A POLICE chief is urging Canvey residents “to take control of their island” and turn in robbers, burglars and drug dealers.

Chief Insp Glen Westley, district commander for Castle Point and Rochford, hopes that violence on Canvey could be significantly reduced if just a certain few individuals were caught.

He believes that the culprits either live on Canvey, work there, or have links to the island.

He said that people living locally must know the people responsible for criminal incidents, such as knifepoint burglaries, robberies and drug deals and wants them to come forward with information.

Mr Westley said: “My view is that the current situation on Canvey, since the discharge of the firearms last month, has shone a light on what’s going on on the island.

“There are a small number of people wanted by the police and wanted on warrant by the courts for violent offences and drug-related offences.

“They are in circulation - they are out there are somewhere.

“We are sure that they are on the island or are at least frequent visitors, because they have connections.

“My view is that these people are causing Canvey harm.

“I would appeal to the people on Canvey that if you know who these people are, what car they drive or where they work, please let us know.

“I want the people of Canvey to take control of their island and say no, we don’t want them causing harm in the community anymore.”

He urged people who do not want to speak to police to ring Crimestoppers and the information will be held in the strictest confidence.

Mr Westley hoped that a spate of robberies on the island would come to an end after Michael Cooper, 29, of Thorney Bay Caravan Park was arrested and charged.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday, October 11.

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Alternatively, they can visit crimestoppes-uk.org to complete an online form.