Police pledge to continue their tough tactics after a weekend of anti-police demonstrations on Craylands Estate. Residents, angry at the zero tolerance approach, held an 8-hour rooftop protest demanding the removal of PC Garrod from the community, with around 100 people joining the protest, and dozens of police trying to calm the situation. The disturbance was sparked after the arrest and later release of a teenager on suspicion of theft. Thirteen were arrested and held in custody overnight, with 6 charged with various public order offences. Last year PC Garrod was directed to work specifically on the estate, following a turbulent summer in which residents were fearful of their safety as gangs of youngsters dominated the estate. His zero-tolerance approach, which has seen a huge rise in arrests, and the handing out of ASBOs, won the praise of Tony Blair, when the Prime Minister visited the Estate last year. The Police are investigating claims against PC Garrod made by protestors, and allegations made by the family of the arrested youngster. Joseph Beech, about rough handling of the youngster and his girlfriend. Both Basildon Council and the Police say the protests show how effective PC Garrod is being, and said they would not change the policy; a second officer, PC Ben Hodder has also been sent to work alongside him.

However a reporter walking round the estate chatting to residents describes "a community reaching boiling point", angry at police tactics and with a strong dislike of PC Garrod. However he has many supporters on the estate, but few will publicly support him for fear of reprisals. “Yobs” have put a £500 bounty on the head of PC Garrod, in a desperate effort to stop him policing the Craylands estate. PC Garrod remains determined to carry on his work. He has warned problem families that they could be evicted from their council homes if they cause a nuisance.

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