Essex Police Dispatch - issue 114
Essex Police Weekly Update
News 28 August to 3 September
Sisters continue their search for answers 45 years after Jill Brown's disappearance
19-year-old Jill Brown was last seen as she on 3 January 1978 when she set off for work at the laundry in Brooklyn Road, Dovercourt. 45 years on and her sisters continue to search for answers. Read more.
South Woodham Ferrers: Two seriously injured in collision
We are investigating a collision in South Woodham Ferrers which has left two people with serious injuries. Read more.
South Essex: Three charged with drugs offences
Three men have been charged with drugs offences following a series of warrants in the south of the county. Read more.
Brightlingsea: People smugglers jailed after work from our specialist Marine Unit
The sentences follow work between the NCA and our specialist Marine Unit, which stopped a boat on the River Colne, near Brightlingsea, in October 2022. Read more.
Canvey Island: Three due in court over business burglary
Jewellery worth a five-figure sum was taken from a shop in Furtherwick Road on 9 May last year. Read more.
Southend: Investigation after man left with stab wounds
We are appealing for witnesses following an assault in Southend where a man was left with stab wounds. Read more.
Unauthorised encampments in Essex reduced by three-quarters in five years
Our Rural Engagement Team was formed in 2018 and officers are dedicated to the management of unauthorised encampments. Read more.
More arrests for drugs, driving, and sexual offences
Five people have been arrested as our Operational Support Group (OSG) continue their work targeting those suspected of committing harm in our communities. Read more.
Waltham Abbey: Arrest made in firearms warrant
A man’s been arrested on suspicion of firearms offences following a warrant in Waltham Abbey. Read more.
Three more stolen cars recovered
Our specialist team which recovers stolen vehicles have recovered three cars in the west of the county. Read more
Clacton: Man injured following assault
We are investigating an assault in Clacton where a man was left with a wound to his arm. Read more.
Colchester: Appeal following robbery
We are investigating a robbery in Colchester where a man was threatened. Read more.
Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG): More crimes solved and more offenders jailed
More sexual offences are being solved and more offenders are behind bars thanks to the continued hard work of our officers. Read more.
Grays: Two charged over robbery
It was reported an 18 year-old man had clothing worth a three-figure some stolen at knifepoint in Wallace Road at around 9pm on 19 August. Read more.
Colchester: Appeal following assault
We are appealing for information, dashcam and doorbell footage after an assault in Colchester. Read more.
Anti-social behaviour continues to fall to across Essex
There were 7,888 fewer incidents reported in the year to the end of July 2023 – a 31.5% decrease. Read more.
Wickford: Man arrested and stolen vehicles recovered
A man’s been arrested and two stolen vehicles recovered in Wickford. Read more.
Laindon: Man jailed for non-recent sexual offences
A man has been convicted of sexually abusing a teenager 15 years ago thanks to our specialist team which investigates non-recent child abuse. Read more.
We stop and search people to help keep our communities safe
Essex Police officers use this power when they suspect people are carrying drugs, weapons or stolen property. Read more.
Five arrests made by our Operational Support Group
Officers from our Operational Support Group (OSG) made five arrests, including for drugs and sexual offences. Read more.
Officers appealing for information after attempted arson
Officers want to hear from anyone who has dashcam footage, doorbell footage or information about an incident in South Ockenden. Read more.
Appeal after pub and home burgled in Holland-on-Sea
Officers are appealing for any information, CCTV or doorbell footage that will help their investigation into a burglary at a pub and home in Holland-on-Sea. Read more.
Canvey: Stolen motor home quickly reunited with owners
A motor home which was stolen from a home on Canvey Island was recovered within 30 minutes of the theft being reported to us. Read more.
Colchester: Victims praised for coming forward as sex offender is jailed for 24 years
Essex Police, alongside colleagues Humberside Police and Kent Police, secured 21 charges against 65-year-old Philip Johnson after a thorough investigation. Read more.
Specialist teams work around the clock to dismantle drugs gangs
Our Op Raptor teams focus on dismantling and disrupting the illicit organisations responsible for directing drug runners. Read more.
More than 800 people arrested in Essex referred to specialist drugs workers after testing positive for Class A drugs
We’re working to turn people away from using cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin and reduce their offending. Read more.
12-month suspended sentence after Post Office supervisor pleads guilty to theft
A woman who stole almost £18,000 from her workplace has been given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. Read more.
Southend: Appeal for further information after stolen car recovered
Officers are appealing for any additional information that can help identify a suspect after a car failed to stop for police in Southend. Read more.
Burglaries down almost 50% in five years across Essex
The number of burglaries in Essex has almost halved compared to five years ago, with work to tackle these incidents showing great signs of success. Read more.
Thurrock: Drugs officers secure gang injunctions against 16 offenders
Specialist officers have secured gang injunctions against 16 people, including eight teenagers, as part of our efforts to disrupt and dismantle gangs in Thurrock. Read more.
Chelmsford: Man admits begging in city within a day of being banned by court
He was arrested by a town centre team officer for twice breaching his criminal behaviour order. Read more.
Road Crime Team arrest one and seize three vehicles
Our Road Crime Team has reported two drivers, seized three vehicles, and arrested one person in their work to keep you safe on our roads. Read more.
Braintree: Quick arrest following burglary
Quick acting officers responding to a burglary in Witham have made an arrest within 20 minutes of it taking place. Read more.
Southend: Officers make quick arrests after robbery
Quick-acting officers have arrested three people following a robbery in Southend within half an hour of it happening. Read more.
“We’re not just dealing with officers who fall below the standards we expect, we’re stopping them joining in the first place”
In the last year, 22 officers or Specials have been dismissed, or would have been dismissed if they hadn’t already resigned, as we continue our drive to ensure misconduct is dealt with robustly. Read more.
Basildon: Two charged over aggravated burglary
It happened at an address in Travers Way on 25 August and it was reported a man in his 30s had been assaulted. Read more.
Benfleet: Two charged following assault
A man in his 20s sustained a serious injury to his face during the incident at at the Hoy and Helmet pub in the High Street. Read more.
Clacton: Two arrested following assault
It was reported a man in his 40s was attacked at the Highfield Holiday Park at around 9.10pm on 12 August. Read more.
Leigh-on-Sea: Appeal following assault
We are appealing for witnesses and information following an assault in Leigh-on-Sea. Read more.
Specialist vehicle unit filmed keeping roads of Essex safe
Essex Police’s work as part of Operation Orbital was the focus of a feature on BBC One’s Critical Incident on Monday 28 August. Read more.
Pitsea: Appeal for information after fatal collision
We are appealing for any information about a collision in Pitsea on the bank holiday weekend. Read more.
Colchester: Woman dies following car park collision
A woman who was seriously injured following a collision in a supermarket carpark in Colchester has now, sadly, died. Read more.
How our specialist teams tackle knife crime in Essex
Our Serious Violence Unit works day and night to ensure dangerous weapons are taken off the street and offenders are put behind bars. Read more.
Chelmsford: Man arrested on suspicion of GBH after collision
We were called shortly before 9.10am on Sunday 27 August to reports of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian in Glebe Road, Chelmsford. Read more.
Colchester: Two arrests after drugs seized
We were called shortly before 10.45pm on Sunday 27 August to reports two males had pushed their way into a house in Charles Pell Road, Colchester. Read more.
Waltham Abbey: Return of Eastern Electrics and Maiden Voyage festivals
We’d like to thank everyone who helped to ensure two large music festivals passed off safely at the Lee Valley Showground in Waltham Abbey. Read more.
Harwich: Arsonist jailed thanks to hard work of detectives
A man who set fire to curtains and a carpet in the communal hallways of a block of flats in Harwich has been jailed. Read more.
How we catch shoplifters and keep them from reoffending
Criminal behaviour orders help to divert shoplifters from offending and keep retail staff and customers safe. Read more.
Harlow: Teenager charged with murder after death of man
Detectives are investigating the death of a man, aged in his 30s, following an incident at Joyners Field, Harlow. Read more.
Crime prevention advice
Check keys when buying a used car
Most stolen vehicles are only ever taken with one key, be cautious if buying a car with only one key.
Make sure the metal part (which may be inside the actual fob) fits the door lock(s) & opens the vehicle.
For more tips and advice head to the crime prevention advice pages on our website.
Be fraud smart
Scam alert!
Action Fraud have reported an increase in scammers targeting community and religious WhatsApp groups.
Fraudsters are joining the groups to target members and deceive them into sending them money.
You can set up two-step verification and give yourself an extra layer of protection.
Tap settings > Around > Two-step verification > Enable.
For more tips and advice on protecting yourself from fraudsters go to the fraud prevention advice pages on our website.
Careers at Essex Police
Police Staff jobs
Senior Management Accountant £54,228 to £58,596
Technical Revenue Accountant £49,602 to £52,755
Accounting Technician £36,177 to £38,856
IT EUC Field Operations Engineer £28,530 to £30,375
Mail Hub Technician £21,432 to £22,677
Electrical Design Engineer £45,375 to £48,546
Mechanical Engineer £45,375 to £48,546
Geographic Facilities Assistants £21,432 to £22,677
Architectural Building Surveyor £45,375 to £48,546
Business Services Assistant £21,432 to £22,677
Safer Streets Project Lead £38,856 to £42,207
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
Percy Unsworth Battle
Percy Battle served with Essex County Constabulary from December 1, 1910 in Brentwood and Chelmsford before being recalled to his comrades at Chelsea Barracks. He died in action on September 4, 1914 and is buried at ‘The Guards’ Grave’ in Villers Cotterets Forest. He is also commemorated at St Andrew’s church in Marks Tey.
Joseph Watt
Joseph Watt served with Essex County Constabulary from 2 April 1906. On 27 August 1913 Joseph was on duty in Romford High Street when he saw a runaway horse drawing a four wheeled van coming towards him. The horse had been startled by a motorbus while it was having a nosebag, and one man had already been injured in trying to stop the terrified animal. As the horse drew level, he managed to grab its mane, running beside it while he tried to bring it to a halt.
Sadly he caught his foot on the pavement and fell beneath the van wheels. He died later from his injuries on 8 September 1913.
Alexander Henry Barlow Mackay
Alexander Mackay served with Essex County Constabulary from 5 February 1935. After completing training at Headquarters, Alexander served in Chelmsford, Ongar, HQ and Romford before joining the R.A.F. on 15 September 1941. He was killed in a flying accident on Thursday 10 September 1942 whilst serving as Leading Aircraftsman 1335668 in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was aged 28 and left a widow, Phyllis Mackay.
Read more about other Essex officers on the Essex Police Memorial Trust website.
Obituaries
Colin Benham
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Colin Benham who retired as a Constable in 1985 and served at Braintree, Chelmsford & Witham. He leaves a widow Bernadette. He passed away on August 6 2023 aged 82 years.