"THIS is the kind of work that takes place each and every day across the Basildon district by hardworking and dedicated officers committed to keeping you safe."

That's the message from Basildon's top police officer after two teenagers were arrested thanks to quick work by officers responding to reports of someone carrying a weapon.

Officers reported someone with a weapon in High Road, Pitsea shortly before 1.35pm on Saturday (15 February) and swiftly located a knife and detained two people.

A 17 year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of common assault, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.

A 16 year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of common assault and possession with intent to supply a Class A drug.

Chief Inspector Dan McHugh, District Commander for Basildon, said: "Our number one priority is to protect the public from harm.

"The quick thinking and response of our officers has ensured a weapon has been recovered and two suspects are in custody.

"This is the kind of work that takes place each and every day across the Basildon district by hardworking and dedicated officers committed to keeping you safe."

"Basildon is even safer thanks to the hard work of my officers" – that's from the man in charge of policing in the district.

Crime in Basildon fell in the last 12 months with more than 1,400 fewer offences, a drop of 7.5%.

It means that crime is falling faster in Basildon than across the county as a whole.

CI McHugh said: "Crime has been consistently falling here for some time and it is down to the hard work of all my officers wo are committed to keeping you safe and catching criminals.

"During the same time, Basildon-based officers made more than 2,700 arrests and attended more than 19,000 incidents including more than 9,500 emergencies.

"Violent, sexual and domestic offences are all down here and we're seeing fewer burglaries in people's homes.

"And we're seeing a continued fall in anti-social behaviour.

"Just this month we've seen work by our Op Raptor team lead to a teenager charged with drug supply offences. In January, proactive work by officers on patrol lead to two men charged with drugs offences.

"We continue to work to tackle those who target our hardworking businesses and since the beginning of the year this has led to two prolific shoplifters admitting a total of more than 75 offences.

"And our commitment to tackle vehicle theft led to a warrant in Wickford by our Community Policing Team where stolen vehicles were found."

CI McHugh added: "I am also grateful for the public's support. 79 percent of people in Basildon say they think we do a good or excellent job.

"I am not complacent and one offence is one victim of crime too many.

"People living and working here have my commitment that we will work to reduce crime further, keep the public safe, and bring those who pose a risk to them into custody."