Crime and Policing: Pitsea residents speak out

Frontline policing for South Basildon and East Thurrock cut as residents feel under threat.

It was with great scepticism that I read the comments of the current MP for Basildon in last week’s Enquirer. The Tory MP claimed it was really positive news that recorded crime had dropped in South Basildon and East Thurrock although far below the national average. A view I find most complacent.

Having spoken with many residents over the summer about local crime, and being aware that crimes such as shoplifting and mugging are on the increase, it was of no surprise to hear from residents attending the Pitsea Community Panel this week that community policing and crime were high on their agenda. The meeting was also attended by Labour’s local and Essex county councillors who listened to a range of issues showing clearly that the reality for people living in Pitsea is far from the picture being painted by the Tories who have cuts police funding by 20%.

As the PCSO’s and officer who attended spoke about their increasing workload including burglaries and anti-social behaviour it was disappointing to see that although invited, the Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Nick Alston, was not there to hear residents' legitimate concerns. One of the main concerns was that the 101 number to be used for non-emergencies is not, at times, being picked up due to lack of staffing. A frustrating experience for citizens that goes some way to explain a perceived reduction in reported crime. If you can’t report crime in the first place, figures are bound to be lower! I was impressed by the PSCO’s and officer who attended the meeting although it was clear that without the PCSOs there would be virtually no community police presence on the streets of Pitsea, another real reason why resident feel that crime is such an issue in the area.
Labour will address these issues and I was delighted to be able to speak to residents after the meeting with Labour councillors to offer further support.
Thanks to the Tory-led government’s attack on our policing levels, Essex Police are struggling to provide a service that will keep people safe and with Essex County Council’s foolhardy plans to turn out the lights at night in a few weeks time the situation can only get worse for residents who deserve far better. A highly visible police presence would be welcomed by residents and something I will continue to campaign for.