A CONCERNED councillor is calling to see more bobbies on the beat after a spate of vandalism incidents in her village.

Hedingham ward councillor Jo Beavis is voicing concerns over policing in Sible Hedingham.

It comes after a series of burglary and vandalism incidents last week with the public toilets at the village’s recreation ground being a target.

The toilets had to be closed to residents and follows vandalism to a wooden seating shelter which left as a gift to the village.

The incidents have left councillor Beavis feeling Essex Police need to show a stronger presence in her ward.

She said: “The closures of Halstead Police Station and Great Yeldham Police Station along with a restructure has taken away a local presence of community police officers and the prevention of crime.  

“What is needed is a greater Police presence and meaningful community-based work to try and prevent and resolve crime.

“A stronger community partnership is required in the Hedinghams Ward to regain trust in police investigation.”

Essex Police say they are looking into the vandalism reports.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We received reports of criminal damage to a toilet block in Recreation Road, Sible Hedingham, that occurred between 3pm and 5pm on Friday, May 27.
“Toilet seats and toilet roll holders had been pulled from the walls.
“Anyone with information should contact 101 citing reference 42/136652/22.

“Sible Hedingham is a safe place for people to live, work and socialise.

“We have dedicated teams which work across the village to patrol our streets as well as disrupt, prevent, and detect crime.

“Indeed, incidents of antisocial behaviour have dropped by 53 per cent across the Braintree district – of which Sible Hedingham is a part – in the last 12 months.

“While we understand police stations can be a reassuring sight, we believe it is police officers who keep communities safe and catch criminals - not police buildings.

“With money raised by selling police buildings, we’ve been able to invest in technology which allows our officers to stay out in our communities longer, being more visible and providing reassurance.”