FIVE people were arrested during a week-long crackdown on yobs blighting a Pitsea park.

The arrests were made during a ‘street week’ in Northlands Park launched by Insp Shaun Kane, following reports of youths shouting abuse at residents and pelting houses with stones and eggs.

During a public meeting with police and crime commissioner Roger Hirst, people living around the park told how their lives were being made a misery.

Throughout the week, police officers from the dog unit, the operational support group, the community policing team and special constables carried out 90 hours of patrols.

A team of volunteer police cadets were also on hand to drop leaflets through doors, encouraging people to double lock their doors to deter thieves.

Mr Kane, district commander for Basildon, said: “As a direct result of the additional policing and multi-agency effort a further seven intelligence reports were generated, ten stop checks and over 200 residents engaged with through door to door contact and leaflet drops.

“Five arrests were made during this period for this ward for two burglaries, common assault, breach of bail and perverting the course of justice.

“The ‘street weeks’ initiative is the first of its kind in the district and following the positive feedback we have received we will continue across all areas of the district on a regular basis.

“Anti-social behaviour is our shared priority to tackle together, to create safer neighbourhoods and to ensure communities feel safe.

“What makes this initiative different is the front-foot approach, forward-looking, proactive engagement with our communities.”

Following the arrests, a 16-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of burglary received a youth caution.

Harley Mayhew, 23, of no fixed abode, was charged with seven burglaries and possessing a weapon.

No further action was taken against the other people arrested.

The next week of action will take place in the Wickford Park ward to tackle a spate of burglaries, before a focus on Gloucester Park.

The Echo told earlier this month how Gloucester Park was also being targeted by yobs, with windows of surrounding homes smashed and wooden posts supporting trees being taken to start fires. Anyone with information can call police on 101.