A PRIVATE security firm could be drafted in to crack down on youths who are running riot on Canvey.

It comes after yobs destroyed acres of land setting grass fires this summer and threatened golfers at knife point at Castle Point Golf Course, Somnes Avenue.

Castle Point Council will consider the safety measure at a meeting in November, after islanders have called for urgent action.

Councillors and residents have criticised police for not doing enough to protect the community.

Canvey resident, Marion Brocklebank, 62, has backed calls for more security.

She said: “Something needs to be done.

“We need more police on the island as it takes officers far too long to respond.

“I think residents are sick of youngsters going around the island setting fires and misbehaving.

“We do need some sort of security to come and check what is going on.

“I am pleased the council is looking into this.

“I would be happy to pay more council tax, as long as the council can assure there will be more security.”

Barry Campagna, Canvey town mayor, said families are fearful.

He said: “I think some residents do now think twice about going out after dark.

“I would prefer to see more police, but I agree we need something done.

“I think residents want to know that something is done properly whether it is from police or a private company.”

The move comes after Canvey Town Council agreed £5,000 of funding for five community special constables to patrol the streets.

Police have also stepped up patrols in the area.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We are patrolling the area more in response to recent incidents.

“We have no police officers or Specials just sitting around waiting to be deployed.

“They are out there every day responding first to emergencies and doing the best they can starting where the threats to life are highest.

“Burglary is down 15 per cent compared to the last year and theft from a motor vehicle is also down 15 per cent.

“Arson is down 40 per cent on last year.

“Rape however is up 60 per cent and police officers are investigating those awful crimes as well as more visible but less harmful crime.

“The policing district will have four new police constables on its community team and four more on the emergency response team provided as a result of the council tax policing precept uplift.

“Those officers are at the training college now and will be out on the streets keeping Canvey safe in the new year.”