WORRIED councillors want to hold a meeting with police to try to crack down on a “disturbing” increase in crime.

Lawford Parish Council wants to hold talks after six incidents of theft – including a female who left the store with a trolley full of alcohol and cosmetics, and a public order offence – were recorded at the Co-op in Riverside Avenue East, Manningtree, in March.

Concerns were also raised about damage to fencing and motor vehicles in Colchester Road and Wignall Street in Lawford, where cars have had their rear windows smashed.

Parish council chairman Alan Coley said: “Although the Co-op is in Manningtree, because it is the main supermarket in the area, it is related to Manningtree, Mistley and Lawford.

“You have to keep things in perspective, but from our point of view it makes a significant change in the crime pattern. This is a disturbing increase.”

Lawford Parish Council said it would request a liaison meeting with Essex Police to discuss the increased crime and speeding.