Homicide, ASB and burglary down – but still more to do, PFCC tells Thurrock residents

Residents in Thurrock heard encouraging news at this week’s PFCC public meeting: homicides, anti-social behaviour (ASB) and burglaries are all down compared to previous years. However, PFCC Roger Hirst made it clear that there is still more work to be done, especially as concerns remain around drug crime, road safety, and violence against women and girls.

The meeting, held at Tyrells Hall on Monday 1st December 2025 and hosted by PFCC Roger Hirst, alongside representatives from Essex Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) and Thurrock District Council, provided a vital platform for local people to raise their concerns directly with those responsible for community safety.

Attendees heard how homicide rates in Essex had been cut by two thirds from 2016 to nine in the last 12 months, making Essex a safe place to live, work and travel.  However, more work needed to be done to reduce rates of rape, sexual assaults and shoplifting.

PFCC Roger Hirst said: "It’s vital that residents have the opportunity to share their experiences and concerns directly with us. 

"We are committed to working together with the police, fire service and council to address these issues and make Thurrock an even safer place to live."

Key issues raised by residents:

• Persistent drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in local neighbourhoods
• Ongoing problems with fly-tipping and difficulties reporting incidents
• Concerns about road safety and the recent increase in road traffic fatalities

PFCC Roger Hirst and the panel listened carefully to each concern. Commitments were made to:

• Continue targeting drug dealers, with a focus on dismantling organised networks
• Encourage residents to report hate crime and anti-social behaviour, assuring that every report will be taken seriously and acted upon
• Work with the council and police to streamline the process for tackling problematic tenancies
• Promote the use of tools like What3Words to improve reporting of fly-tipping and ensure follow-up on specific cases

Have Your Say – upcoming PFCC public meetings

Residents are encouraged to join one of the upcoming PFCC public meetings in Colchester, Basildon, and Chelmsford in January and February 2026. These events are a chance for communities to have their voices heard, ask questions and learn more about the work being done by local services and the council to keep people safe.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Colchester: 12^th January 2026 at 7pm to 8pm , Thurstable School & College, Tiptree.
• Basildon: 27^th January 2026 at 7pm-8pm venue tbc
• Chelmsford: 9^th February 2026 at 7pm-8pm venue TBC

For more information and to submit questions in advance, visit the PFCC website: Essex PFCC - Home