Essex Police Dispatch - issue 128
Essex Police Weekly Update
News 4 December to 10 December
Colchester: Extra officers on patrol to keep people safe during party season
Officers who specialise in preventing sexual offending will join local officers to provide a highly visible presence into the early hours of the morning in the most popular areas of the city to reassure the public and protect anyone who appears vulnerable. Read more
Leigh-on-Sea driver disqualified after drinking while driving
The 20-year-old man from Kent, was disqualified for a year at Southend-on-Sea Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 5 December after he admitted drink driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.
The man was also ordered to pay a fine of £400 and costs. Read more
Clacton: More than 100 cannabis plants discovered
We received reports of a disturbance at a property in Meredith Road, Clacton-on-Sea, at about 3am on Saturday 2 December.
Our officers attended the address, the house was made safe and, following an examination by our crime scene investigators, we gained access to the property.
Inside we found 117 cannabis plants and specialist equipment for cultivating the plants, which have now been removed and seized. UK Power Networks confirmed an illegal electricity connection was in use at the property. Read more
Local businesses support campaign to help keep children safe online
More than 20 shops are helping us to keep children safe online by promoting our 'Sort Your Settings' campaign in store.
Our campaign works to provide parents and caregivers with the knowledge they need to make sure the settings on games, consoles, smart devices, apps and social media, are right for their child. Read more
Witham: Teen charged following burglary
On 25 June 2023 we received reports of a burglary at a property in Chelmer Road, Witham.
An unknown number of suspects had forced entry to the rear of the property before searching the property and taking items including the keys to a car.
After an investigation that included an extensive search of CCTV footage and information from the public, officers have now arrested and charged a 17-year-old boy with burglary and taking a motor vehicle.
He has been released on bail and is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 24 January 2024. Read more
Epping: Two-year suspended sentence for racial abuse
On 8 January 2023 we received reports four cyclists were riding in Bower Hill, Epping, when a car drove dangerously out of a nearby lane.
The driver, Harry Downer, then 20, of no fixed abode, then stopped the vehicle in front of the group and racially abused the cyclists before reversing at the group causing injuries to the victims and damage to the bicycles.
The driver then left the scene before returning a few minutes later and racially abusing them again. Read more
PC Dave Bridge and Samantha Bridge with Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington
Corringham: Essex Police couple commended for brave fire rescue
PC Dave Bridge and criminal justice support officer Samantha Bridge rescued elderly neighbours after their home was struck by lightning. Read more
Grays: Appeal for cyclist to come forward after serious collision
Our officers are keen to identify a cyclist in Grays who may have witnessed a collision which left two runners seriously injured. Read more
Chelmsford: Man charged after attempted arson incident
Officers quickly responded to concerns for the welfare of a man in Chilton Close in the city at about 4.40pm on Thursday 30 November.
Chelmsford’s Local Policing Team and specially trained officers from our Force Support Unit and negotiators quickly arrived and contained the scene, closing the road to protect the public while they worked. Read more
Jailed: David Levy
Clacton: Man sentenced to 16 years for multiple child sex offences
A survivor of rape and sexual abuse has bravely spoken out, after the Clacton man who abused her has been jailed for 16 years. Read more
Billericay: Man arrested on suspicion of drink driving
A 22-year-old man has been arrested following a collision in Billericay on Tuesday 5 December. Read more
Harlow: Man charged with arson
Emergency services were called to North House in Bush Fair shortly before 8:40pm on Monday, 4 December following report of a fire in the building.
The fire is being treated as arson and a man was arrested in connection with the investigation.
Dean Arnold, 37 of Potters Field, Harlow has since been charged with arson with intent to endanger life. Read more
Road Crime Team arrest three and recover three stolen cars
Over three days, three stolen vehicles recovered and three arrests thanks to our Road Crime Team. Read more
Driver arrested after 121 cannabis plants found in car
We worked alongside Metropolitan Police officers over a three-day period last week where as well as arrests, 12 vehicles were taken off the road and seized as drivers had no insurance. Read more
Officers made 19 arrests on suspicion of shoplifting last week
Twelve people have been charged and three of those arrested also tested positive for Class A drugs and will be referred to a specialist drug treatment programme. Read more
Brentwood: Community Policing Team get on their bikes to combat crime
The two electric bikes have been funded by the Brentwood Community Safety Partnership. Read more
Basildon: Cash and drugs seized following routine car stop
Drug supply charges have been authorised against a man after a routine vehicle stop unveiled a large sum of cash and illicit substances.
Officers on patrol stopped a vehicle in Southernhay, Basildon, on Friday 1 December after it showed as having no valid insurance.
After the stop, a search of the vehicle uncovered more than £38,000 in cash, alongside an amount of ketamine and nitrous oxide cannisters.
A man was arrested and taken into custody. Read more
Billericay: Man charged with drugs offences after suspected Class A drugs seized
Officers executed a warrant at address in Tye Common Road, Billericay, in the early hours of Thursday 20 November.
At the address we arrested a man on suspicion of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply, and found a number of items in and around the property. Among these was what appeared to be a large quantity of Class A drugs, drug paraphernalia, mobile phones and roughly £4,500 in cash. Read more
National recognition for helping to keep us safe during the pandemic
Health and safety expert Margaret Davis helped to ensure Essex Police officers and staff stayed safe so they could continue keeping you safe. Read more
Westcliff: Charge secured after woman awoken by burglar
On 26 May, we received an emergency call reporting a burglary at an address in London Road, Westcliff.
It was reported a woman awoke to find a man searching a drawer in her home.
We put support in place for the victim and conducted lengthy enquiries, which resulted in an arrest on 8 June.
Harry Fryett, 26, of Belle Vue Place, Southend, has since been charged with burglary.
He appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Monday 27 November and was remanded in custody until a hearing at Basildon Crown Court on 2 January. Read more
Southend: Man charged with affray and indecent exposure
Officers were called to Southchurch Road shortly before midnight on Monday, 4 December.following multiple reports of a man behaving in a threatening way.
The first report came in from the Tesco Petrol Station where a woman was threatened with a knife by a man who was attempting to get into her car. The victim was not injured but left shaken.
Shortly afterwards, the suspect approached another woman and exposed himself.
After making an arrest, two officers were assaulted. Read more
Jake Carter
Chelmsford: Man jailed for 11 months for breach of Criminal Behaviour Order
Jake Carter, 27 of Meadgate Avenue, Chelmsford was previously given a Criminal Behaviour Order on Friday, 24 November which prohibited him from being in possession of a bike or e-scooter in Chelmsford City Centre.
On Saturday, 2 December, officers from Chelmsford Town Centre Team arrested Carter on suspicion of two breaches of his CBO. One of these instances included him riding his bike to a probation meeting.
He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates on Monday, 4 December where he was given an 11-month prison sentence. Read more
Harlow: Man arrested as part of arson investigation
Emergency services were called to North House, in Bush Fair, shortly before 8.40pm last night, Monday 4 December, to reports of a fire in building.
Firefighters were able to extinguish the fire and prevent widespread damage however the building's occupants have been, unfortunately, been displaced.
As a result of speedy enquires, a 37-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson. He remains in custody being questioned. Read more
Countywide: 30 arrests in first weekend after drink drive campaign launched
Thirty arrests on first weekend after drink drive campaign launched in Essex on Friday 1 December. Read more
Chelmsford: Prolific burglar jailed for crime spree across city
Callum Galloway burgled businesses, stole a moped and smashed car windows before snatching items from within vehicles in Chelmsford. Read more
Debden: Man charged with 22 shoplifting offences
A man has been remanded into custody after being charged with 22 shoplifting offences as part of an ongoing investigation in Debden. Read more
Blackmailer sentenced to six years in prison for sharing images of victims
A man has been sentenced to six years in prison after malicious attempts to extort money from victims using their stolen intimate images. Read more
Tendring: Work to disrupt drug supply sees cannabis farm dismantled
Officers acting to disrupt drug supply in Tendring and prevent anti-social behaviour seized more than 100 cannabis plants.
We were contacted by UK Power Networks shortly after 7pm on Monday 4 December, with reports of power cuts caused by issues at an address in Lee Wick Lane, Point Clear.
Concerns were also raised around a smell of cannabis outside the property.
Officers attended and accessed the building, an outhouse, finding a cannabis farm inside consisting of approximately 120 plants and associated equipment.
Work is ongoing to dismantle the operation and seize evidence. Read more
Specials takeover Southend to keep you safe
On Sunday 3 December, volunteer officers, also known as Specials, led the policing response in Southend, providing more than 60 hours of high visibility patrols on a very busy late turn. Read more
On the beat at Christmas
Essex Police Community Choir and Essex Police Band are holding a concert this Christmas, on Saturday 16 December at Christ Church, New London Road, Chelmsford. Read more
Essex Police continue to put victim feedback as priority
At Essex Police, the work does not stop when an investigation concludes. Our Crime and Public Protection Command prides itself in understanding how victims felt their level of service was throughout an investigation.
Two years ago, the command launched the Victim Feedback Panel, as an opportunity to understand how they can improve investigations and give victims the best possible support.
In a Victim Feedback Panel held in May, the victim of a non-recent historic sexual offence investigation spoke with a panel of people, including detectives and our partner agencies to say her thoughts. Read more
Canvey: Appeal launched after three attempted robberies
Officers are increasing patrols in the Canvey area after reports of three attempted robberies.
We were called by our ambulance service colleagues to Parklands, off Hilton Road, Canvey, shortly after 10.55pm on Saturday 2 December.
It was reported a man had suffered a stab wound to his leg after he was approached by two male suspects.
They demanded his wallet and phone, but nothing was taken from the victim. Read more
Thurrock: Two charged after Lakeside shopping centre robbery
Officers working diligently to investigate a robbery at a shopping centre store in Thurrock have secured charges against a second person.
At around 5pm on Sunday 24 September, it was reported three young men had been involved in an incident whereby a security worker was assaulted outside a shop, at Lakeside Shopping Centre. Read more
Let's talk
Upcoming community police events across Essex
Monday 11 December
10am to 11am
Henham Community Shop, High Street, Henham
10am to 11am
Dedham o/s War memorial.
11am to 12pm
Ashdon Coffee Morning, 2 Radwinter Road, Ashdon
2.30pm to 3.30pm
Stebbing Community Shop, High Street
2.30pm to 4.30pm
Douglas Matthew House, Off White Lyons Road, Brentwood
Tuesday 12 December
10am to 12pm
Franks Motorcycles, Unit 7B Moat Farm Business Centre, Stanway
11am to 1pm
Fyfield Village Hall, Houchin Drive, Ongar
12.30pm to 1.30pm
McDonalds, Harlow Town Centre
12pm to 1pm
1 Cage Lane, Boxted Cross, Colchester
Wednesday 13 December
10am to 11.30am
Wickham Bishops Village Hall, Snows Corner, Wickham Bishops, Witham
10am to 12pm
Coffee Base, Newhall, Harlow
10.30am to 11.30am
Tilbury Hub, Civic Square
10.30am to 12pm
St Andrews Church, St Andrews Close, Alresford.
10.30am to 12.30pm
South Hanningfield Village Hall, Hanningfield Road, South Hanningfield
Thursday 14 December
9.30am to 11.30am
Community Voluntary Services Tendring, Harwich Hub, High Street, Harwich.
10am to 12pm
Leigh Community Centre, 71-73 Elm Road, Leigh
10.30am to 11.30am
Chadwell St Mary Information Centre, Brentwood Road
12pm to 1pm
The Place, Pitsea Leisure Centre, 13 Northlands Pavement, Basildon SS13 3DU
2.30pm to 3.30pm
Costa, Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford SS4 1PN
3pm to 4pm
Wicken Bonhunt Community Centre, St Margaret Church
Friday 15 December
10am to 12pm
Witham Town Hall, Heritage Suite
10am to 12pm
Walton Food Bank, Standley Road, Walton on Naze.
10am to 11am
The Coffee Lounge, 21 Heralds Way, South Woodham Ferrers
10.30am to 12pm
Oak Tree Community Cafe, 4 Highwoods Square, Highwoods, Colchester CO4 9BB
11am to 12pm
Sainsburys, Cricketers Retail Park, Cricketers Way, Basildon SS13 1SA
2pm to 4pm
Scottie's of Southend, Sutton Road, Rochford SS4 1LQ
3pm to 4pm
Co-op, Church Road, Stansted
Saturday 16 December
9.30am to 10.30am
White Colne Village Hall
10am to 11am
Lakelands Community Centre, Stanway, 2 Western Approach, Stanway, Colchester
11am to 12pm
Great Tarpots library, London Road, Benfleet
11am to 12pm
Tea on The Heath, Pond Lane, Hatfield Heath
2pm to 3pm
Hadleigh library, 180 London Road, South Benfleet
3pm to 4pm
Heybridge Parish Council, Plantation Hall, Colchester Road, Maldon.
Sunday 17 December
10am to 11am
Rowehedge village hall car park, Rectory Road, Rowhedge,
For full details of upcoming events, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
Don't drink and drive
Jake Blease was just 25 when he died.
He was a passenger in a car with a man whose driving was impaired through a combination of drink, drugs and speed.
Jake's mother, Cheryl, is urging anyone who thinks of drink or drug driving to think again. It ruins lives.
Be fraud smart
Gift cards are popular with criminals as they are more difficult to trace compared to bank transfers.
Criminals pose as organisations such as HMRC or the DVLA and invent a time-critical reason they need the gift card.
This can include claims that you need to pay a tax, fine, or a fee to win a prize.
Once you have bought the card and sent the voucher code to the fraudster, the money on the card is either spent straight away or the card is sold onto other criminals.
Take a moment to stop and think before spending your money.
Contact your bank if you think you might have been scammed.
Join our team
Police staff jobs
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Admin Assistant £23,121
Physiotherapist £45,546
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.
This week we remember
William Arthur Goodrick
William served with the Royal West Kent Regiment before joining Essex Constabulary on April 1, 1912.
Although we can't be certain it is highly probable that William Goodrick, who died on December 12, 1914, was killed as a result of British artillery shells falling short and exploding in trenches held by the 1st Battalion Queen's Own. His body, if ever recovered, was not identified and he is commemorated on the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium.
Gerald Norman Totterdell
Gerald joined Essex County Constabulary having previously worked as a clerk at Essex County Council in Chelmsford. He was a detective in Clacton when he was called up for service by the Royal Navy in August 1942. His brother Ronald has been in the Navy since he left Trinity Road School aged 16. He had spent three years in China but a near fatal illness forced his return to England. The two obtained a special permit to sail together.
Police Constable Gerald Norman Totterdell was killed on Thursday, 17th December 1942, along with his brother, Leading Telegraphist Ronald Gordon Totterdell, when a German U-boat torpedoed and sunk their 1,350 ton destroyer, H.M.S. Firedrake, in the north Atlantic.
Read more about other Essex officers on the Essex Police Memorial Trust website.