Brightlingsea residents are being urged to report all criminal activity – however minor – in a bid to get a stronger police presence in the town.

At a recent meeting with Essex police, members of Brightlingsea Town Council (BTC) were told that the area is considered to be one of the least crime-ridden in the district – despite a recent spate of vandalism, criminal damage and thefts from vehicles.

The disparity between the official crime rate and lived experience is thought to be due to the failure of many crime victims to report  incidents. As a result, the town is considered a low risk by police and resources are being diverted elsewhere.

Now BTC is to urge residents to report crimes with messages on electronic display boards in local shops, as well as on its website and Facebook page. “The police only know about crimes that reported” says one message, with another pointing out that reports can be made by calling the police on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

“We feel we must convince Essex police to give us a greater presence within the town,” the council told Brightlingsea Info. “This is only going to happen when all the incidents around the town are reported and therefore warrant some action.”