Essex Police Dispatch - issue 69
This week includes advice on staying safe this Halloween, remembering 39 Vietnamese people who tragically lost their lives at the hands of organised crime gangs, the fight against hare coursing and more.
Staying safe this Halloween — www.essex.police.uk
Halloween is a fun and exciting time for many, but some people can find it unsettling and it's often a busy time for police.
This Halloween we would like to remind everyone to think of others, we will take a robust approach to anyone causing problems. Read more.
We have posters available on our website to download and print to display in your window or on your front door to let those out trick or treating know whether you're taking part.
17 October to 23 October
Remembering 39 Vietnamese people who tragically lost their lives in October 2019. — www.essex.police.uk
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington attended a memorial service yesterday at West Thurrock Memorial Ground to remember the 39 Vietnamese people whose bodies were found in October 2019, having tragically lost their lives at the hands of organised criminal gangs.
A memorial was unveiled at the event, along with 39 trees which have been planted in the memorial ground.
Chief Constable Harrington said: “The events of the early hours of Wednesday 23rd October 2019 are etched on the minds of all of us. Nothing could have prepared anyone for the unimaginable tragedy and loss.
“Each of the 39 people who tragically lost their lives had been promised a life here in our country. But that promise turned to tragedy when they arrived on our shores.
“We made a promise to secure justice for them and their families. We have kept that promise and I am very proud of that.
“But that justice could not have been achieved without the tireless efforts of police officers and the communities here in Thurrock and beyond. Thanks to those efforts, ten people are now serving a total of more than 100 years for their dreadful crimes.
“Our work is not finished and indeed our investigation team is preparing for the trials of two people next year.
“Today, we as a community have paused to reflect and remember all those who were tragically associated with this sad loss of life. Their loss will never be forgotten. This is a community where the police are the people, and the people are the police; a community that all of us at Essex Police are proud to be a part of.”
Clacton: Family pay tribute to 12-year-old Scott-Swaley Daniel Stevens, who tragically died after wall collapsed — www.essex.police.uk
The family of a boy who died in Clacton, have paid tribute to their son.
Scott-Swaley Daniel Stevens, 12, died following the collapse of a garage wall at a property in Clacton on Friday 21 October.
His death is being treated as non-suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner. Read more.
How we’re protecting people exploited by County Lines drug dealers — www.essex.police.uk
Safeguarding officers are proactively identifying and offering protection to individuals they suspect are victims of gangs. Read more.
Dovercourt: Man convicted of murder — www.essex.police.uk
A man who fled the country after killing a motorcyclist has been convicted of his murder after specialist officers were able to locate him in Ireland. Read more.
Braintree: Five jailed for ATM theft — www.essex.police.uk
Five men jailed for total of 50 years after officers linked them to ATM theft from store on Panners Parade, Great Notley on 7 January 2022. Read more.
Colchester: More than 80 people join local officers on patrol — www.essex.police.uk
More than 80 people joined officers on patrol in Colchester as part of the community policing team's ‘stroll with a patrol’ initiative designed to address community concerns. Read more.
Stansted: Three arrested following security alert — www.essex.police.uk
Three people were arrested following a security concern on an EasyJet flight at Stansted destined for Amsterdam on 19 October.
Specialist officers boarded the plane and removed two men and a woman who were arrested on suspicion of making a bomb hoax.
Two people have since been released under investigation and a third faces no further action as officers continue their investigation. Read more
Uttlesford: Man admits offences following pursuit — www.essex.police.uk
A man has admitted driving offences following a pursuit which started in Essex and ended in Enfield. Read more.
Show of strength as rural officers target hare coursers — www.essex.police.uk
Sadly, it’s the start of the hare coursing season but, fortunately, we’ve teamed up with neighbouring forces to combat this vicious crime. Read more.
Dartford Crossing: Two men charged over disruption — www.essex.police.uk
Two men have been charged in connection with disruption on the Dartford Crossing.
Both men appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 20 October and entered not guilty pleas and opted for trial at crown court.
They were denied bail and remanded into custody to appear at Basildon Crown Court on 17 November. Read more.
Drive safely and reduce your speed — www.essex.police.uk
We’re reminding motorists to drive safely and reduce their speed as we support a national campaign to target speeding motorists. Read more.
Frinton: Halloween help for pupils — www.essex.police.uk
As Halloween approaches, PCSO Brogan Willis and Michele Diss spent the day with pupils at a Primary School in Frinton. Read more.
Cross-border criminal activity targeted in joint operation — www.essex.police.uk
Our officers teamed up with the Hertfordshire and Metropolitan police services to apprehend vehicles in the west of the county, particularly in and around Harlow and Epping Forest. Read more.
Emergency Services Day 2022 — www.essex.police.uk This Emergency Services Day we would like to recognise and thank others who work to keep our county safe.
Chief Constable's contract renewed — www.essex.police.uk
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner reappoints Essex Chief Constable for a further three years. Read more.
£7K seized, 19 arrested and suspected Class A drugs found — www.essex.police.uk
As part of a national week of action aimed at disrupting County Lines drug gangs in Essex, our specialist officers made 19 arrests and seized more than £7,000 in cash and a significant amount of drugs. Read more.
Crime Prevention Advice
Darker Nights, Turn on your Lights — www.essex.police.uk
Outdoor lighting deters burglars lighting which automatically turns on when it gets dark make your home more secure.
For more tips, tricks and insider knowledge to stay safe from crime and protect your home, property, shops and community, please visit our crime prevention advice pages on our website.
Be Fraud Smart
As household bills rise, we need to stay one step ahead of the scammers.
Beware of scam emails claiming to offer you refunds from Ofgem.
Action Fraud have seen a rise in reports of an email scam which claims you are due a refund from Ofgem and asks you to follow a link to a website. Where you will then be asked to fill in personal and financial information.
The scams in this incidence are using the Ofgem logo and colours to make it appear real.
If in doubt about an email, contact the organisation directly and do not click on any links.
The legitimate organisation will be happy to help you and not pressure you into providing unnecessary information.
You can report any suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk
For more information on how you, your family, your friends, neighbours and colleagues can take steps to prevent becoming a victim of fraud, please visit the fraud advice pages on our website.
“Do something about it and get involved.”
When Spike wanted a more visible policing presence in his area, he volunteered as a Community Special Constable.
Now, in-between the day job and the dog walks, he patrols his two nearest villages to prevent and detect crime and provide reassurance to local residents.
We’re working with local councils across Essex to find more people like Spike to help us with rural policing. If you’d like to get involved and help your community, join us now.
Careers at Essex Police
Police Community Support Officer closing 8 January 2023
Detention Officer closing 18 November 2022
HR Resource Planning Assistant closing 2 November 2022
Force Performance Analyst closing 31 October 2022
Business Services Assistant closing 31 October 2022
IT EUC Field Operations Engineer closing 27 October 2022
IT Project Manager closing 27 October 2022
Athena Systems Officer closing 27 October 2022
ANPR Data Compliance and Admin Officer closing 26 October 2022
Quality of Service Officer closing 24 October 2022
Press and PR Officer closing 24 October 2022
Resolution Centre Investigator
Contact Handler (full and part time)
Visit our website for full advert, job descriptions and application form.
This week we remember
William George Burnett
William enlisted with the Coldstream Guards on leaving school. Following his discharge, he served with Essex County Constabulary from July 1, 1911 and served Brentwood and Wickford as constable 493. At the outbreak of war in August 1914, he was recalled to the colours and on 29 October 1914 was fighting in Gheluvelt near the Ypres to Menin road. He was initially reported missing in action and was later presumed killed on that date.
Obituaries
Martin Read
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Martin Read who retired as a Detective Inspector in 2014 and served at Harlow and Epping CID. After retirement he joined the Norfolk and Suffolk Constabulary as a support staff member. He passed away on the 26 September 2022 aged 64 years.
Thomas Sanderson
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Thomas Sanderson who retired as a Sergeant in 1994 and served at Grays and Brentwood. He passed away on the 5 October 2022 aged 78 years.