THE district commander for Thurrock police has moved to reassure residents of the forces commitment to fighting crime in the borough.

Leigh Norris released a statement following today’s announcement that Essex Police were to close and sell off Tilbury and South Ockendon stations and reduce the number of PCSO’s in the borough from 38 to six.

They also announced Grays station will remain open to the public seven days a week from 9am-5pm. Corringham station, which closed to the public in 2011, will now be sold as well.

“Essex Police, like forces up and down the country, is facing enormous financial challenges. Our Chief Constable has no choice about making savings, but can decide where these can be made.

“As such our force is restructuring the shape of local policing. The proposal to reduce the number of Police Community Support Officers in Essex, which is the subject of consultation with affected staff, has not been considered lightly by our Chief Constable. However, with limited resources, Essex Police must place its officers where they are needed most - and that is where the most harm is being caused in our communities. That will now be the focus of our new Community Policing Teams.

“These teams will be locally based, locally accountable and prioritise crimes causing harm in their communities. They will arrest offenders, patrol nighttime economy hotspots and dynamically respond to crime trends as they emerge.

“I understand that many residents in this district will be saddened to hear that the front counters of Tilbury and South Ockendon police stations are proposed for closure to the public and that they along with Corringham police station are also recommended for sale. This is currently the subject of a consultation with affected front counter staff.

“People are, understandably, attached to their police stations and view them as an integral part of their community.

“However it is police officers based within those buildings who are really the heart of the community. They investigate your crimes, respond to your emergencies and provide solutions to longer-term crime-related problems. As part of the new Community Policing Teams these officers will be more focused and used more smartly to keep your community safe.

“Those new teams will not work in isolation, they will be supported by detectives in CID, the Domestic Violence, Sexual Offences and Child Abuse investigation teams as well as specialist colleagues across the rest of the county for example the Serious Crime Directorate.

"Just because a town will no longer have a traditional police station, as we have come to know and potentially fewer PCSOs does not mean that your area will not be policed. You will still have dedicated officers on hand ready to respond to emergencies and investigate crimes.

“Grays police station will continue to operate, with proposals to open the front counter to the public seven days a week from 9am to 5pm.

“I can reassure residents that officers in Thurrock, like I, remain committed to providing a professional and efficient service placing victims at the heart of all they do, catching criminals and providing emergency support.”