RESIDENTS are being urged to be vigilant after crime more than doubled in Benfleet last month.

Speaking at a Benfleet neighbourhood meeting, PC Paul Levine said the area averages 25 to 30 incidents a month, but in May there were 75.

Crimes included burglaries, thefts from cars and criminal damage.

He said: “There is no specific reason. It is just unexplained at the moment. There are two areas. One has been Tarpots, where it looks like someone has come in from out of the area.

“In Underhill Road, four thefts from motor vehicles all happened on one night. Other than that, it is quite widespread.

“We have got house burglaries, burglaries from sheds and garages, theft from motor vehicles, theft of pedal cycles and criminal damage. Be vigilant and call us if you see anything suspicious.”

Tory ward councillor Tom Skipp, speaking after the meeting, said he was surprised to hear crime had increased.

He said: “I had a look at the crime map afterwards and it seems there were two areas around Tarpots and it was quite widespread. I have heard nothing from any residents. I found out for the first time at the meeting.

“I might be concerned if that trend continues. As a one-off month, I will take the police’s word for it as an unexplained blip. If it happens again next month, I’ll be more concerned about it.”

Benfleet police officers are holding a meeting at the Tarpots Harvester, in Benfleet, on Saturday, July 2, from 3pm. Residents can speak to their local policing team about issues which affect them.