RESIDENTS across Castle Point are not reporting crimes because they are terrified of reprisals, it is claimed.

Some councillors have voiced concerns residents’ fears are skewing crime figures, and this has prompted a series of meetings with police – who say they can only help reduce crime when incidents are reported.

Issues with crime statistics around Castle Point have been highlighted in the past, with councillors saying official statistics do not reflect actual crimes.

John Anderson, Canvey Independent Party councillor, said: “Residents are in fear of reporting to police. They are in fear of reprisals.”

He added more meetings would be held with police, including further talks with Insp Chris Wood, of Canvey Police.

Canvey has been highlighted as a current concern, with a wave of crime being reported around First Avenue, Second Avenue and Third Avenue.

Mr Anderson said: “If people don’t report crimes, Insp Wood cannot build up an evidence base for his bosses to see – one he needs to justify sending more police to the area.”

Dave Blackwell, leader of Canvey Independent Party, said there was a big difference between reported crime statistics and actual crime statistics.

He said: “Recorded crimes become the statistics, but it’s unrecorded crime that is the important figure.

“If a resident has their flower pots smashed they don’t bother reporting it to the police, but it’s still antisocial behaviour. It’s a crime, but it’s not reported.”

An Essex Police spokeswoman urged residents to report crime, to help police and discourage re-offending.

She said: “Everybody should report antisocial behaviour, because it blights lives. If it goes unreported, people can think they’re going to get away with it.

“Anybody who reports a crime is anonymous and we would never give out details.”

Non-emergency crimes can be reported to police on 101.