PCC holds first public meeting in Thurrock
Thurrock saw the launch of the newly elected Police and Crime Commissioner’s programme of public engagement events which will extend across the whole county during the coming year.
Roger Hirst introduced residents of Thurrock to some of the key issues on which he had campaigned, including tackling ASB, gangs and organised crime, domestic violence, reversing the trend in serious violent crime and making the police more visible, local and accessible. Full details can be seen here: PCC Community Safety
At the meeting held in Grays, the PCC was joined by Thurrock District Commander Chief Inspector Leigh Norris who gave an overview crime in the local area. Chief Insp Norris reported that all crime has gone up by 17.2% (1,862 more offences) with violence without Injury increasing by 45.8% (602 more offences). House burglary has decreased by 13.0% (104 fewer offences), and there’s been a 5.9% (340 fewer offences) reduction in the reporting of ASB. For full details and context around crime figures in Thurrock, please see: Thurrock Public Briefing 090616
A recent success by Essex Police has been to reduce cruising around Lakeside where combined initiatives with businesses and the public have succeeded in driving down the number of incidents taking place. Essex Police Thurrock Cruiser Letter
Steve Cox, Corporate Director for Environment and Place, Thurrock Council, spoke on behalf of the Thurrock Community Safety Partnership, which works in tandem with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Essex Police and the community in helping to reduce crime in the area, harm to vulnerable victims and to tackle extremism. More information on the role of Thurrock CSP can be found on their website.
A lively session followed in which the audience were able to ask a range of questions ranging from persistent ASB issues in the Stifford Clays area, illegal quad bike riding on public footpaths, and burglaries.
The next PCC public meeting will take place in Brightlingsea on June 21, 2016. For more details, please visit our events page: https://www.essex.pfcc.police.uk/events/
