GRAYS now has its own dedicated policing team to help crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour.

The team of two PCs and four PCSOs was set up at the start of February and is patrolling the town centre day and night.

From February 4 to April 4 there have been 24 arrests and 292 stop checks for a range of different offences.

Officers on the team have also filed 75 intelligence reports, which help the force detect and prevent other crimes.

Fourteen people have had warnings for cannabis use and the team has attended 91 incidents.

Insp Leigh Norris, from West Thurrock Neighbourhood Policing Team, pictured, said officers wanted to be a visible presence on the streets of Grays.

He said: “The idea behind it was to increase visibility. We listened to public concerns and observations.

“We want to increase confidence for people going into the town centre or coming off the train at the railway station.”

The main area the team patrols is in the High Street as well as both sides of the railway lines, Grays Beach, the riverfront and all of the roads leading from them.

Town link radios are also being used to link shops with CCTV and the police. A mobile fingerprinting device, to check ID on the street, has been brought in and some officers have been trained to use cameras.

Insp Norris added: “I’ve had some feedback on my Twitter account from members of the public. By and large its all been positive.

“The idea really is to provide that visibility, reassurance to people.”

Angie Gaywood, portfolio holder for public protection at Thurrock Council said: “We are very supportive of Essex Police’s efforts. “The council has already started receiving positive reports from retailers about the extra police presence in the town centre.”