The district’s MP has welcomed the six new Town Centre Policing Teams who joined earlier this month.

Dame Eleanor Laing said she was “delighted” that the new officers will be patrolling Loughton and Waltham Abbey.

The new police team make up the new 58 constables based in 23 locations across Essex to deal with "issues on your doorstep".

Dame Eleanor said: "I am delighted that these additional officers are now working in Loughton and Waltham Abbey and will be a visible presence for local people who I hope will come to know their local officers who will focus on community concerns, including drug dealing and anti-social behaviour."

The officers will see two covering Loughton and two in Waltham Abbey who will be led by the sergeant who covers Brentwood.

The teams will be working closely with businesses and support groups to get tackle topical issues within the Epping Forest community.

Businesses experiencing issues with the night-time economy, like bars and clubs, will also be supported in the reduction of crime and anti-social behaviour.

Four new constables and a sergeant are also set to join The Essex Police Gypsy Traveller and Rural Engagement Team this September, with more officers signing early next year.

Speaking about the creation of the Town Centre Teams, Chief Constable BJ Harrington said: “My priorities for the force are clear: we will be visible to deter crime in the community, we will provide better and consistent support to victims and to the vulnerable and we will act against anyone who is intent on inflicting violence in our county.

“With the introduction of the Town Centre Teams, we can be at the centre of these conversations.

"The public know their local area the best, and so do local officers who can put their boots on the ground and their faces in the village hall.

"If people have got an issue, or suspect criminal acts are taking place in their community, I need them to feel comfortable reporting it to us.

"If we work together we can keep the tide turning and put a stop to anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, and other insidious crimes that cause irreparable harm to families, friends and whole communities.

“With a record number of officers passing out in a single ceremony last month, our force is continuing to grow.

“I am so proud we’re able to have response-trained officers to answer your 999 calls and, on top of that, provide additional officers to your community.”

Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Roger Hirst, said: “Good local policing is at the heart of all safe, prosperous communities.

"These town centre teams mark a significant investment and will allow Essex Police to work even more closely with residents and businesses to create the safe and secure communities we all need to prosper.

“Increasing the local, visible nature of policing, cracking down on anti-social behaviour and working with communities and businesses to prevent crime were key priorities in my 2016 Police and Crime Plan.

"This announcement is another significant step in delivering a policing service for Essex that listens and responds to the needs of the people of Essex.”