POLICE officers were in Stanford-le-Hope today and netted a number of rogue motorists – including drug drivers – as they stopped and checked vehicles on London Road.

The operation was led by the local police team and was also an exercise in bedding in a new of new recruits to the force – giving them practical experience of operational procedure.

"We have had a good day here. We have already found a handful of drivers who have failed a drugs test and we have discovered a number of vehicles that should not be on the road. It's been very worthwhile" said the senior officer on duty as his team pulled in drivers to the Allot Hall car park where checked were carried out.

The Stanford effort follows a busy day of community policing yesterday (Monday, 9 March) when pro-active operations were carried out in a number of places across the borough.

Community police team leader Sgt Ben Forbes said: "In South Ockendon we touched base with all opened businesses

"Members of the public have been engaged with and we collected an old knife found near Bonnygate Park.

"In Grays officers have been working with our partners to tackle identified anti-social behaviour and our officers were invited to attend a local youth club.

"Crime prevention advice, joint activities, engagement and fun was had by all!

"In Purfleet we are delivering an intensified week of action to deter anti-social behaviour and violence.

"Officers have been patrolling in the town centres and also in our key concern areas.

"Local youths spoken to and no issues have thankfully been reported.

"In Stanford-le-Hope officers made sure we continue our business engagement and monitor and action any concerns and no reported concerns were raised for the High Street.

"We will continue to be visible and proactive in our approach.

"And in Tilbury we been patrolled the town centre in the evening and are pleased to report no incidents of note

"We also visited a victim of hate crime to provide support and investigate. This is an appalling offence and one we all take so seriously."