FRIDAY saw a massive crackdown on crime in the borough with over twenty arrests made.
In Thurrock, officers conducted an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operation in West Thurrock Way, to deny the use of the road to criminals, and to spot anyone driving without a driving licence or insurance. A safety arch was also deployed at Chafford Hundred railway station.
Three people were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and immigration offences after a warrant was executed at Southwell Close, Chafford Hundred. Two 29-year-old men and a 22-year-old man – all from Grays – are being questioned by police in custody, and police will be liasing with the UK Border Agency as part of their enquiries.
Warrants were executed in Wood Avenue, Purfleet, Oxford Avenue, Chadwell-St-Mary and Pagent Close, Tilbury. A total of five people were arrested there on suspicion of various drugs offences.
A warrant was also executed in Dacre Crescent, Aveley. Over 50 plants and a hydroponics set up were discovered, and a 49-year-old man from Aveley was arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis and abstracting electricity. He is currently being questioned in custody.
DCI Alan Cotgrove, said: “This operation has been carried out to disrupt the activity of those who commit crime across Basildon and Thurrock. Day by day we are out on the streets stopping crime, but today has seen us out in force making sure those that live in or visit the area and commit crime have nowhere to hide.
“By stopping and checking people travelling by road and rail, we have ensured that no-one can travel to the area without being greeted by our officers, and the amount of arrests we have made is a testament to us denying people the use of the transport networks for crime.
“The warrants executed have seen some positive results, and we have seized a large quantity of drugs that will now be destroyed instead of ending up on the streets and causing harm to our communities.
“The majority of residents here are law-abiding citizens, who just want to go about their daily business. But the message I would send to those intent on committing crime on our patch is that you have nowhere to hide, as we will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of criminals in Basildon and Thurrock.”
