Uniformed and plain clothes police have been on patrol across Westcliff, Chalkwell and Leigh after an increase in people reporting their cars being stolen.
These officers have been out on foot patrol and in marked police cars to deter potential thieves.
Meanwhile, officers in normal clothes and unmarked cars have been on the lookout for suspicious behaviour.
Essex Police’s Stolen Vehicle Intelligence Unit work to tackle organised vehicle crime and last year recovered a record number of stolen vehicles. A total of 669 stolen vehicles were recovered, and 45 “chop shops” – where stolen cars are taken apart and sold in parts – were identified.
A spokesman for the force said: “Every year the team are tracking down more stolen vehicles and building a bigger intelligence picture.
“If you see any suspicious behaviour, please report it to us. You can give us information by using our Digital 101 service on our website. If you see a crime happening, then call us on 999.”
Visit essex.police.uk to submit an online report. To make an anonymous report, contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.