In the news: Councillors demand increased police action after Wickford break-ins
Following a string of brazen break-ins targeting local businesses, Basildon Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, Cllr Melissa McGeorge, has issued a strong call for urgent action from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex.
Cllr Melissa McGeorge made the call for action after several businesses in Wickford were targeted in just a few months - with perpetrators stealing goods worth thousands of pounds and causing significant damage to the businesses themselves.
Most recently, a popular dry cleaning business in Wickford High Street lost more than £2,000 in valuables and customers' property, after a second break-in in just six months.
Cllr Melissa McGeorge said: "Basildon Borough is a place to do business - our small business owners bring something special to our communities. But they will cease to exist if they do not feel supported and protected by the authorities.
"For 2025, this administration has committed to backing local businesses so that we protect those hardworking families who make up such a significant part of our community and economy.
"Small business owners pour their heart and soul into running a successful business and vicious attacks like these break-ins can lead to financial ruin. This is totally unacceptable and we must do more to allow our businesses and indeed our borough to flourish.
"Business owners and their customers deserve to feel safe and supported to be successful. I call upon Roger Hirst, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, to take a good look at this recent spate of vicious attacks and ensure more is being done to protect local business owners and their customers."
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Published 9 January 2025
Contact Basildon Council's Press Office at pressoffice@basildon.gov.uk for further information.