There are calls for more police patrols in areas which have experienced an increase in crime.

Offences fell in the last six months across Epping Forest district as a whole, but rose in Waltham Abbey, Loughton and the area police call Epping West, with a total of 99 more reported crimes.

People living in Waltham Abbey said they would like to see more police on the streets.

David Kandalift, 60, of Saxon Way, said: “I don’t see many police around. I’ve been here a long time and I feel a bit less safe than before.

“There used to be more police, more visible.”

Neighbour Joan Poole, 75, said: “I have not had any problems but I don’t feel safe at night; I wouldn’t venture out to the shops after dark.

“There should still be police appearing in Sun Street but they close the station [at night].”

There has been a reduction of 83 reported crimes in Epping Town over the last six months, but the area still has the third highest number of offences in the district.

And residents had a mix of opinions on police performance.

Lesley Linett, of Theydon Grove in Epping, said: “I would prefer the Police station to be open more but that’s not their doing. It’s the government cutbacks.

Neighbour Jennifer Westcott, 84, said: “I would back the police. They always seem to be on the spot quickly.”

Fellow neighbour Brenda Rigelsford, 65, said: “I do not know when I last saw a policeman.

“I don’t think we get value for money and the impression I get is that we wouldn’t get a quick response if we needed them.”

A new policing model is currently being implemented which is aimed at increasing community patrols.

A Neighbourhood Police Team is based at the station in Sun Street, while more cars are patrolling Ongar, which has experienced a spike in burglaries.

Police said the increase in reported crime in Loughton was due to more officers monitoring closing times at pubs and bars.

This week Operation Albatross is targeting burglars in the area.