POLICE patrols have increased in an Essex town after reports of anti-social behaviour and drug use.
Essex Police Maldon District officers have been conducting high-visibility patrols focusing on locations where drug use has been reported in South Woodham Ferrers.
Officers have been aiming to reassure residents and disrupt suspected offending.
The force has also received reports of illegal e-scooters and e-bikes being used within local recreation grounds, which poses a risk to children and other pedestrians.
An Essex Police spokesman said: “We would like to remind residents that privately owned e‑scooters and e‑bikes that do not meet legal requirements are illegal to use in public places, including parks and recreation grounds, and will be seized if identified.
“Patrols in the area will continue.
“If you have information relating to drug dealing, anti‑social behaviour, or the use of illegal vehicles, please report it at our website.”
Latest crime statistics for Maldon are from February, which show of 117 crimes reported, 13 of them were for anti-social behaviour.
There were 12 reports of shoplifting and 11 reports of public order offences.
Violence and sexual offences were the most reported crime with 55 reports, four times the number of antisocial behaviour offences – the second most reported crime.
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