Concerned residents are calling for action after Halstead was hit by a string of crimes in a matter of weeks.

Karl Bruen has compiled a list of the offences which have been reported on the Halstead Community and Street Watch Facebook page.

He is now asking for residents to contact MP James Cleverly to express their concerns.

The statistics show that since the beginning of November, 13 thefts from or of vehicles have been reported, ten burglaries or attempted burglaries have taken place and two Co-ops have been targeted by armed robbers and ram raiders.

Dog thefts and hit and run accidents have also been reported. The list documents 35 crimes.

Mr Bruen said: “People are scared and are worried every time they go out at the moment. Some even when they go to bed as to what might happen overnight.

“It’s totally wrong and out of order to be made to feel this way.”

Mr Bruen said the lack of a police presence was made worse by the town’s street lights being off at night meaning antisocial behaviour was increasing.

He said: “The police are doing a good job but are so far stretched they can only do so much.”

Mr Cleverly has encouraged residents to contact him directly.

He said: “I am happy to be kept up to date with people’s concerns as it helps me make the case in Westminster for measures that can help the community.

“I can feed the information back to ministers, the police and other people that may be able to make an impact.”

The MP said he was in regular contact with police district commander Craig Carrington and bosses from the Co-op.

Crime figures in Halstead and Braintree have increased, but police say this fits the national trend.

Essex Police figures show crime in the Braintree district has increased by 8.7 per cent in October 2017 compared with October 2016. This is below the force average.

A spokesman for Essex Police said that the Braintree and Uttlesford area of policing was the “safest district in Essex”.

He said: "Crimes including public order offences, criminal damage, theft and violence against a person have increased but also remain below the force average. 

"Braintree has seen decreases in possession of weapon, racially and religiously aggravated crime and drugs offences, which have dropped by 25.8 percent.  

“We understand that behind every crime is a victim and we will continue to do all we can to reduce crime and bring offenders to justice.

“We have taken steps to help tackle crime and disrupt criminals.

“These include co-ordinating intelligence led operations to identify individuals and organised crime groups, carrying out patrols in high risk areas to reduce burglaries and robberies and carrying out door-to-door enquiries to issue crime prevention advice.

"We also hold regular meetings with Neighbourhood Watch and Farm Watch to listen to their concerns.

"Both of these organisations are issued with a monthly crime document detailing the crime picture in the area. 

"Braintree also has dedicated patrols to tackle rural crime and specialist operations to address hare coursing.

"Last month we launched the Secure. Protect. Prevent. Campaign to detail how people can take simple steps to secure their homes or possessions. 

"For more crime prevention advice visit www.essex.police.uk."