FAIRFAX Drive is one of a number of streets in the borough which will see a bigger police presence this summer as part of Operation Sunshine.

Patrols will be stepped up in 15 areas where traditionally the officers receive the highest number of calls from.

The list comprises 13 streets around the Southend neighbourhood policing area, with some included twice as the long roads fall under different beat patrols.

They are: High Street, Prittlewell Chase, Hamlet Court Road, two areas of York Road, Western Esplanade, Fairfax Drive, Kursaal Way, two areas of London Road, Southchurch Road, Warrior Square, Colman Street, Victoria Avenue and Marine Parade.

Southend’s district commander, chief inspector Simon Anslow said he believed Prittlewell Chase had a high call out rate due to nearby Southend Hospital, while Victoria Avenue was likely to be on the list due to incidents at the police station.

Beat patrol officers will be urged to travel to the streets as much as they can for high visibility patrols. Chief insp Anslow added: “If we have high visibility in these areas it might make people think twice about committing crime. It also gives reassurance to residents.”

Officers will not only patrol the areas but also drive through the streets as regularly as possible.