THE ongoing concern by residents in the east of Thurrock about consistency of levels of policing has prompted a further response from the officer in charge of town centre policing teams in the borough.

Sgt Ben Forbes, who hosted a Facebook question and answer session with residents last week (click on 'additional info' link below) acknowledged that the force is aware of public perceptions but that it is doing a significant amount to try an alleviate problems.

He says: " "I'm aware of recent videos that have been circulating on social media surrounding a pocket of anti-social behaviour in Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham town centres.

"I have launched an investigation into this, which will be co-led by the Stanford-le-Hope Town Centre Team and the dedicated community officer for Corringham.

"We will do everything we can to identify those responsible and prevent this kind of behaviour from happening any further. This will take time, but most importantly, I need anyone with information about these incidents to report them to us.

"This will enable me and my team to have an accurate picture of what is going on and gather the evidence we need for our investigation.

"As I have promised since we launched our Town Centre policing teams in July of this year, my absolute goal is to make our town centres safer by working with you, the community and the heart of our town centres and you have my commitment that we are taking these matters seriously.

"If you would like to speak to a member of the Community Policing Team, please dial 101 or in emergencies 999 or alternatively, go onto the Essex Police – Thurrock Facebook Page and press 'Contact Us'."

Meanwhile the forvce has issued its own direct statement about police in borough town centres.

"It read: "In Grays, officers have been working closely with Thurrock Council's civil enforcement team to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town centre, including joint patrols to enforce the public spaces protection order.

"Their work has resulted in 33 community protection notices being handed to individuals whose behaviour is having a detrimental effect on the community's quality of life.

"They are also working with the council, Thurrock Community Safety Partnership and other partners to tackle the causes of anti-social behaviour and help prevent reoffending.

"South Ockendon's Town Centre Team regularly attend the South Ockendon Community Hub to speak to volunteers and members of the public about any concerns they have, offer advice and reassurance, and to help tackle any concerns they have about anti-social behaviour.

"The Stanford-le-Hope Town Centre Team are investigating reports of car thefts and anti-social behaviour."