The Motion, as printed in the Agenda was proposed by Councillor B Rice and seconded by Councillor Gerrish. The Motion read as follows:

This Council calls on the Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex to fully review and evaluate Police numbers in Thurrock in light of the serious nature of crimes that are we are experiencing in the Borough.

Councillor B Rice presented the Motion that highlighted the increased level of crime and anti-social behaviour in Thurrock and that residents should not have to put up with this. That immediate action was required by the Government to establish the confidence back into Thurrock residents. A poem written by a local Police Officer highlighting the need for better services was read out by Councillor B Rice.

Councillor Gerrish was proud to support this Motion with more than ever the number of crime and anti-social behaviour incidents being reported by residents had increased. That the budget set by the Conservative Government should be ashamed of how residents had been treated and with Labour’s plan to recruit ten thousand Police Officers as protection should not be done on the cheap. Councillor Gerrish stated that the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner should listen and action.

Councillor Spillman stated that there was a crisis in Thurrock with no Police presence in public spaces and demanded that the Government action as a matter of urgency.

Councillor Jones stated that he would be supporting this Motion and echoed Councillor Spillman’s comments. Councillor Jones stated he had recently attended a RAF memorial service where there was no Police presence to stop the unfortunate anti-social behaviour taking place at this event.

Councillor Gledhill stated that he would be supporting this Motion and quoted incident and offence figures and would insist that the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner listened to what Thurrock needed.

Councillor Duffin stated that crime was a serious problem in Thurrock with residents not having any confidence when they rang the Police 101 number and although the administration praised the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner nothing had been done.

Councillor Pothecary stated that she would be supporting the Motion but residents who reported crime were being batted back to the Council by the 101 service and that the procedure required clarity.

Councillor J Kent welcomed the Motion but with new challenges being faced with less Officers he called on the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to undertake a full review of Thurrock.

Councillor Coxshall stated he would be supporting the Motion as confidence had to be restored back into the community. Councillor Coxshall questioned how in Essex we could pay more to get more Police and quoted that an extra ten pound on everybody’s tax could generate a further 100 Police Officers for the county.

Councillor Huelin stated that she would be supporting the Motion and praised the quick response made by the Police following an incident in Corringham.

Councillor Allen stated that as Thurrock grew with the potential infrastructure and new homes being built in Thurrock it was vital that residents got proper Police presence.

Councillor Smith stated he would be supporting the Motion and go straight to the vote.

Councillor B Rice summed up by stating that Members owed it to the residents of Thurrock to increase the Police presence in the borough.

The Mayor called a vote on the Motion.

Following a clear majority in favour, the Mayor declared the Motion carried.

Councillor Sheridan left the Council Chambers at 0.03am.