Residents have plenty to say at PCC’s Thurrock public meeting
OFFICER numbers, the future of police stations in Essex, officer pay, vehicle crime and burglary were just some of the topics on the agenda at the Police and Crime Commissioner’s latest public meeting.
Around 20 members of the public attended the event hosted by PCC for Essex Nick Alston at the Hassenbrook Academy in Hassenbrook Road, Stanford-le-Hope.
They heard from Thurrock’s district commander, Chief Insp Leigh Norris, who told the audience how the borough was one of the best performing in the county.
Between March 2014 and March 2015, Thurrock has seen a 2.1 per cent reduction in all crimes, equating to 230 less offences, compared with the previous year.
The audience also heard how officers have also worked hard to reduce vehicle crime, burglary other offences, shoplifting and robbery.
PCC Nick Alston at the public meeting in Thurrock
The meeting focused on the policing structure in Thurrock which led to questions from members of the public around the role of PCSOs and potential to increase their powers, police visibility and concerns about officer numbers.
The audience raised their continuing concerns about the closure of Corringham police station, which happened in 2011, and fears about other stations closing. Mr Alston spoke about the ongoing review of Essex Police’s estate, which consists of many aging buildings some of which are no longer fit for purpose and incur large maintenance costs.
The final part of the meeting focused on the new and emerging challenges for police and partners in tackling crimes termed as “hidden harms”. These offences, including domestic abuse, modern slavery, child sexual exploitation, are a major focus for Mr Alston and Essex Police as they work to both tackle those committing the offences and raise public awareness of these horrendous crimes.
PCC Nick Alston at the public meeting in Thurrock
Following the meeting Mr Alston said: “There was much lively and interesting debate at this meeting on a wide range of policing and crime-related issues.
“I always value hearing first-hand the experiences of residents in relation to crime and how police are performing locally, as this insight continues to inform my work in holding the Chief Constable to account in ensuring that Essex residents get the policing service they deserve.
“I thank Chief Insp Leigh Norris for his strong contribution and look forward to returning to Thurrock in the near future.”
The meeting took place on Thursday April 9.
The public briefing document given out at the meeting, with facts and figures about crime in Thurrock, can be viewed here https://www.essex.pfcc.police.uk/2015/03/thurrrock-residents-can-have-their-say-at-pccs-next-public-meeting/
For more about tackling hidden harms and the future of police stations in Essex, visit the following links:
https://www.essex.pfcc.police.uk/2014/03/hidden-harm-is-happening-in-essex/
https://www.essex.pfcc.police.uk/2015/01/the-future-of-the-essex-police-property-estate/
