Essex Police Dispatch - issue 86
Essex Police Weekly Update
This week: Latest update in Chelmsford murder investigation, Colchester man convicted of rape, masked robbers jailed, runner thanks officers for saving life, victim speaks out after fraudster is jailed, plus the Amazon refund scam, latest staff vacancies and more.
News 13 February to 19 February
Basildon: Five to appear in court over fight
Five people are due to appear in court next month to face charges connection to an altercation at the Beehive pub in Basildon last year. Read more.
Chelmsford: Man jailed for total of 13 years for sexual offences against two children
Thanks to the work of dedicated Child Abuse Investigation Team officers, a man who denied abusing two girls has been jailed for 13 years and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life. Read more.
Pair charged with conspiracy to supply drugs
A man and woman have appeared at court charged with drug offences including conspiracy to supply. The arrests followed the execution of warrants on Tuesday 14 February at addresses in London and Essex. Officers from our Serious Violence Unit’s Raptor Team seized a large quantity of drugs and cash. Read more.
Thurrock: man arrested following a serious assault
Detectives investigating a serious assault in Thurrock are appealing for the public’s help. We were called shortly after 0.15am on Saturday 18 February to Milton Road, Grays, following reports of a disturbance involving two men and that one was in possession of a knife. Officers attended and found a man, 30s, had sustained a serious arm wound that required hospital treatment. A 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of GBH and remains in custody for questioning. Read more.
Basildon: Two charged over death of Terry Leeks
Detectives investigating the death of Terry Leeks in Basildon have charged two people with manslaughter. Read more.
Chelmsford murder: Tributes paid to victim
A teenager who died following an assault in Chelmsford on 11 February has been described as a “kind and loving young man”. We are now in a position to confirm we believe the teenager to be 16 year-old Andy Wood. An 18-year-old man has been charged with Andy’s murder. Read more.
Southend: Men charged in Westcliff burglaries investigation
Two men have been charged in connection with an investigation into a string of burglaries in Westcliff. between 5 and 13 February. Read more.
Colchester: Man found guilty of rape
A man who sexually preyed on a woman in Colchester has been found guilty of rape. He is due to be sentenced on Tuesday 21 March. Read more.
Epping Forest: Masked brothers to do time for luxury watch robbery
Two brothers who robbed an Epping jewellers have been jailed for a combined total of 31 years after their DNA was found in latex face masks which were worn during the robbery. Read more.
Harlow: Runner reunited with officers and paramedics who saved his life
Runner Andrew Dickinson and his family have thanked the police officers and paramedics who saved his life after he suffered a cardiac arrest while out jogging in Harlow. Read more.
Rochford: Meet Rayleigh’s newest officer
PC Lauren Hooper, was one of the 70 officers who took their oath to the King last month. Only recently turning 18, policing is in her blood as she comes from a long line of police officers. Read more.
Castle Point: Detectives appeal for Benfleet assault witnesses
Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward after it was reported that a man in his 70s was assaulted in the Aldi car park on Rushbottom Lane at around 1.15pm on Tuesday 7 February. Read more.
“He’s an evil, manipulative man” – victim speaks after fraudster jailed for 12 years
A woman who was conned into handing over more than £13,000 to a serial fraudster hopes sharing her experience will stop others falling into the same trap. Read more.
Crime prevention advice
Keep your belongings safe
Mobile phones, sat navs, medication and other personal items can be tempting for an opportunistic thief. Take them with you or keep them out of sight. #StaySafe
Be fraud smart
What is the Amazon refund scam?
You receive an automated phone call, asking you to press a button to talk to a person. This person is the scammer who tells you money has been taken from your account for an Amazon Prime subscription by mistake. They apologise & ask if you would like it refunded.
Once you have agreed to this and followed their steps. The scammer will then claim they sent too much money to you by mistake. Asking you to send it back, this will be a large sum.
They are trying to trick you into sending them money. Amazon would never contact you like this. If you think you might have been a victim of this scam or any other call your bank immediately and report it online.
Careers at Essex Police
Police Staff jobs
Detention Officer £23,100 to £25,353
Closing date 24 March, 2023
Panel/Welder Technician £34,287 to £36,177
Closing date 2 March 2023
IT - EUC Field Operations Engineer (Collab) £26,439 to £30,657
Closing date 22 February 2023
Communications Delivery Officer - Estates Change £28,530 to £30,375
Closing date 21 February 2023
Director of Support Services £107,502 + car/allowances
Closing date 20 February 2023
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
This week we will remember Sidney Leslie Dodd.
Sidney Leslie Dodd
Police Constable Sidney Dodd served with Essex County Constabulary from September 1, 1949 and died on February 24, 1957. On joining the force he was posted to the Grays division, and became a detached beat officer at Horndon-on-the-Hill. He was very popular on his beat, and well respected by local magistrates for the clear way in which he gave evidence in court. One of Sidney Dodd's particular concerns was road safety, and he often visited the local schools in his own time where the children affectionately called him 'Uncle Sid'. One Sunday evening in February 1957, Sidney Dodd was cycling along the Stanford-le-Hope bypass when he was knocked down and killed by a drunk driver.
Read more about Sidney and other Essex officers on the Essex Police Memorial Trust website.
Is it possible to hear more about what Essex Police are doing about car theft and maybe have a few metrics about how many are stolen and how many are recovered ?