CRIME hotspots in Basildon have been revealed after fresh figures were published by the police.

Every month, Essex Police updates its crime statistics for each policing district, ranging from the most serious crimes like robbery, violent and sexual offences, to less serious offences – antisocial behaviour, for example.

Fryerns, Pitsea South East, and Pitsea North West show as the borough’s most criminally active areas, tallying up 549 reports of crime between them.

The total population of those three wards adds up to about 37,000 people, meaning roughly one crime is committed per 680 people.

Fryerns currently tops the table with 216 reports of crime, including 59 reports of violence and sexual offences, 19 counts of burglary and two counts of robbery.

There were 213 reports of crime in Pitsea South East with 43 reports of violence and sexual offences, 20 counts of burglary one reported robbery.

Pitsea North West saw 126 reports of crime with 30 reports of violence and sexual offences, seven counts of burglary and three robberies. Notably, the figures also show there were 16 reported incidents of violence and sexual assaults in Festival Park during the month.

A spokesman for Essex Police said a “small increase” in crime in Basildon mirrors national trends and people who go out to spoil someone’s night in Festival Leisure Park are “dealt with appropriately.”

He said: “Across the country there has been an increase in crime and Basildon shows a small increase which mirrors that national picture. However, crime in general is still at a lower level than a decade ago and this is against the backdrop of significant reductions in police resources.

“Areas which include town centres with bars and clubs or shopping centres are likely to show higher figures and this doesn’t necessarily reflect crime happening in neighbourhoods. It’s important to remember that these statistics also include so-called ‘hidden harms’ like domestic abuse, online grooming and cyber-crime. Thousands of people enjoy entertainment at Festival Leisure Park every week and the vast majority do so lawfully.

“We always work with responsible businesses and Basildon Council to make sure our night time economy is safe to enjoy for all and people who do go out to spoil someone else’s night are dealt with appropriately.”