A new scheme aimed at reducing the fear of crime has been launched.

The Safer Streets campaign has been launched in Pitsea, which will see local businesses come together with the community to help those feeling vulnerable or threatened by crime.

Local businesses and shops who have signed up to the scheme will display a Safe Zone sticker in their shop window to indicate to members of public that they can go in for help should they need to.

The aim of the campaign is not only a bid to prevent and detect crime but to bring the local community together, along with local businesses and the police.

It was announced earlier this year that there will be an influx of 150 extra officers on the beat from September thanks to extra funding, with 20 per cent of them being assigned to Basildon and Thurrock.

Stephen Metcalfe, MP for south Basildon and north Thurrock, and Police Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst, attended a meeting in Pitsea Town Centre to launch the initiative.

Also present was Basildon community policing team’s Insp Steven Parry, councillors Craig Rimmer and Luke MacKenzie, and member of the Heart of Pitsea group, Simon Johnson.

TSB bank manager at the Pitsea Broadway branch, Grant Morrell, said: “I do think the campaign will make a difference.

“We as a bank see a lot of customers who feel vulnerable when withdrawing money from our cash machine.

“We also see a lot of attempted coercion and social engineering.

“Yes, we have CCTV and measures in place, but this campaign will go that one step further in making the public and our customers feel like the local authorities and businesses are doing more to protect them.”

Stephen Metcalfe MP said: “The campaign is to try and address the fear of crime and the reality of crime, but it is by no means a substitute for the excellent policing work that goes on.

“The idea is to bring together the community, residents, local businesses, shop keepers and so on.

“I am absolutely delighted from the response that we have had from initially the police and their approach towards the local businesses who have all signed up to offer the Safe Zone to anyone who feels they may be in distress or wanting to report a crime.”