POLICE are patrolling overnight to take action against a spate of burglaries in Witham.

The creator of a crimewatch group in Witham has written to the town's MP and police about rising crime statistics.

Karen Edwards, from Highfields Road in Witham, set up a crimewatch page following a spate of burglaries in the area.

Police have said a proactive approach is being taken as teams are patrolling problem areas at night.

After researching statistics for crime in Witham South, Mrs Edwards said she was not surprised to see the levels rising, and expected statistics from May and June to be even higher.

She has written to Witham MP Priti Patel and police to find out exactly what is being done.

In her letter, she said: "I decided to set up a local crimewatch page in Witham, to support local people in informing other local people about crimes in the area, this was a useful and necessary way to support ourselves as residents.

"I have seen no police presence, had no reassurances from my town council or local MP, and feel very unsupported with regards to the current crime spates.

"I appreciate the world we live in brings challenges both in resource and crime, and I am realistic to understand you cannot prevent crime completely, but I do feel you are letting down the residents of Witham with this ongoing increase in local burglaries, with little presence from our local police."

She said the maximum number of burglaries was nine March, but she saw 12 in one night last month.

There were 68 burglaries in Witham South from May 2015 to April 2016.

Chief Inspector and Braintree district commander Craig Carrington has increased patrols and a number of arrests have already been made.

He said: "Operations are running and we have made arrests, we are operating within the budget that has been set for us and officers have been deployed in the problem areas.

"We have a local community policing team on night duty and we are working with the chamber of commerce and the town and district councils."

He also encouraged residents to get involved with neighbourhood watch groups, saying these kinds of groups are growing.

For more information about the Essex Neighbourhood Watch group, visit www.essexnhw.org.uk