AT least one crime is committed every ten days at Basildon train station, the latest data from Basildon Council reveals.

Data has been released covering the period between April 1 and November 21 this year.

Figures show a total of 82 crimes were committed in Basildon, Laindon and Pitsea train stations during this period.

Councillors have called for more police presence and better street lighting to act as a deterrent for criminals.

Andrew Baggott, Basildon Council and Conservatives leader, said: “Speaking to people about crime, one of the main things brought up is visible policing that acts as a deterrent because people usually don’t want to commit crimes in front of an officer.

“I also recognise police will prioritise and work at other things and they have been very successful in terms of drugs related arrests in the past six months.

“If I had to pick between having one or two more officers at stations or a focus on county line dealers, I’d probably pick dealers.

“It’s an operational call when it comes to police. Another thing is improved lighting, that could be a contributing factor depending on the time of day crimes are committed.”

The data showed a crime was committed every ten days in Basildon compared to every eight days in Pitsea and Laindon.

Assaults and common assaults were the most frequent crimes committed with Pitsea having a high number of drug crimes at the station.

Kerry Smith, Independent Basildon councillor for Nethermayne, said the station’s ‘isolation’ could be a reason criminals attempt to transfer drugs through it.

He said: “With Pitsea it’s quite isolated, I’m surprised Laindon is higher than Basildon.

“At least with Basildon you’ve got a busy pub nearby and Trafford House which helps a bit.

“With Pitsea, maybe that’s why the drugs are coming through because it’s got to come from somewhere.”

Councillor Smith highlighted that the crimes listed are only reported crimes, with more activity likely at stations.

He added: “Despite the numbers only being reported crimes, 82 is still a very high number as we’re not London.

“We’re only a home county borough so those figures should be a lot lower, with police cuts we’re not seeing enough of a presence at our stations.”

At Basildon station, one theft from motor vehicle offence, one sexual offence, two pedal cycle thefts, six common assault offences, three racial harassment incidents, one assault, two damage offences and two public order offences have been reported since April.

To view the full statistics visit bit.ly/47DwO8K.