Essex Police Dispatch - issue 100
Essex Police Weekly Update
This week: 100th issue; 1,800 stories, 530,000 emails and 10,000 subscribers. Chief thanks Dispatch subscribers, Bob’s walk and the usual round-up of news and advice.
A message from the Chief Constable
“I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome you to our 100th issue of Dispatch.
“Since we launched our weekly e-newsletter back in August 2021, I have been delighted to see more and more people signing up to stay up to date with the latest news from Essex Police.
“My officers, staff, and volunteers, work hard to keep our communities safe. They achieve remarkable things every day to help people and deal with criminals.
“Dispatch gives us the opportunity to share these stories with you. Whether that’s work by specialist teams to convict a murderer or take down a County Lines drug gang. Or our advice on how to prevent becoming a victim of fraud. Or even the job vacancies we’re looking to fill, so we can continue to deliver the right level of service for our communities.
“I’m pleased to hear that we receive great feedback from our subscribers about Dispatch, and I know the team will keep working hard to ensure it continues to get better and better.
“As always, thank you for your support. And here’s to the next 100 issues of Dispatch.”
- BJ Harrington.
News 22 May to 28 May
Thurrock: Tackling anti-social behaviour in Grays town centre
Officers from the Grays Town Centre Team have been praised for their work in combatting anti-social behaviour. Read more.
Southend: Man saved from bridge
Praise for officers and a member of the public for rescuing a man from a Southend bridge around 1am on Sunday 28 May. Read more.
Braintree: Man arrested after robbery
A man has been arrested as part of our response to incident which took place in Braintree. Read more.
Uttlesford: Man charged with 28 counts of arson
A man has been charged with 28 counts of arson after a series of fires were set across the Uttlesford district. Read more.
Chelmsford: Ten county line networks dismantled
Targeted work on numerous County Line networks in Chelmsford has significantly disrupted the supply of Class A drugs in the city. Read more.
Keeping you safe on the water this summer
Our Marine Unit is tackling anti-social behaviour and promoting water safety along the Essex coast this summer. Read more.
Southend: Man jailed after assaulting child
A man who seriously assaulted a child in a restaurant’s customer toilets in an unprovoked attack in Southend has been jailed for six years. Read more.
The operation to combat high-harm crime in the busiest areas of Southend during the summer is back underway. Read more.
Working to earn the trust of our communities
Essex Police come together with partners and charities in Essex at the Towards Excellence Conference 2023. Read more.
Canvey: Car theft gang shut down
Three men have been arrested as part of an investigation into the theft of £640,000 worth of stolen vehicles. Read more.
Southend: EncroChat drug dealers jailed
Work by our specialist drug officers have led to three men being jailed for combined 20 years after extensive investigation into encrypted messages and drug dealing in Southend. Read more.
Lakeside: Man guilty of murder
A man has been convicted of the murder of Michael Ugwa at the Lakeside shopping centre following an investigation by specialist detectives. Read more.
Epping Forest: Former Metropolitan Police officer jailed
Following an investigation led by Essex Police's Child Abuse Investigation Team, a former Met officer has been jailed for sexually assaulting a child. Read more.
Southend: Drug dealer jailed for six years
A drug dealer has been jailed for six years after being caught red-handed by quick-thinking officers who were able to link him to Class A drug supply in Southend. Read more.
Chelmsford: Body found is that of missing Timothy Hatcher
Last week, we confirmed that a body found in Maldon earlier this month is, sadly, that of 69-year-old Timothy Hatcher. Read more.
Celebrating police welfare support in Southend
Retired Essex Police Detective Inspector Bob Craven celebrated with friends and family last week at the culmination of three months of fund raising walks along the length of Southend Pier. His guests included Sergeant James Mint and Inspector Paul Hogben from the Southend Community Policing Team. Several of Bob’s retired colleagues from his days in the Southend-on-Sea Constabulary were there including Joe Banks who came along in his original uniform.
After 15 pier walks in all weathers, Bob clocked up 40 miles and has raised over £3,000 for the charities that have supported him with his PTSD, asthma and heart issues. Bob’s aim is to raise awareness of how he overcame adversity and to encourage others who are struggling to reach out and get help.
“It’s encouraging to know that 21st century policing provides so much support for officers when they need it. I want to spread the word and make sure that everyone who’s experiencing mental or physical difficulties knows to stay strong and reach out for help. There are charities and organisations like Mind, Asthma & Lung UK and The British Heart Foundation and our wonderful NHS alongside many others who can offer essential support.”
- Bob Craven.
Bob’s next venture is to complete his latest book but for now, he’s taking it easy with a well-earned rest.
Crime prevention advice
Reflect on your behaviour
No matter your age, we know that drink or drugs can make domestic abuse even worse. It doesn’t just impact romantic partners – it can be family members too. If you feel yourself getting out of control, support is available to you.
If you’re ready to #Reflect on your behaviour and break the cycle of abuse, now is the time to get help.
Get support from The Change Project today. Call them now on 0845 372 7701 or visit their website.
Be fraud smart
Rental fraud affects people of all ages.
It occurs when would-be tenants are scammed into paying an upfront fee to rent a property. In reality the property doesn’t exist, has already been rented out or has been rented to multiple people at the same time.
Criminals often use images or videos of properties already for sale to create their fake listings. Help protect yourself from rental fraud by using a reputable company where possible. Never hand over any money until you or a reliable contact has visited the property with an agent or the landlord.
You can find more information about fraud and advice on how you can protect yourself from this crime by visiting our website.
Careers at Essex Police
Police Staff jobs
Service and Parts Co-ordinator £28,530 to £30,375
Senior Digital Forensic Technician £28,851 to £33,843
Campaigns and Events Officer £36,177 to £38,856
Licensing Clerk £21,432 to £22,677
Service Desk Analyst £26,439.00 to £30,657.0
Geographical Facilities Assistant £21,432 to £22,677
Roads Policing Process Support Officer £23,100 to £25,353
ROVI Typist £21,432 to £22,677
Criminal Intelligence Analyst £28,530 to £33,348
Corporate Vetting Decision Maker £25,758 to £27,690
Intelligence Clerk £21,432 to £22,677
Business Services Assistant £21,432 to £22,677
Crime Trainer £28,530 to £33,348
EUC Field Operations Engineer £28,530 to £30,375
Detention Officers £21,135 to £23,406
Resolution Centre Investigator £28,299 to £32,754
Contact Handler (full time) £27,279 - £32,754
Contact Handler (part time) £16,103 per annum
Visit our website for full advert, job descriptions and application form.
This week we remember
Stephen Taylor and Andy Morrison
Steve Taylor served with Essex Police from 30 July 1979. He began his service at Tilbury, where his interest in diving fostered a desire to qualify as a police diver. After transferring to the Force Support Unit in August 1983 he achieved that ambition, and also became a firearms officer. While diving into the wreck of an old barge Steve Taylor and Andy Morrison got into severe difficulties which led to their deaths. Steve Taylor died at the scene on 1 June 1989.
Andy Morrison served with Essex Police from 2 February 1976. He was first stationed at Billericay then worked at Rowhedge and Colchester before transferring to the Force Support Unit in April 1982. He became a police diver in October 1983 and a diving supervisor in May 1986. On 1 June 1989 the divers were following a routine training exercise in some gravel pits close to Dobbs Weir near Nazeing. Andy Morrison and Steve Taylor got into difficulties while attempting to attach a hawser to a sunken barge. Steve Taylor died at the scene and Andy Morrison died the following day in hospital.
Charles Norwood
Charles Norwood served with Essex County Constabulary from 1 Feb 1911. On 31 May 1915 Charles volunteered for military service at Shoeburyness Garrison, enlisting with 245th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery serving as Sergeant 122436. He suffered the effects of a gas attack and died on 4 June 1917 from the injuries that he had received.
Read more about other Essex officers on the Essex Police Memorial Trust website.
Obituaries
Stephen Euston
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Stephen Euston who retired as a Constable in 2004 and served with the Met, transferred to Essex and served at Grays and Canvey. He passed away on 17 May 2023 aged 67 years.
Terence Dempsey
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Terence Dempsey who retired as a Chief Inspector in 1987 and served with the Huddersfield Borough, transferred to Essex and served at Clacton, Harlow, Chelmsford, & Rayleigh. After retirement he re-joined as a support staff member and set up the Central Ticket Office at Rayleigh. He passed away on 14 April 2023 aged 87 years.