POLICE have revealed that 18 stop searches were carried out in Basildon while a special order was in force to combat disorder earlier this week.

A section 60 order was put in place in Basildon on Tuesday 3 January, following a number of reports of crime across the district. 

These incidents included a robbery of a bicycle in West Thorpe which took place at about 4.30pm, a report of a group of people with an offensive weapon in The Chignalls, Laindon, at 5.45pm, a burglary in Rayside and a robbery in The Gore.

On each occasion, the suspects were described as young and had their faces covered. They were reported to have been armed with weapons including knives. 

In order to help protect the public, the order was put in place, which increased officers' powers to stop and search people in a defined area. 

While the order was in place, officers carried out 18 stop searches but there was no need to seize any items or make any arrests.

Acting Inspector Emma Wells, of the Basildon Local Policing Team, said: "This order was put in place purely to ensure the safety of the Basildon public. 

"Thankfully, despite these incidents of crime which were reported to us, there were no reports of any serious injury.

"We take every robbery and burglary – and indeed any incident involving violence or the threat of violence – extremely seriously and these incidents are being investigated by teams following a number of lines of enquiry.

"We continue to have a very visible policing presence across the district today. Officers are there to help you so if you have any concerns, please speak to them."