PCSOs find ‘laughing gas’ cans at lake

Police Community Support Officers targeted the lake area to search bushes and undergrowth, with the intention of finding discarded knives or weapons as part of the force’s Operation Sceptre.

Instead, officers stumbled across a number of used nitrous oxide canisters which had been left discarded.

In a Facebook post by Essex Police - Castle Point and Rochford, a statement read: “As you can see we came across a number of empty nitrous oxide canisters which have been left.

“If you come across a large number of these canisters, you can report them to the council who will make arrangements to collect and dispose of them, or you can dispose of them yourself.

“While at the location, PCSO Lamb took the opportunity to engage with some of our younger members of the community as she overheard them saying to one another that they were scared of police.

“After our encounter it is hoped they will be able to come and speak to us if they ever have a problem.”

Doreen Anderson, Canvey Island Independent Party councillor, said: “I just despair, I don’t know what’s the matter with youngsters these days.

“I’m glad the police have found them thank goodness.

“It’s sad that youngsters have nothing better to do than fill themselves up with poison.

“We got up to some things as a teen, but I would never have even dreamed of taking an aspirin.

“The youngsters are so clever with all these gadgets they have nowadays yet they still want to want to take drugs.”

Theresa Boo, posted on Facebook: “It’s nice to read police are actively working about the island.

“There are so many people who are negative about the lack of support, yet less than ten people were willing to join the patrol team.

“Well done to Essex police for taking notice of the crime on the island and trying to turn things around for the community.”

Peter Green added: “Hopefully you will get the trust of the kids and their parents.

“This is pretty positive stuff.”