FAMILIES are calling for CCTV in the town to help identify gangs of yobs terrorising the town and ruining lives in Rayleigh.

Furious residents gathered to raise concerns to Essex’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Roger Hirst, about the rising crime in Rayleigh during a public meeting this week.

A father told the meeting: “My 12-year-old son was attacked by the gang and it took 52 minutes to get through to 101.

“Many people just don’t feel safe, it’s just horrendous.”

Another told Chief Insp Glen Westley: “We have a constant battle with the teenagers, our family have had our tyres slashed and our cars keyed.

“No one will take responsibility for it.”

Others called for CCTV, which was greeted with applause, before another resident claimed CCTV had been taken from High Street, instead of being installed.

Councillor Ian Ward, from Rochford Council, claimed legal restrictions were limiting the options, but more CCTV was being investigated.

He said: “The council has formed a new committee, which will reinvestigate the whole issue.”

Gareth James, leader of Rayleigh Residents’ Association, said: “Everybody in the town wants CCTV.”

Essex Police acknowledged concerns about the yobs and said officers were doing what they could.

Chief Insp Westley, district commander for Castle Point and Rochford, said: “I know who they are, they are from within the community.

“We’ve arrested one three times, but the courts have let him go.

“Please have faith in me, we will tighten the noose.

“I will just keep chipping away.”

The meeting was one of a series being held around Essex to allow members of the public to express their views to representatives of the police and the county’s officer for the police, fire and crime commissioner.

A lack of policing was also raised as an issue on the evening.

One resident told the meeting: “The people of Rayleigh need a police force, regardless of police cuts.”

More officers are being recruited after cuts in recent years.