WHAT have things come to when genuine victims of crime are no longer reporting what’s happened because they know nothing will be done.

But that’s the sad reality of life today, not just here in Thurrock, but in many other parts of the county and country too.

This week in the Gazette council leader Rob Gledhill rightly questions latest stats which suggest an 8.5 per cent drop in reports of anti-social behaviour across the borough.

He points out that he fears the reduction could be down to residents no longer bothering to report crime, because they don’t expect to get a response - or any action afterwards.

Sadly, he could well have hit the nail on the head here.

Just a quick recce of stories covered over the past few months would suggest anti-social behaviour is certainly still a big issue in Thurrock, and beyond.

However, police came back to the Gazette and don’t agree. They fired back at Mr Gledhill’s suggestion insisting the force’s increased patrols and a number of dedicated operations have led to the dip in anti-social behaviour.

A friend of mine, a former divisional commander in Essex for many years, is convinced the lack of bobbies-onthe beat are causing the ongoing problems with anti-social behaviour - and worse.

He says it’s not rocket science, and we need a more visible police presence within our communities.

Stats to one side for now, I think he’s right.