Crime reports across the county have reached a record number of almost 6,500 pieces of information received in the past 12 months.

According Crimestoppers UK, the number of incidents reported in Essex between March 2018 and 2019 have increased by 11 per cent.

The independent charity was set up to give people the power to speak up about crime – 100 per cent anonymously.

The latest figures for the county include big increases in reports about possession of weapons, domestic abuse, drink driving, drugs and immigration offences.

The following statistics are:

• Possession of weapons up by 73%

• Domestic abuse up by 109%

• Drink driving up by 29%

• Drug trafficking up by 33%

• Immigration offences up by 33%

Crimestoppers in Essex chair, Stuart Rawlins, said: “These figures show that our charity’s message is getting through to people who want to make a difference in their communities, but are reluctant to speak to police.

“Very often people in those areas where crimes are committed hold the key to what is happening, yet they are too scared to take action for fear of being traced or reprisals.

“Crimestoppers gives them the chance to pass on that information 100% anonymously safe in the knowledge that they will never be identified.”

Alongside national campaigns, Crimestoppers in Essex also run awareness campaigns across communities to spot crime and suspicious activities.

Residents are also welcome to become ambassadors for the charity to promote their ongoing campaigns and encourage people to come forward with any information.

Last year across the UK over half a million people trusted Crimestoppers with their information about crime.

To report a crime or to find out more about Crimestoppers, call on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org