COUNCILS may be forced to deal with more incidents of anti-social behaviour as a result of cuts to policing.

Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston wants police officers to focus only on the most serious or repeated incidents.

Mr Alston has already courted controversy claiming officers can use their time better than simply walking the beat.

And now he is urging residents to be realistic about the response to anti-social behaviour.

He said: “The changing nature of crime, our understanding of where the real harms are in our society and ongoing funding challenges continue to put huge pressure on Essex Police to use their resources as efficiently and effectively as possible.

"On a daily basis, only a small proportion of anti-social behaviour cases are assessed as presenting a high risk or involving repeat victimisation.

Assistant Chief Constable Julia Wortley has stated there were around 1,500 such cases last year, or around three per cent of the total number of ASB incidents reported to the force.

“I expect Essex Police to continue to lead on these cases.

"However there are many other types of ASB incident where partner agencies, such as local authorities, should have the main responsibility in attempting to resolve the matter.

“Essex Police will now refer such cases to the appropriate agency.”

The change in policy has already been implemented.

It is one of a number of changes to policing due to be announced this month.

Later this month the force is expected to announce plans to close 50 out of its remaining 80 buildings, including several police stations.

A public consultation will follow.