POLICE bosses fear that robberies are taking place on Canvey but not being reported to the force, sparking an urgent plea for residents to report crimes. 

Det Insp Nick Bruton, who leads Castle Point and Rochford Criminal Investigation Department, has urged victims of crimes to come forward in a plea to the public. 

He believes robberies are taking place specifically on Canvey but victims are staying quiet. 

Det Insp Bruton added that they treat robberies “very seriously” and need the public to contact officers.

Last month, a Hadleigh man was jailed for six years after robbing a victim of his car, phone, and wallet. The victim was also left with several injuries.

Two teenage boys were arrested earlier this month after reports a teenage boy was robbed at knifepoint on Canvey. They have since been charged.

Det Insp Bruton said: “We know the impact robberies have on the people directly affected and the wider community.

“And when they’re reported to us, we take action.

“Last month a man was jailed for six years for a robbery over in Hadleigh, while we’ve also made several arrests in the last couple of months in connection with incidents here on Canvey and those individuals remain under investigation.

“I believe there are incidents taking place here which are not being reported to us and I would urge anyone with information to contact us.

“We treat robberies very seriously, have made arrests, and need the public to contact us with information.

“We can’t take action on incidents we don’t know about and they may be linked to other investigations, so information you report could help support, strengthen, and solve other offences.

“It also helps us build a picture of where incidents are taking place, identify trends, and focus our resources to where they’re needed most.

“If you have information, please tell us and I would urge the public not to try and take matters into their own hands.”

You can let Essex Police know by submitting a report on their website or by using their online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101.

Alternatively you can contact the independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.