An increased police presence will be visible across Basildon town centre this week.

An operation has been launched in an attempt to reduce antisocial behaviour and deter crime within the town centre during the busy Christmas period.

Throughout the week shoppers will see an increased number of visible police officers, while there will also be an increase in plain clothed officers in the town each day.

The operation, branded Operation Quicksilver, launched on Monday and will run throughout this week, which is deemed to be one of the busiest for shoppers and businesses in the run up to Christmas.

David Burton-Sampson, Labour councillor for the St Martin’s ward, acknowledged that traditionally crime in the town centre has increased at this time of year, praising the police for dedicating extra patrols.

He said: “It is absolutely good to hear.

“Obviously Christmas is a time of year when the fall out in the town centre is visibly higher than normal.

“People should feel they can shop in safety and comfort within their own town.

“The increased visible patrols will help achieve that feeling of safety, while undercover patrols give a clear message to those committing crimes.

“Whether it is antisocial behaviour or something more serious, it sends a clear message that crime will not be tolerated in our town centre.

“It is hugely positive to see that in a time of cuts and when the police force is so stretched, they can still provide these effective operations.”

Basildon community police officer PC Sam Creighton, said: “This week you will see an increase in high visibility patrols in and around Basildon town centre.

“This is supported by plain clothes officers who will be in town each day. This is to combat anti social behaviour as well as deterring crime. We will be positively dealing with all incidents so please let us know if you see any suspicious behaviour.

“And as it’s coming up to Christmas we will be reporting all good behaviour straight to the big man himself Father Christmas.”

Call the team on Essex Police 101.