Essex Police Dispatch - issue 127
Essex Police Weekly Update
News 27 November to 3 December
Thurrock: Roads policing team launch drink and drug driving crackdown
A team with Chigwell Roads Policing Unit was on patrol across Thurrock on the evening of Friday 1 December, conducting a number of checks. Read more
Would you report a drink driver this Christmas?
That’s the question Essex Police are posing ahead of a national crackdown on drink driving as part of a month-long road safety campaign called ‘Drink Driving. Together We Can Stop It’.
Starting on Friday 1 December, we’re urging the public to ‘help prevent, persuade and call the police’ on drink drivers this Christmas. Read more
Chelmsford: Fast response to serious assault sees two charged
We were called shortly after 11.05pm on Friday 1 December to reports of an assault in Duke Street following an altercation between two groups.
It was reported a man had been assaulted and knocked unconscious, with suspects seen to get into a vehicle before leaving the scene.
The victim remains in hospital with serious injuries.
As a result of speedy enquiries, including speaking with witnesses and analysing city centre CCTV footage, officers quickly made two arrests. Read more
Tendring: Burglar who stole Christmas presents from homes jailed
A serial burglar who targeted 10 homes and even stole presents from underneath a Christmas tree has been jailed following a tireless investigation.
Heath Vosper, 31, of Crystal Palace Park Road, London, was convicted of eight counts of attempted burglary and two counts of burglary following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
This follows a spate of break-ins at homes in the Harwich and Tendring area in December 2021. Read more
Epping: Four arrests made and stolen car parts recovered
Officers discovered engines and gearboxes that were identified as belonging to BMW cars stolen in London and Surrey. Read more
Warning over illegal use of E-scooters ahead of Christmas
As part of our drink drive campaign, we’re urging the public to take a taxi, not an e-scooter.
In the last few years, the popularity of e-scooters has grown – it’s seen as a fun gift for young people, but there’s a serious side too.
Privately owned e-scooters remain illegal to use on roads and pavements. In fact, the only place they can be used is on private land and with the landowner's permission.
Of course, you can use an approved company e-scooter at several sites across the county without worrying, but we’d ask you to think again before buying an e-scooter or hopping on one to get home after a night out. Read more
Tilbury: Specialist officers safeguard child and secure charges
Officers with our Child Abuse Investigations Team had launched enquiries after reports of sexual activity between a man and a child in the Tilbury area. Read more
Harwich: Officers caught suspect 15 minutes after knifepoint robbery
An offender who robbed a Greggs at knifepoint before fleeing with cash has been jailed. Read more
Colchester: Speeding drivers stopped and vehicles seized in operation
In a week of policing activities targeting speeding motorists, Essex Police and Safer Essex Roads partners held a Vision Zero day to round off Road Safety Week. Read more
Harwich: Officers commended for brave sea-rescue
Two Harwich police officers who rescued a woman from the sea have been commended for their bravery. Read more
Canvey: Man charged with burglary
A man has been charged with burglary and theft from a motor vehicle, as part of an ongoing investigation in Canvey. Read more
“How would you feel telling my parents that you had killed me or injured me?”
Just one of the questions asked of speeding motorists by Year Five pupils as part of School Speedwatch, taking part in Road Safety Week (19-25 November). Read more
Uttlesford: Community Policing Team committed to investigating criminal damage and arson
Our Community Policing Team in Uttlesford remain committed to preventing and investigating incidents of criminal damage and arson, with reports decreasing in the district. Read more
Shoeburyness: Two charged after drugs warrant executed
On the morning of Tuesday 28 November, officers in the Southend Community Policing, Operation Policing Command and Chemical, Biological, Radioactive and Nuclear teams attended an industrial unit in Vanguard Way, Shoeburyness.
Two men were arrested at the scene and almost 1,000 cannabis plants were seized at the address, with an estimated value of £320,000. Read more
Thurrock: Three arrests and drugs seized
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of offences including drugs and domestic offences following another day of proactive activity by one of our specialist teams. Read more
Dismantling the Essex lorry conspiracy
Caolan Gormley, 26, of Armagh, Northern Ireland has been jailed for seven years having been found guilty of one count of conspiracy to assist in unlawful immigration. Read more
Chelmsford: Extra patrols combat anti-social behaviour on Moulsham Street
The area is one of 11 hotspots across the county to receive part of a £1.1m investment by the Police Fire Crime Commissioner. Read more
Thurrock: Man admits dangerous driving following car cruise collision
It follows an incident near to the Lakeside shopping centre in May. Read more
Colchester: Man charged with multiple drugs offences
It is part of an investigation into the sale of Class A and B drugs in and around Colchester. Read more
Southend: Two charged following assault
We have arrested a man in connection with a serious assault in Southend after we were called to Chichester Road shortly after 3.20pm on Tuesday 28 November. Read more
Almost 300 speeding drivers stopped during Road Safety Week
Last week, Enforcement Officers issued a total of 289 speeding tickets to drivers across the county, during national Road Safety Week (19-26 November 2023). Read more
During November, seven drivers received a total of 35 endorsement points on their licences after Extra Eyes received dash cam footage from you, the public. Read more
Nine sentenced for running drug lines
Eight men and one boy have been sentenced for their roles in running drug lines across west Essex.
The group were responsible for running lines across Epping, Loughton, Debden, Waltham Abbey, and Chingford in London.
As part of this activity, the used violence, exploited vulnerable people, and used children as young as 12 to supply drugs for them.
Officers from our Op Raptor team carried out a lengthy and complex investigation which culminated in nine warrants being executed in December 2021.
During these warrants a large amount of drugs and weapons were seized. Read more
Seven arrests and 12 vehicle seized during roads operation
Our Road Crime Team led an operation targeting those putting your safety on our roads in danger between Southend and Chelmsford on Saturday 25 November. Read more
Southend: Officers investigating a serious assault
We have arrested a man in connection with a serious assault in Southend after we were called to Chichester Road shortly after 3.20pm on Tuesday 28 November. Read more
Chelmsford: Criminal Behaviour Order bans man from possessing a bike
Jake Carter has been issued with a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order, banning him from being in possession of a bicycle, scooter, e-scooter or e-bike in Chelmsford.
The order follows an investigation, where Carter was sentenced to six weeks in prison after being found guilty to multiple assaults against women in Chelmsford. The investigation highlighted how Carter had approached the victims and assaulted them before using a bike to leave the area. Read more
Water-based anti-social behaviour drops 50% along Essex coast
Successful work by our Marine Unit to reduce anti-social behaviour around Essex’s coastline has been adopted as best practice by police forces nationally.
The unit’s annual Wave-Breaker operation saw a halving of anti-social behaviour in Essex waters between the spring and autumn this year. Read more
Chelmsford: Swift action sees teenager arrested within hour of robbery
Officers investigating a reported knifepoint robbery in Springfield made an arrest within an hour of the call thanks to fast-paced investigative work.
We received a call shortly after 10.15pm on Monday 27 November reporting a robbery in Chancellor Park.
The victim reported he had arranged to meet someone in the park to sell an item of clothing.
He told how he was instead assaulted and threatened with a knife, before the attacker attempted to steal a coat.
Officers quickly attended and located a knife at the scene, before carrying out enquiries and offering support to the victim.
As a result of those speedy enquiries, a suspect was identified and an arrest made by 11.15pm.
An 18-year-old man, from Chelmsford, remains in custody and is being questioned on suspicion of robbery. Read more
No it's not on - Reflect campaign focuses on consent
Essex Police has teamed up with pubs and bars, across the county, to launch a new arm of our perpetrator focussed #Reflect campaign around the issue of consent. Read more
Chelmsford: Woman charged after fast-paced shoplifting investigation
Officers investigating a series of incidents of shoplifting in Chelmsford have secured charges against a woman.
On Saturday 26 November, officers were alerted to an incident at Marks and Spencer in Chelmsford City Centre at around 1.45pm, whereby a woman attempted to take items from the store.
A short time later, a further incident of shoplifting at Poundland, in Chelmsford High Street, was reported.
A woman was monitored through the city’s CCTV system and officers swiftly attended Bellmead Park to make an arrest. Read more
Officers made 27 arrests for shoplifting last week
As part of our ongoing work to target shoplifters and retail crime, officers across Essex made 27 arrests for shop theft last week.
And 17 people have subsequently been charged with theft offences and other related matters.
Between 20 and 26 November, six people were arrested for shop theft in Colchester; four in each of the Basildon, Southend and Thurrock districts; and three in Harlow. Two were arrested in Tendring; and one in each of Brentwood, Chelmsford and Epping Forest Districts. Read more
Let's talk
Upcoming community police events across Essex
Tuesday 5 December
10am to 12pm
Witham Town Hall, Heritage Suite
10am to 11am
Costa Coffee, 14 Northlands Pavement, Basildon SS13 3DU
10am to 12pm
Asda, Rawreth Lane, Rayleigh SS6 9RN
10.30am to 12pm
Walton Forum, High Street, Walton on Naze.
10.30am to 11.30am
Harwich Library, Kingsway, Dovercourt.
10.30am to 12.30pm
Tendring Village Hall, Tendring.
12pm to 1pm
Corringham Library, St Johns Way
Wednesday 6 December
10am to 11am
Manningtree Library, High Street, Manningtree.
10am to 11am
Alton Garden Centre Arterial Road, Wickford SS12 9JG
Wednesday 6 Dec, 2023 10:00am to 12:00pm
Bush Fair Shopping Hatch, Harlow
Wednesday 6 Dec, 2023 10:30am to 11:30am
Parkers Garden Centre, Frinton Road, Kirby Cross, Frinton on Sea.
Thursday 7 December
10am to 11am
Little Hallingbury Shop, Lower Road, Little Hallingbury
10.30am to 11.30am
One Colchester Hub 4-6 Long Wyre Street, CO1 1LH
11am to 12pm
Morrisons, 175 London Road, Hadleigh SS7 2RB
11am to 12pm
Gt Holland Church Hall, Rectory Road, Great Holland.
11am to 12pm
Morrisons, 175 London Road, Hadleigh SS7 2RB
11am to 12pm
Prettygate Baptist Church, 25-27 Prettygate Road,
12pm to 1pm
McDonalds, Staple Tye, Harlow
12.30pm to 1.30pm
Tiptree Tea Room, Museum and Jam Shop, Factory Hill, Tiptree, CO5 0RF
2pm to 3pm
Sainsburys Rayleigh Weir, Stadium Way, Benfleet, SS73UB
2pm to 3pm
Sainsburys Rayleigh Weir - 21 Stadium Way, Benfleet
Friday 8 December
10am to 11am
The Council Offices, Victoria Place, Brightlingsea.
10am to 11am
Morrison's Supermarket, Centenary Way, Little Clacton.
11am to 12pm
Takeley Community Cafe, Dunmow Road, Takeley
1pm to 3pm
Oasis Cafe, Frinton Free Church, Connaught Avenue, Frinton on Sea.
2pm to 3pm
Canvey library, 2 High Street, Canvey Island
4pm to 5pm
Co-op, White Street, Great Dunmow
Saturday 9 December
9.30am to 10:30am
Billericay Library 143 High Street, Billericay CM12 9AB
9.45am to 10.45am
Holland Library, Public Hall, Frinton Road, Holland on Sea.
1pm to 2.30pm
Essex Wildlife Trust Discovery Centre, Old Hall Lane, Walton on Naze.
6pm to 7pm
Outside Village Hall , 1A The Street, Salcott, Maldon CM9 8HL
Sunday 10 December
10.30am to 2.35pm
Cafe Cornell, Smallbridge Road, Saffron Walden
For full details of upcoming events, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
Sort Your Settings
Are you planning on giving your child a new games console, mobile phone, tablet, or computer game this Christmas? Or do you have friends or family who are?
Visit our Sort Your Settings webpage for practical things you can do to help make your child’s new device safer when they are online.
Be fraud smart
The holiday season can be a lonely time for some people.
Criminals try to take advantage of this by building up fast relationships with strong emotional ties. Appealing to people's compassionate side to ask for money.
If you think someone you know might have fallen for a scam.
Please speak to them & report it to action fraud.
Join our team
Police staff jobs
Project Manager Estates Services £41,928
Strategic Vulnerability Centre Admin Assistant £23,121
Geographic Facilities Assistant £21,432 to £22,677
Major Incident Information Officer £25,188
Service Delivery Team Leader £28,767
Supplier Relationship Manager £45,762
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.
Volunteer police cadet leader opportunity
Are you someone who is interested in helping young people in our community? If you are, then we have a great opportunity for you.
We’re looking for local people, over the age of 18, to join our volunteer police cadet team, by becoming a cadet leader.
In this voluntary role you will mentor local teens, supporting them to grow into confident, well-rounded members of our community.
You will develop your own leadership and management skills too, gaining training along the way.
You don’t need to have a policing background to be a cadet leader. In fact, we encourage those outside the police community to apply. Police cadets isn’t about recruiting police officers of the future. It's about building positive relationships between young people, their communities, and police.
If you’d like to find out more, please visit our website.
Obituaries
David Elam
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague David Elam who retired as a constable in 1994 and served at Thorpe-Le-Soken, Special Branch at Harwich and Colchester.
He passed away on 9 November 2023 aged 83 years.