Grays knife crime targeted by Essex Police by using weapons detectors

Working alongside Grays community policing team and the British Transport Police, officers arrested one person in Grays town centre on Wednesday as part of the force’s efforts to tackle gang and drug crime.

Officers deployed what are known as an OpenGate weapons detectors in two areas – the Grays railway station by the level crossing, and the entrance to Burger King.

One person was arrested on suspicion of breaching the gang injunction that’s in place in the town.

Police also engaged with local residents and businesses to discuss any concerns they have on gangs and drug activity.

OpenGate weapons detectors automatically search people and their luggage whilst they are travelling (Image: Essex Police)

Officers also carried out 15 stop and searches, two of which identified possession of Class B drugs offences which were dealt with.

Essex Police’s chief inspector Neal Miller said responses to the efforts had been positive and that the gang injunction was having an effect.

He said: “This was a really positive day of action and I am really pleased that local businesses provided positive feedback to us about the work we’re doing to tackle this issue.

“We also heard that the gang injunction in place in the area is having an effect deterring those affected by it from coming to the area and causing issues.

“But our work is not done and these issues are not eradicated in one day, so we’ll continue to work the residents, businesses, and partners to keep the town centre safe.”

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Thurrock’s district commander said the police’s Op Raptor team, which has a particular focus on tackling gang and drug crime, has helped rout a gang known to the authorities.

He said: “The work by Raptor completed around a prominent gang has left a vacuum in Grays, which I am keen to prevent being filled by another gang and work like this I hope will go some way to achieve this.

“In addition, I am in the process of assessing and increasing the schools’ engagement in Thurrock provided by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, Violence and Vulnerability Unit and children and young persons’ services to target those most vulnerable of being exploited by gangs in order to divert them away from this activity.”