Thurrock police address anti-social behavior with arrests, searches, and focus on car cruising, resulting in decreased crime.
Police made two arrests on Friday, February 28th. These arrests related to separate assaults from that day. A man from Hornchurch faces charges. He is accused of grievous bodily harm and knife possession.
This followed a fight on Hampden Road. A man also faces two assault charges. That incident occurred in Lodge Lane.
Sergeant Priest addressed the violence concerns. He said officers acted fast, and charged suspects. He notes that violence fell 10.3% this past year. The data is up to January 31, 2025. They will keep working to lower that further.
That evening, officers also did several stop searches. They searched one vehicle too. These powers let them check for drugs or weapons. They also sought out stolen items. One man received a community resolution. He had cannabis in his possession.
Essex Police also focus on car cruising issues. These happen around Lakeside and West Thurrock. Thurrock Council renewed an order last December. It’s called the Public Spaces Protection Order. This gives authorities more power for three years.
Some car groups socialize peacefully. But others do illegal things, like drifting. This careless driving endangers others on roads. Police work together with council staff. They enforce the special order. Council issues fines, and police handle criminal acts.
Sergeant Priest notes a large decrease recently. He said vehicles leave when police arrive. They know authorities will enforce the law. The police plan to continue this effort this weekend.
Thurrock crime has fallen by five percent. But, police want the public to report issues. This helps keep the community safe. Sergeant Priest wants people to share any information.
The police use public reports to plan operations. This helps identify emerging trends. The police can then focus on those issues.