Essex Police continue to lay down the law after publishing an open letter addressing the problems Canvey is having with illegal cruisers.

Earlier this week, the Echo reported how boy racers had been filmed driving dangerously down Roscommon Way, on Canvey.

Now the Castle Point Community Policing Team and Casualty Reduction unit are making their intentions known to those who wish to continue flouting the law with the way they drive.

The letter, which was published on the CPT's Facebook page, reads:

"If you follow our twitter page you may be aware of increased Police Activity at Roscommon Way on Canvey.

"This is in direct response to increased illegal 'cruiser activity' at the location, modified (and not so modified) cars (and sometimes motorcycles) converge and participate in activities that are not only an annoyance to the local community but are also extremely dangerous to participants and spectators alike.

"Just recently there was a serious injury accident because a driver left the road and had an unfortunate meeting with a lampost.

"So the question to those taking part in this activity is how much do you value your licence, your health, that of your friends', other road users and innocent spectators - some as young as 13 years old?

"It sounds like Essex Police are being kill-joys, but we are not. We have a duty to protect people. Sometimes it's about protecting people from themselves and their actions.

"The activity at Roscommon Way has been going on for a number of years and this is seriously affecting those that live nearby.

"The Castle Point Community Policing Team and Casualty Reduction unit will continue to work with partners to address this problem. Remember we are doing this to protect YOU and OTHERS.

"Offenders will be dealt with robustly, a zero tolerance to minor offences has been adopted. 

"Got a noisy exhaust? expect a ticket. Also expect us to contact your insurance company to see if you have declared your modificiations. 

"Seen by Police driving in an anti-social manner? Your vehicle will be seized. S59 warnings will be an exception rather than the rule.

"Fail to Stop for Police? Remember we have cameras in the area and you can expect a day in court (also paying for the privilege of vehicle recovery and storage costs after we have seized it).

"If you think you pay enough insurance as it is, committing any of the above is likely to send costs through the roof. Just don't do it, it's not worth it.

"If you think these are just words, please see the attached.

"Thank you

"The Castle Point and Rochford Community Policing Team / Casualty Reduction Unit."

The team also shared images from the Daily Mail about a serious crash in Worthing, Sussex, which was caused by illegal crusing and meant two 18-year-olds suffered life-changing injuries.

Also attached was a screen shot of the report from the Echo last month detailing firefighters' efforts to free a man from his car after a crash in Roscommon Way.

Elsewhere on Twitter, the team shared a photo of a stack of Antisocial Behaviour Notices going out to motorists after they were caught by officers driving irresponsibly.

For more information on this ongoing issue, visit www.facebook.com/EPCastlePointandRochford