ANTISOCIAL behaviour in Rochford District has increased at an alarming rate, police figures have revealed.

Incidents recorded as antisocial behaviour, including nuisance crime, disturbances, criminal damage and car crime have risen by 45 per cent in five years.

An Echo Freedom of Information request showed in 2011 there were 1,140 incidents categorised as antisocial behaviour in the district, while in 2015 1,656 incidents were reported.

Over the five-year period police received 7,712 antisocial behaviour reports from residents, including a spate of incidents since last summer.

In July, rocks were thrown through a bus window and more recently fireworks were thrown at cars and residents have been intimidated in the street.

Before Christmas, there were numerous incidents of laser pens being shone into people’s eyes, while a Christmas tree in Rochford town centre was cut down, just hours before its lights were due to be switched on.

Worried residents have held frequent meetings with community police to try to tackle the problem. Essex County Council is also hoping to introduce a youth bus to the district and volunteer drivers are needed.

Sgt Victoria Jarvis, from Rochford District neighbourhood policing team, made a plea for volunteers.

She said: “We are looking for volunteers to assist driving an Essex County Council youth bus so it can be utilised in Rochford. If you are at least 21, have held a licence with D1 for at least two years and have a maximum of three points we would love to hear from you.”

The bus will provide young people with support and advice on topics including drugs, alcohol, employment and sexual health.

Darren Parsons, leader of Kaos Youth Club, in Ashingdon, feels his youth club has helped tackle the problem since it opened last year.

He said: “I am really surprised at the figures as it looks very high. Most of the problems in Rochford are from a small group.

I am sure there is less antisocial behaviour since Kaos Youth Club has been in Ashingdon.”

RESIDENTS have suffered at the hands of a few people bent on making life difficult for others.

Richard Lambourne, 62, of Eastwood Road, Rayleigh, wasn’t surprised by the figures. He said: “In my opinion it’s caused by a general decline in people's tolerance and respect for others.

“The increase in late-night drinking establishments in Rayleigh, in particular, without adequate consideration by the planning and licensing authority for the rights of all residents, but finally and most importantly the drastic reduction in police officers on the street to deter such behaviour.

“The provision of late licences should include a provision of funding to the police by the pubs and clubs.

“Despite being a fit and healthy man, I feel uncomfortable in Rayleigh High Street late on Friday and Saturday night.”

Ted McPherson, 48, of Malting Villas, Rochford, said: “I am not surprised at this one bit with the cuts to police. We need coppers on the ground to act as a deterrent and we need the police to act on information they are given.”

Stuart Bines, 60, from Little Wakering, said: “Antisocial behaviour in various guises is happening regularly. We still have serious problems at the wildlife park in Barling with drug taking and cars using the car park to perform tricks.

“The local youths know there is very seldom any police presence in the area.

“There have been instances in Great Wakering where a car has, on a few occasions over the past week, driven past houses and fired a paint ball gun at windows of houses and then thrown fireworks from the car.”