A THURROCK woman is hoping a countywide website will prove an effective tool in helping combat crime – and awareness of crime – in the borough.

Ute Steenkamp is one of three administrators of the Facebook page 'Essex Crime' which is attempting to log all crimes across the region and the impact they have on communities.

The site was originally created in 2017 by Kathy McGowan after she fell victim to crime and Kathy says: "I am amazed how this group has grown."

The page, which is also administered by Angela Nyathi, currently stands at 49,000 members in total and now also runs Twitter and Instagram accounts.

As well as the administrators, there are six moderators, Maeve Walmsley, Kealey Aston, Gemma Edwards, Sean Barlow, Mo Lunat and Lauren Overton.

Mission statement

They share the group's aims and ambitions encapsulated in its mission statement which reads: "Our mission is to support the various communities in the Essex area and to share safety tips taken from various police sites to keep our members safe and prevent crime from taking place in our community.

"Our mission is to share support strategies for members affected by crime and to share their crime stories.

"Our mission is to work alongside Police to support the Police policies and to provide members with up to date information in regards to reporting crime. Our mission is to show the communities in Essex all the work the police is doing in our county as we feel this is sometimes not showcased."

Ute said:"The site provides pictures, footage, hints and tips" and it is rewarding to see comments on it like: 'One of the most professional crime group page to be found on Facebook'."

And Kathy paid tribute to her site supporters, saying: "The most amazing thing about this group, as it continues to grow rapidly, is that these people use their spare time to assist and help their community voluntarily.

"On this website, you can:

• find out what crimes or incidents are taking place in their area
• find out about the ways you can report to police
• report using the online form advice
• find information about people that can help and support you if you have

Instagram: essex_crime11

Facebook: Essex Crime and surrounding Areas."