THE POLICE and crime commissioner for Essex praised a group for helping to keep crime down in Rochford.

Nick Alston praised the Rochford District Community Safety Partnership (CSP) at a public meeting in Hockley on Thursday night.

Rochford Council’s cabinet member for community safety Jo McPherson, said: “The CSP brings together just about any organisation that can help us to reduce crime.

“We work a lot with the voluntary sector, the fire service, with health, and most of all with Police.

“Our current priorities are to reduce anti-social behaviour, acquisitive crime, domestic abuse, and re-offending.”

It works through a number of programmes, including outreach football programmes and community events for older people.

Mr Alston said: “I think you’re fantastically well looked after in Rochford by your Community Safety Partnership. I’m really impressed.”