An initiative to increase crime reporting and deter offenders has been launched in Great Dunmow.

The first 'Crimestoppers Zone', located in the CM6 postcode area, was created in Uttlesford in response to escalating crime levels.

Chair of the Uttlesford Community Safety Partnership (CSP), Cllr Maggie Sutton, said: "We hope this initiative will build confidence among communities about reporting crime and also highlight the importance of Crimestoppers, which gives people the chance to report information 100 per cent anonymously without fear of being identified in any way.

"If you see something that concerns you, you have a safe and anonymous way to speak up. Together we can make a real difference in making our communities safer.”

Crimestoppers is reachable through a freephone or online 24/7.