are engaging and we are acting, I assure you."

He concluded by saying to residents: "No problem is really 'too small' and I want to listen, act and learn."