Essex Police Dispatch - issue 126
Essex Police Weekly Update
News 20 November to 26 November
Don’t drink and drive: it ruins lives
In an emotional end to last week’s national Road Safety Campaign (19-25 November), mum Cheryl Marshall talks about the impact of losing her son, Jake Blease, two years ago in a fatal collision in Cressing. Read more
North Essex: It was ‘instinct’ says mother who helped to rescue young woman
Maggie Harrison and her daughter Savanna were out walking their dogs in north Essex on 23 March 2021 when they came across the woman standing in a precarious position on the bridge over a busy road.
Maggie rang the police before going to talk to the woman. She and another man had to grab her to prevent her from falling and, when officers, arrived, they helped to pull the woman back to safety.
Now she has been Commended by Essex Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrison for her brave actions. Read more
Basildon: Two arrested on drug offences
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft and drug offences after officers in Basildon stopped a car early on Sunday morning, 26 November.
The officers were on patrol in Chester Hall Lane shortly after 4.30am when they saw a car with two men inside it parked in front of a lorry.
Further police checks on the vehicle led officers to become increasingly suspicious of it. Both men were quickly arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. Read more
Marks Tey: Man sentenced after fatal A12 collision
Marcin Zabicki died after the motorbike he was riding was struck by a Volkswagen Golf on the A12 near Stanway on Saturday 3 September last year. Read more
Chief Constable welcomes 41 new Essex Police officers
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington welcomed 41 new police officers into the Essex Police family at today’s passing out parade.
The new officers made their policing pledge at Essex Police Headquarters today, Friday 24 November, and will carry on the hard work of the force driving down crime in the county.
The recruits passed out in front of family, friends, Chief Constable Harrington, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, High Sheriff Charles Bishop and Lincoln Brookes, senior Coroner for Essex.
This new group of officers are joining at a time when crime is falling across the county, with 10,878 fewer victims in the last year, a reduction of 6%. Read more
Basildon: Man sentenced to 15 years in prison for non-recent sex offences
Richard Oliver, 51 of Frobisher Way, Jaywick appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday, 23 November where he was sentenced after being found guilty in October this year of nine offences including rape.
The investigation was launched in September 2020, when two women reported to Essex Police that they had been sexually abused between 2005 and 2015.
Oliver was arrested shortly after the report and denied all allegations against him.
Despite this, he was charged with nine offences including one count of rape of a girl and four counts of engaging in sexual activity with a girl aged 13-15.
Throughout the investigation, the two women received support from our specialist partner agencies.
He was found guilty of all counts on Friday, 20 October. Read more
We pledge to stamp out violence against women and girls
Chief officers and other senior leaders are supporting this year’s White Ribbon Day by making their own pledges to continue to tackle and reduce violence against women. Read more
Smuggler ordered to pay £65,000 to Vietnamese families
Gheorghe Nica was previously jailed for 27 years after being found guilty of 39 counts of manslaughter and human trafficking. Read more
Clacton: Woman jailed after admitting causing death of a grandfather
Kelly Cox admitted causing the death of Mr Norman Austin, 84, in a fatal collision in Clacton, has been jailed for 33 months. Read more
Chelmsford: Investigation after man robbed
We want to speak to a woman we believe may be able to help us with our enquiries after a man was robbed near Chelmsford’s Central Park.
The robbery reportedly happened in an underpass near the park about 1.50pm on Tuesday 14 November.
Two suspects approached the victim and threatened them with a knife, before pushing them over and taking their phone.
We believe a witness intervened in this incident, followed the suspects as they left in the direction of Chelmsford train station, and managed to get the victim’s phone returned to them. Read more
Southend: Man injured after hit by car
It was reported the man had been deliberately driven at and struck in Eastwoodbury Crescent on 13 November. Read more
Colchester: Prolific shoplifter jailed
Thirty-two year-old Daniel Bannerman, of Prince Philip Road, Colchester was already subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) which prohibited him from entering certain locations.
He’d been given the CBO following a previous series of thefts.
But between 10 and 13 November he breached the conditions of this CBO by going into Co-op stores in in Old Heath Road, Mersea Road, Greenstead, Wimpole Road, Harwich Road, Wivenhoe, and Peartree in Stanway and stealing items like meat, energy drinks and washing detergent.
In total he stole around £400 of items.
He was arrested on Wednesday 15 November and on Friday 17 November at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court he was jailed for four months.
He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation and ordered to attend rehabilitation sessions. Read more
Colchester: Sex offender jailed thanks to specialist officers
Luke Tucker had breached the terms of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and tried to solicit sexual activity with a child. Read more
Grays: Man charged in murder investigation
We were called to an incident at an address close to New Road, Grays, shortly after 3.40am on Friday 6 October. Read more
North Essex: Caitlin commended for her bravery in helping to save a life
When Caitlin Smith saw a young woman standing on the wrong side of a bridge’s railings, she immediately went to the woman’s aid. Read more
Colchester: Man sentenced after town centre racist incident
Terry Poole, 38, used racist and abusive language while threatening shop staff in High Street, Colchester, on the afternoon of 3 June 2022. He was caught on CCTV repeatedly hitting the shop window causing damage.
He was arrested and charged but failed to appear at Magistrates Court. He was convicted with warrants issued for his arrest. He was arrested on Thursday 23 November, brought back to court the following day. Read more
Chelmsford: Appeal after SOS Bus damaged in High Street
Officers are appealing for help identifying a woman they wish to speak to regarding an incident of criminal damage in Chelmsford. Read more
Is your car insured? National Operation Drive Insured week
Last week's operation highlight the work we’re doing to make roads in Essex safe and to raise awareness of the risks of driving without insurance.
Our Roads Policing Unit supported this important campaign because MIB’s statistics show that every 20 minutes someone is a victim of an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, which costs the economy over £2 billion each year.
Last year, over 123,000 uninsured vehicles were taken off the road, that’s one vehicle seized every four minutes. Read more
Harlow: Two charged for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs
Two men have been charged with the possession of Class A drugs with the intent to supply after two cars were stopped by officers in Harlow. Read more
Chelmsford: Motorbike rider seriously injured
A black electric motorbike was in collision with an orange Ford Transit van on Essex Regiment Way at around 8.55am on Friday 17 November.
The rider of the motorbike, a man in his 20s, was taken to hospital for treatment on a serious leg injury.
The road was closed while the emergency services worked and was re-opened about 12.05pm. Read more
Basildon: Drug dealer caught after posting selfie on encrypted chat
The 58-year-old was identified as the man behind an EncroChat handle involved in the supply of cocaine, MDMA, cannabis and ketamine in Basildon. Read more
Officers arrested 28 people on suspicion of shoplifting last week
Five people were arrested in each of Basildon, Chelmsford and Thurrock districts; three in Tendring; two in each of Colchester, Epping Forest, Harlow and Southend districts; and one in each of Braintree and Brentwood between Monday 13 and Sunday 19 November 2023. And 23 have now been charged.
Four of those arrested also tested positive for Class A drugs. Under our drug test on arrest scheme, adults accused of acquisitive crimes such as shoplifting are required to take a saliva test that will reveal whether they’ve taken cocaine, heroin or crack.
A positive test leads to an automatic referral to a specialist drug treatment programme with one of the three charities we work with. Read more
Tendring: Meet the District Commander, Chief Inspector Ella Latham
Reducing anti-social behaviour, knife crime and violence in all its forms, particularly against women and girls, are top priorities for Chief Inspector Ella Latham.
Key to ensuring Tendring is a safe place to live, work and visit, is working with local partner agencies and listening to the concerns of communities across the district. Read more
Maldon: More than 400 cannabis plants discovered at St Lawrence property
Officers discovered a substantial cannabis grow containing more than 400 plants after executing a warrant at a house in St Lawrence.
At just after 11am this morning, Tuesday 21 November, members of Maldon Town Team, Chelmsford and Maldon Community Policing Team, and the Dog Section, entered an address on a quiet cul-de-sac under Section 8 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act.
Several rooms had been converted to grow the plants, with heat lamps, blackout blinds and ventilation equipment installed.
Nobody was at the house although it appeared to have been recently lived in. Read more
Chadwell St Mary: Man arrested after eight stolen vehicles recovered
All eight – including Range Rovers, Kias, a Porsche, a Mercedes and a Lexus - had also been reported as stolen. Read more
Hockley: Shoplifter convicted thanks to facial recognition
A man will have his location tracked after being convicted of two shoplifting offences in Hockley because officers were able to identify him using innovative technology.
Anthony Reid was identified using retrospective facial recognition.
A clear image of his face was caught on CCTV belonging to a shop in Spa Road which was then reported to police.
Reid, 54, of Dalston Lane, London, E8, was responsible for stealing a total of £160 worth of goods from the shop on two separate occasions.
He was identified when a match was made with Reid’s details, which were legitimately held on the Police National Database.
Additional verification checks were the carried out before Reid was subsequently arrested on Hackney on Monday 19 November. He was quickly charged. Read more
Canvey: Man arrested after concerns over shed burglaries
A 21-year-old man, from Canvey, remains in custody for questioning on suspicion of burglary. Read more
Essex road users urged to play their part during Road Safety Week
As part of Brake’s Safety Week 19-25 November, Essex’s Head of Road Policing laid out key priorities, in tackling the issues of speed and dangerous driving. Read more
Let's talk
Upcoming community police events across Essex
Tuesday 28 November
10am to 11am
Tiptree Library, Rectory Road, Tiptree, CO5 0SX
11am to 12pm
The Snug, The Street, High Easter
11am to 12pm
Poppies Cafe, Ivron Hill Road, Wickford, SS12 0AQ
11am to 12pm
Hadleigh Library, 180 London Road, Hadleigh, South Benfleet
2pm to 3pm
West Mersea Library, 13 High Street, West Mersea, Colchester
Wednesday 29 November
10am to 11am
Abberton & Lagenhoe community centre , Edward Marke Drive, Langenhoe,
10am to 11am
Morrison's Supermarket, Centenary Way, Little Clacton.
10am to 11am
Costa Coffee 76/78 High Street, Billericay CM12 9BT
10am to 11am
Miracle House, Silver Island Way, Wickford, SS12 9NR
10am to 12pm
Staple Tye, Harlow
10.30am to 11.30am
Jaywick Library, Golf Green Road, Jaywick.
11am to 12pm
Tea on The Heath, Pond Lane, Hatfield Heath
11am to 12pm
Jilly Beans cafe 121 Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island, SS8 7AT
11.30am to 12.30pm
West Mersea Methodist church, 9 Mill Road, West Mersea,
1pm to 3pm
St Thomas Court, 41 Queens Road, Brentwood
Thursday 30 November
10am to 12pm
Waitrose, Fossetts Way, Eastern Avenue, Southend-on-Sea
10.30am to 11.30am
Grays Library, Thameside Complex Orsett Road, Grays
11am to 1pm
Hadleigh Cycle Park - Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, Benfleet
3pm to 4pm
East Tilbury Hub, Princess Avenue, East Tilbury
Friday 1 December
9am to 10am
Touchpoint, 72 Chapel Hill, Stansted
3pm to 7pm
Christmas at Queen's Road, Buckhurst Hill
Saturday 2 December
10am to 11am
Quadrant Department Store, 220 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford CM2 0LS
10am to 1pm
Scott's of Southend, Sutton Road, Rochford SS4 1LQ
3pm to 4pm
Co-op, Church Road, Stansted
For full details of upcoming events, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
Make your mark this Christmas
Burglaries in Essex have fallen by half in Essex in the last three years. Investigating burglaries, protecting our rural and urban communities and catching criminals is what we do at Essex Police.
However, there are simple things we can all do to make our homes and businesses even safer. Follow the link to learn how to security mark your tech presents this Christmas.
Be fraud smart
Be on the lookout for of impersonation fraudsters
Criminals are experts at impersonating people & organisations. If something is not quite right or seems too good to be true, always check.
Take a moment & contact them directly to make sure a promotion is real and never click on an email link unless you know it is safe.
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.
Join our team
Police staff jobs
Major Crime System Information Officer £25,188
Business Services Team Leader £28,767
Estates Programme Delivery Officer £24,921
Physiotherapist £45,546
Supplier Relationship Manager £45,762
BSA Secretary £24,921
Detention Officers £26,334 to £30,424
Resolution Centre Investigators £28,299 to £32,754
Contact Handlers (full time) £27,279 - £32,754
Contact Handlers (part time) £16,103 per annum
Visit our website for full advert, job descriptions and application form.
This week we remember
Stapleton Hollett
Stapleton served with Essex County Constabulary from 15 Apr 1913. At the outbreak of war, in August 1914, Stapleton was recalled to the colours as Sergeant 14729. Stapleton Hollett died during the battle for Cambrai on 27 November 1917.
Robert Bambrough
Robert Bambrough served with Essex County Constabulary from 21 August 1843. He was tasked with escorting 20-year-old William Wood from Billericay Magistrates Court to Brentwood. Wood had been sentenced to three months imprisonment for poaching. Following a fight with Wood, Robert died the following day on Friday 30 November 1850.
Harry Beresford Mann
Harry Mann served with Southend Borough Constabulary from 1 April, 1914. On 17 June 1910, he joined Reigate Borough Police serving in that force as Constable 12. On 20 November 1915, he applied for permission to join the Military Police for the duration of the war. Harry was recorded as missing presumed killed in action on 30 November.
Philip George Saban
Philip Saban served with Southend Borough Constabulary from 1 September 1914. It cannot have been pure coincidence that he enlisted with the Royal Horse Artillery on the same day in December 1915, as Harry Mann. It is highly probable the two men were close friends. Philip was mortally wounded and died later of his wounds at the 29th Division Casualty Clearing Station at Grevillers on 2 December 1914. He was just twenty-four years of age.
Read more about other Essex officers on the Essex Police Memorial Trust website.
Obituaries
Michael Spalding
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Michael Spalding who retired as a constable in 1996 and served at Ardleigh, Colchester and Stanway Traffic as a motorcyclist.
He passed away on the 9 November 2023 aged 81 years.