A BURNHAM resident has started a petition to increase the amount of police presence in the Dengie.

Sherif Harding, 35, and many other residents have grown increasingly angry at the level of crime rising in the Maldon District.

The Standard reported last week that crime levels had risen by 15 per cent since September last year, with 631 incidents reported within three months.

Since April, three High Street businesses in Maldon have been targeted by crooks as well as Burnham Quayside Restaurant, among dozens of other serious incidents.

Mr Harding previously attempted to start a petition on gov.uk, but it was rejected.

About setting it up, he said: “It’s reached a stage now in the area that people have really deep concerns about what is going on around them.

“Having one rejected was an irritation, but the whole point of the petition, in the first instance, is to gather momentum amongst the community and demonstrate the depth of feeling to the councillor at Maldon District Council and the Essex Police Crime Commissioner.

“The Dengie is home to approximately 25 small villages and the principle towns of Maldon and Burnham-on-Crouch, and forms about half of the Maldon local government district.

“I and fellow Burnham residents in particular are aware of quite obvious and blatant acts of petty to moderate crime, such as reckless driving, drug dealing, anti-social behaviour and burglary.

“Residents believe we are being failed by our Maldon DC and Essex Police, and believe our Council Tax is being used disproportionately and ineffectively. Something has to be done.”

The petition was started on Monday, and has since gained nearly 200 signatures.

Roger Hirst, Police and CrimeCommissioner for Essex, said: “I recognise that many people feel policing is not sufficiently visible in many parts of Essex, including the Dengie, and this is directly reflected in my new Police and Crime Plan for Essex.

“The first priority of the new Plan is for more local, visible and accessible policing.

“I welcome the views of people in the Dengie and elsewhere on the priorities, and I would encourage everyone to provide feedback either by taking an online survey on our website or by contacting us directly.”

Visit www.essex.pcc.police.uk and see the petition at chn.ge/2cBXhNy