Aveley and Ockendon — Neighbourhood Policing Team

We understand that people are concerned about anti-social behaviour, especially in Grays and Tilbury High Streets.

We’re focusing on tackling anti-social behaviour and crime in town centres and other areas where issues are starting to appear. Our officers are carrying out high-visibility patrols and using a method called hotspot policing. This means we’re placing more officers in areas where problems like violence, drug dealing, or anti-social behaviour happen most often. By being more visible in these locations, we can help prevent crime, respond quickly, and make people feel safer. We’re also increasing the use of live facial recognition to help identify individuals involved in criminal activity. These efforts are supported by our partner organisations and are part of a wider plan to keep communities safe and respond to local concerns.

Set: 2026-05-05

Communities in Thurrock have identified hate crime as a key concern.

We are committed to tackling hate crime and supporting our diverse communities in Thurrock. We will continue to support public awareness campaigns so that people know what hate crime is, how to report it, and where to get help. We are also working to ensure that anyone targeted by hate crime has access to the right support services. We’re supporting education initiatives that promote tolerance, respect, and acceptance of difference - especially in schools and community settings. We’ve increased the number of hate crime reporting centres and have more trained specialists working in the community. These efforts are supported by our key partners to make sure everyone in Thurrock feels safe and included.

Set: 2026-05-05

Vehicle theft and theft from vehicles are concerns for people who live and work in Thurrock.

Our Neighbourhood Policing Team is actively monitoring crime trends to respond quickly when there’s a rise in this type of offending. We’re working to identify and arrest those responsible. We’ve also been checking local boot sales for stolen tools and using quad bikes to patrol off-road areas. Our officers are carrying out targeted operations to prevent further crime and keep communities safe.

Set: 2026-05-05

Residents, business owners, and staff in Thurrock have told us they’re concerned about the rise in arson.

We’re working with the fire service to tackle the rise in arson in Thurrock. Together, we’re identifying areas where arson is happening more often. We’re increasing regular police patrols in these areas to help prevent further incidents and reassure the community. We’re also targeting individuals who may be linked to these crimes. Alongside our local community partners, we’re reviewing options such as diversion activities to steer people away from offending. Where appropriate, we’re also looking at housing tenancy agreements to help reduce repeat behaviour and protect the wider community.

Set: 2026-05-05

Local people have told us they’re concerned about the rise in shoplifting across the district.

We’re responding by increasing regular police patrols and using hotspot policing in key areas, including town centres and Lakeside Shopping Centre, where shoplifting has risen the most. Hotspot policing means focusing our efforts on areas where crime happens most often. By having more officers in these locations, we can help prevent crime, respond quickly, and make people feel safer. We’re targeting repeat offenders and, where appropriate, applying for Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs). A CBO is a court order that can place restrictions on someone’s behaviour - such as banning them from certain shops or areas - to help stop further offending. We’re arresting offenders at the earliest opportunity and working closely with our retail partners to improve security and make it harder for shoplifting to happen.

Set: 2026-05-05