CRIME on Canvey has spiralled because islanders wrongly believe its police station is out of action, according to MP Rebecca Harris.

The Tory believes a spike in robberies and violent attacks is down to the “myth” that officers stepped off the island once the front counter at Canvey station, in Long Road, closed to the public five months ago.

She has called for an end to the misconception, which she believes has sparked fear among residents and given encouragement to criminals.

The Castle Point MP has spoken out after meeting Roger Hirst, the Essex Police and Crime Commissioner, and Brandon Lewis, Government minister for policing, for urgent talks.

She said: “I think this is the message we need to be sending out, the station is still in operation, and there are now more police on the island.

“I think the London drug gangs have been causing significant problems in the area.

“We need to make it clear that Canvey police station is not closed, despite so many residents, and of course criminals, believing it is.

“The station’s front counter is closed as crime is just not being reported there anymore.

“In terms of how the meeting went, I thought it was very good and we also discussed the current police funding formula with the minister.

“The problem we have is that compared to other forces across the country, Essex Police raises much less through the local council tax bills.”

Officers are based at the island’s police station, despite its front counter closing in April as part of major cuts.

Essex Police has also reduced its number of PCSOs and other staff in a bid to save £63million by 2020.

During the crunch talks, the trio discussed recent incidents and the police response to them, which has seen more officers deployed to Canvey.

Mrs Harris said both she and Mr Hirst- who has drawn up a new police and crime plan for the county- have argued for more funding for the force in Essex.

She added: “I was pleased to have the opportunity to discuss the future of Essex Police with Roger and the minister. I thanked Roger for the major increase in visible officers on Canvey in recent weeks.”

Mr Hirst said: “The new police and crime plan is relevant to all our lives. I want to hear your views on all of the policing priorities and whether you feel they are the right ones for Essex.”

To have your say on the plan, visit essex.pcc.police.uk