Essex Police have stated a drop in anti-social behaviour in Thurrock is down to proactive policing - after a council leader suggested residents were no longer reporting crime. 

Anti social behaviour was reported 400 times less during 2018, compared to the previous year. 

And Thurrock Council leader, Rob Gledhill, stated that he was concerned the drop was due to residents no longer reporting anti social behaviour.

But Essex Police have dismissed the claim, pointing to a host of proactive operations. 

A spokesman said: "We’ve seen more than 400 fewer reports of anti-social behaviour in Thurrock in the 12 months to December 2018 compared to the previous year.

"This is a direct result of the proactive policing operations ongoing within the district.

"A dedicated operation to tackle off road and nuisance motorbikes in Thurrock has resulted in 120 results and a decrease in anti-social behaviour in just nine months.

"As part of this operation, our officers have arrested six people, issued 25 warnings and reported 41 people for offences. We also seized 11 vehicles, issued eight fines and saw one rider banned and fined.

"We have worked closely with Thurrock Council in managing the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in Grays, which was introduced in April 2017. These patrols are successful with anti-social behaviour in the town centre visibly reduced.

"As an off shoot of this activity we identified increased levels of drug activity in the town centre which ultimately resulted in the identification of the C17 gang who were operating there and action has been taken against several members.

"The PSPO (spell out what this mean in full please) tackling car cruising in West Thurrock and Lakeside has helped drastically reduce reports and unauthorised street racing events. This follows good work with Thurrock Council and Highways Agencies.

"Just recently the PSPO was extended till 2021.

"This good work will continue and has been given a boost by the fact that the borough will have 15 new officers next year as a result of an uplift in the policing. This means we will have a bigger presence on the streets and we will continue to drive down crime and anti-social behaviour.

"We would urge people within the community to continue to vigilant and report anti-social behaviour to us on 101 or online by visiting www.essex.police.uk/do-it-onlone.

"Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."