Non-emergency crime in the county can now be reported online following the launch of new web services from Essex Police today (April 1).

The force’s ‘Do It Online’ internet portal goes live on the same day that six police station front counters in the county – South Ockendon, Brentwood, Loughton, Epping, Rayleigh and Canvey – closed to the public.

The portal lets people report non-emergency crime and road accidents as well as access a range of information and advice. Online reporting of lost and found property will be added to the portal during the month.

The force has also subscribed to the national knowledge bank - Ask the Police - which is also accessible at www.essex.police.uk/doitonline, and contains answers to hundreds of frequently asked questions.

Gareth Nicholson, head of communications at Essex Police, said: “With the huge growth we’ve seen in people using the internet for daily tasks like shopping and accessing council and GP services, it’s obvious that people need to be able to get police services online too.

“If the crime is happening now or you’re in danger, we still need you to call 999, but reporting a crime or a road traffic collision can now be done more conveniently than ever before.

“We want people who don’t need us in an emergency to think carefully about how they contact us and whether the information they’re looking for is already online because that gives officers more time to fight crime.”

Discussing the closures, assistant chief constable Maurice Mason said: “I want to reassure people living in those towns that the commitment to keep them safe remains our absolute priority. The closure of public front counters will have no effect on our local patrols and ability to respond to calls for help.

“Our job is to remain at the heart of our communities, but every expensive and outdated building which isn’t well-used by the public means fewer officers on patrol stopping crime and helping vulnerable people.”