FIGURES have revealed how many thefts took place across Basildon in just one month.

The latest crime stats from the police data site - data.police.uk, it shows in March there were 342 theft crimes in Basildon including shoplifting, bike theft, theft from a person.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Essex continues to be a safe place to live, work, and visit. Levels of overall crime fell two per cent in April 2023 compared to the same time last year (April 2022) meaning, across Essex, there were less victims of crime.

"And at the same time, we’re solving more crimes with nearly over 1,300 more solved in the last year than the one before.

"This includes more violent, domestic, and sexual offences solved, as well as more burglaries, thefts, and vehicle offences.

"During the same period in Basildon, bike thefts were down almost 6% and almost five per cent more crimes were solved.

"We will continue to tackle local issues raised by residents and respond to emergency calls. Officers are there to help people, keep people safe, and catch criminals.

"Focussing on thefts, officers have held several events in Basildon and will hold more to advise on crime prevention methods and listen to the concerns of those attending:

"Two pop up events were held in the town centre, in local banks. Subjects included identity theft and pickpocketing, also known as purse dipping, and crime prevention advice on how not to fall victim to such crimes.

"A talk took place at Stockbrook Manor to the Women’s Institute in relation to ID theft.

"Proactive operation to tackle purse dipping in town centre locations. Proactive tackling of vehicle crime at public car parks, accompanied by leaflet and poster drop.

"Town centre proactive patrols to tackle cycle theft.

"We’d encourage you to report a crime so we can investigate or if you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to a theft, then please get in contact with us.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101. In an emergency always call 999."