Essex Police Dispatch - issue 148
Essex Police Weekly Update
News 22 April to 28 April
“It’s miraculous – we never thought we’d see it again” - Dr Feelgood reunited with tour van
Music legends Dr Feelgood have been reunited with their customised tour van after it was recovered by our Stolen Vehicle Intelligence Unit (SVIU).
The van contained irreplaceable equipment including a guitar that bass player Phil Mitchell had been using for more than 50 years.
The van was taken from Phil’s driveway in Hockley in the early hours of Tuesday 16 April but was located the next day after officers from Maldon Community Policing Team were called to a disturbance at a unit in Tolleshunt D'Arcy.
The officers discovered a suspected chop shop – a place where stolen vehicles are stripped of their parts or given false identities – and called in the experts from SVIU.
The SVIU’s PC Paul Gerrish and PC Phil Pentelow quickly realised that the Mercedes Sprinter was the one from the Hockley theft. It was discovered alongside another Sprinter that was in the process of being dismantled.
Class of 2024: Meet our trainee police dogs
We’d love you to meet our trainee police dogs as they complete an intensive 13-week training course to become our latest recruits in the fight against crime.
Cooper, Quando and Obi, have been put through their paces and learnt new skills, just like our regular officers, ahead of next week’s passing out parade which will see them qualify as licensed police dogs.
The German Shepherd trio who are just over a year old, are trained to deal with whatever comes their way, using realistic situations and props alongside approved training methods to get the very best performance out of each of them. Each one is lovingly looked after by their handler, and they’re regarded as part of the family.
Cooper can’t wait to get to work each day and get started on learning new things, Quando is full of energy and drive to succeed, and Obi is very vocal, responding to all the new sights and sounds each day.
Colchester: Sustained fall in anti-social behaviour and violent crime
Crime is falling in Colchester as officers work to tackle issues ranging from anti-social behaviour (ASB) to violent offending and domestic abuse.
Recent action has seen officers work with partners to secure a closure order on a property with known links to frequent ASB, a key conviction secured against a teenager who robbed children at knifepoint and a domestic abuse perpetrator sentenced.
Across the district, we’ve seen 1,768 less incidents of overall crime across the year to March 2024 – a fall of almost 10%.
One of our main focuses in Colchester is on tackling ASB, and we’re seeing a sustained fall in offences in recent years.
This includes a drop of 434 incidents recorded in the 12 months to March 2024. That’s a decrease of 20% year-on-year.
We’ve recorded 3,393 fewer ASB offences since 2019 – a drop of 65%.
‘Damaging bird nests can destroy our wildlife for future generations’, says rural crime officer
With spring finally here, nesting season has started and our Rural Engagement Team wants to remind you that damaging wild bird nests or stealing their eggs is a crime.
All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, explains Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Crime officer PC Jed Raven.
“We don’t have a major problem with egg thieves in Essex but there are a few sites we keep an eye on because of the rare birds nesting there.
“Sadly, there are some determined individuals who persist in collecting bird eggs, so it’s profitable for criminals to steal them and sell them illegally in a global market.
“Whole clutches of eggs can be taken and this can have devastating and, potentially, irreversible consequences for rare birds, while helping to accelerate the decline of species which were once common in the countryside.
“We want everyone to be able to enjoy nature and the countryside safely but that can only continue if we ensure that our wildlife is protected and preserved, not just for us but for generations to come.”
Supporting victims of stalking
It is a frightening fact that stalking can happen to anyone. Detective Constable Jennifer Gray from our West Investigations team explains how we use early interventions like stalking protection orders to help protect victims.
"They are civil orders we can apply for to help with early intervention. They address stalking behaviours before they escalate, helping to protect victims from more serious harm and hopefully change the behaviour of the suspect.
"SPO's can be used to monitor the actions of the person who is believed to be carrying out acts of stalking. In either a domestic abuse or non-domestic abuse setting.
"They impose restrictions or requirements on those who we suspect are causing harm.
"For example, we can use them to ensure someone stays away from a certain location helping a victim feel safer in their home or workplace.
"If a breach occurs, we have the power to arrest the suspect."
Five-year Violent Offender Order for repeat perpetrator
A domestic abuser has been given the first full Violent Offender Order for Domestic Abuse in Essex – for five years – after repeatedly contacting a vulnerable DA victim he was ordered to stay away from.
In November last year, specialist teams who work to tackle domestic abuse secured an interim Violent Offender Order for Adam Mayes.
Thirty-year-old Mayes, of Valley View, Stanstead, Sudbury, was made the subject of the order after being convicted of seriously injuring a woman.
He served two prison sentences, one for the assault and another after breaching licence conditions upon his release.
Loughton: Man charged after failing to stop for officers
A man has been charged with numerous motoring and burglary offences following investigative work by Essex Police.
Roads Policing Unit patrolling officers in Loughton had indicated for a car to stop for them in the early hours of Tuesday 23 April.
Robert O’Brien, 37, of no fixed address, is charged with failing to stop, dangerous driving, drink driving, driving while disqualified and making threats to kill.
He also faces four charges of burglary and four charges of attempted burglary relating to offences in Basildon that occurred on April 12.
He appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 24 April.
Multi-agency approach to tackle fraud in Essex
There is nowhere for fraudsters to hide in Essex. Organisations across the county have joined forces to protect victims and prevent fraud.
Essex Police continue to disrupt fraudulent activity. This week, two suspected rogue traders were charged with fraud offences, after an elderly and vulnerable person was targeted.
Fraud accounts for 43% of all reported crime in Essex. It can have devastating effects on victims from emotional distress to financial loss. It can leave people feeling isolated and vulnerable.
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Meet District Commander, Chief Inspector Paul Hogben
Castle Point and Rochford’s District Commander, Chief Inspector Paul Hogben, has outlined his policing priorities for the area.
He said tackling vehicle theft, drug dealing, and anti-social behaviour will be the focus for his team in the coming months as they look to continue the positive work that has led to falling crime rates and improved public confidence.
“Castle Point and Rochford are two districts with a real sense of community,” said Ch Insp Hogben. “In terms of policing, it gives us lots of variety from the busy high streets, the rural communities and a busy international airport.
“Car theft is a big priority for us as we’ve seen an increase in this type of offending. We've got officers working around the clock developing intelligence and targeting those responsible.
“We’ve recovered a lot of stolen vehicles this year and that is in part down to members of the public contacting us when they’ve spotted something that doesn’t feel right to them.
“We are also continuing to target the illicit supply of drugs within the community. We've got a dedicated team known as Operation Falcon who have had huge success already in terms of targeting organised crime groups, and they've secured decades in prison sentences and have seized hundreds of thousands of pounds in drugs and cash.”
Almost 600 drink or drug drivers arrested in 3 months
Essex Roads Policing Unit officers arrest 583 drink or drug drivers over three months, January to March 2024.
Dunmow: Stolen van recovered thanks to patrolling officers
Officers out on patrol in Dunmow recovered a van and arranged its safe return to its rightful owner just hours after it was stolen.
Dunmow Town Team officers PC Andrew Wallis and PC Jodie Osborne were carrying out a routine patrol on the morning of Friday 19 April, when they were approached by a member of the public.
The member of the public reported their parents’ van had been stolen overnight.
After taking further details, conducting CCTV enquiries and utilising their knowledge of the area, the two officers located the van in Haslers Lane, shortly after midday.
Its return to its rightful owners was arranged and our investigation into the theft is continuing.
Man jailed for 28 years for historic sexual offences against a child
An investigation led by our Child Abuse Investigation Team has resulted in a dangerous sex offender being jailed for 28 years.
Keith Ruggles, 75, previously from Stratford, appeared at Basildon Crown Court on Thursday, 18 April, where he was sentenced by the judge who called him out to be a “dangerous” individual.
An investigation into Ruggles was launched in June 2022 after Essex Police received a report of non-recent sexual abuse against a child. At the time of the report, Ruggles was in prison, serving a 21-year sentence for a separate sexual offences investigation.
Let's talk
Upcoming community police events across Essex this week
Monday 29 April
10am to 11am
Marks and Spencer, Stane retail park, Colchester
10am to 12pm
Soken House, The Triangle, Frinton on Sea.
7pm to 8pm
Holiday Inn, Eastwoodbury Crescent, Southend
Tuesday 30 April
10am to 11am
South Benfleet Library, 264 High Road, South Benfleet, Benfleet
10am to 11am
Morrison's Supermarket, Centenary Way, Little Clacton.
10:30am to 11:30am
Corringham library, St Johns Way
11am to 2pm
Cranham Road, Broxted
11am to 12:10pm
Miracle House, Silver island Way, Wickford, SS12 9NR
11am to 12pm
Towngate Theatre, St. Martins Square, Basildon SS14 1DL
12pm to 1pm
Lakelands community Center, Stanway
1pm to 2pm
IKEA Lakeside (Customer restaurant), Heron Way, Essex
2pm to 3pm
Great Tarpots library, 127 London Road, South Benfleet
3pm to 4:30pm
Witham Town Hall, Heritage Suite
3pm to 4pm
Riverside Ice & Leisure, Riverside Leisure Centre, Victoria Rd, Chelmsford
3pm to 4pm
East Tilbury Hub, Princess Avenue, East Tilbury
5pm to 6pm
ASDA, North Shoebury Road, Shoeburyness
Wednesday 1 May
10am to 11am
Marks and Spencers, Stane park, Stanway
10am to 11am
Costa Coffee 76/78 High St, Billericay CM12 9BT
10am to 11:30am
Wimpole Road Methodist Church Wimpole Road Colchester
11am to 12pm
Grays Town park cafe
11am to 12pm
Tea on the Heath, Pond Lane, Hatfield Heath
1pm to 2pm
The Range, 27 to 34 High Street, Chelmsford CM1 1DA
3pm to 4pm
Tilbury Hub, Civic Square
Thursday 2 May
10:30am to 11:30am
Community 360 Hub, Long Wyre Street
12:30pm to 1:30pm
Tiptree tea rooms, Tiptree jam Factory
Friday 3 May
9am to 10:30am
Touchpoint, 72 Chapel Hill, Stansted
10am to 11am
Walton Food Bank, Standley Road, Walton on Naze.
10am to 11am
Pams Place, Vicarage Mead, Thaxted
11am to 12pm
Outside Marks & Spencer, 62 High Street, Chelmsford, United Kingdom
Saturday 4 May
9am to 10am
Parkrun, Central Park, Chelmsford
10am to 12pm
Marks Tey community centre
10am to 11am
Wicken Bonhunt Community Centre, St Margaret Church
Sunday 5 May
3pm to 5pm
Cycle marking at the Tea Hut, Rushey Plain (opposite Kings Oak PH), High Beech, Waltham Abbey
For full details of upcoming events, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
Watch out for keyless car theft
Keyless entry to a car works by a fob or card emitting a signal.
When it comes close to the vehicle it allows you to unlock the doors and start the engine. This is being exploited by thieves who use an amplifier to tap into this signal to gain access.
You can help reduce this signal by storing the car fob in a faraday pouch when not in use. These use special material to help prevent the signal being picked up.
Some keyless signals can be switched off when you are not using the car. This feature is not always obvious and may involve a combination of button presses. Your manufacturer or car manual should have information on if this is an option and if so how to set it up.
Perhaps you may want to consider a physical security devices like a steering wheel lock to help increase security.
Be fraud smart
Protect yourself from ATM distraction theft
Criminals often try to distract ATM users, by asking for directions, starting fake stories or tapping their victim on the shoulder, so they can steal bank cards, cash and personal items.
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid being distracted.
Join our team
Police staff jobs
Practice Nurse Team Leader £41,928
Business Service Assistant £23,121
Evidence Recovery Technician £24,921
Criminal Justice Administrator £24,921
Detention Officers £28,409 to £32,335
Visit our website for full advert, job descriptions and application form.
Obituaries
Derek Nichols
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Derek Nichols who retired as a sergeant in 1978 and served at Braintree, South Ockendon, Aveley, Grays and Clacton. He passed away on 19 April 2024 aged 88 years.