Essex Police Dispatch - issue 91
Essex Police Weekly Update
This week: Harlow District Commander Paul Austin, bravery, High Sheriff recognition and civic awards, abuse survivor praises fantastic investigating officer and stolen bikes.
News 20 March to 26 March
Harlow: Meet the District Commander, Chief Inspector Paul Austin
Harlow’s District Commander, Chief Inspector Paul Austin, says reducing violence in the district remains his top priority. Read more.
Driver jailed after colliding with two vehicles and failing to stop for police
A speeding motorist who collided with several cars and failed to stop for officers has been jailed. Dunmow Colchester Magistrates’ Court 22 March 2023. Read more.
Epping Forest: Met police officer guilty of sexual assault
A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been found guilty of sexually assaulting a child thanks to the work of our Essex Police child abuse investigators. Read more.
Colchester: Appeal after Canterbury Road robbery
We’re investigating a robbery at a shop in Canterbury Road, Colchester, which was reported to us shortly after 7.15pm on Monday 20 February. Read more.
Colchester: Bravery award for woman who attempted to save murder victim
Roanna White received an NPCC Police Public Bravery Awards’ Gold Medal after running to the aid of her neighbour. Read more.
Harlow: closure order served to house linked to ASB and drugs
Officers have worked closely with Harlow Council to secure a closure order for a Harlow house at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 23 March. Read more.
Abuse survivor praises “fantastic” investigating officer
A man who was sexually abused as a child has spoken out in the hope it will give other victims the confidence to contact the police. Read more.
Have you seen these stolen bikes?
Officers appeal for information after 15 bikes were reported stolen during a burglary on Church Street, Coggeshall between 2am and 9am on Sunday 5 March. Read more.
Witham: Mayor thanks town’s Specials with Civic Awards
Community Special Constables recognised with Mayor's Civic Award for their commitment and dedication to protecting Witham. Read more.
Essex Police officer features on Crimewatch
A successful Essex and Hertfordshire Police investigation featured in a Crimewatch episode on Thursday 23 March. Read more.
Colchester: man jailed for 8.5 years following conviction for rape
A man found guilty of raping a woman in Colchester has been jailed for 8.5 years. Read more.
Roydon: Increased reward in Robert Powell murder investigation
Specialist officers are appealing for information on the whereabouts of Temitope Adeyinka, also known as Limo, after the arrest of a second man in the Robert Powell murder investigation. Read more.
Lakeside: Prolific shoplifter banned from store and riding a bicycle around the shopping centre
The 21-year-old Grays man is also prohibited from having a bicycle with him and from entering store at Lakeside. Read more.
Southend & Westcliff: Prolific shoplifter banned from entering shops and jailed
The 34-year-old Southend man stole more than £1,600 of alcohol, tobacco, men’s clothing, laundry products and toiletries. Read more.
Witham/Laindon: Men jailed after blowing up ATM machines
Jamie Masters and Wayne Lewis attempted to access cash at ATMs outside banks in the Newlands Centre, in Witham, and outside Tesco, in Mandeville Way, in Laindon.
The two men were sentenced last week thanks to the quick actions of our serious and organised crime unit after they tried and failed to blow up two ATM machines. Read more.
Harlow: Man sentenced to 15 years for sexual offences against a child
An investigation by our Child Abuse Investigation Team has concluded, with a man being jailed for 15 years. Read more.
Tilbury: Indefinite hospital order for man convicted of the manslaughter Craig North
Darnel Curtin, 20 of Chesterton Way, Tilbury has been given an indefinite hospital order for the manslaughter on grounds of diminished responsibility of 35-year-old Craig North. Read more.
Thurrock: High Sheriff recognises cadet leader’s services to the community
Thurrock Volunteer Police Cadets Unit leader JoJo Mitchell has been recognised for the work she and the cadets do throughout the borough. Essex High Sheriff Nick Alston presented her with a special certificate ‘in recognition of great and valuable services to the community’ at the latest Thurrock Volunteer Police Cadets (VPCs) passing out parade. Read more.
Essex Police investigation the focus of new documentary
Revenge Porn: Georgia vs Bear, which aired on ITV2 and ITVX last week, followed Georgia’s crusade for justice and the high-profile investigation that was led by Essex Police Officers. Read more.
Careless Court results: five drivers receive 32 licence points
Five drivers 32 thirty-two points driving licences collisions on our roads guilty of careless driving Colchester Magistrates’ Court. Read more.
Chelmsford: Night of action showcases city centre safety improvements
Chelmsford Community Policing Team and the force’s Operational Support Group ran a joint night of action in the city centre on Saturday as upgrades to CCTV and street lighting were launched. Read more.
Crime prevention advice
It only takes one person to call out bad behaviour
Violence against women and girls comes in many forms.
If this situation looks familiar, then it’s time to #Reflect on your behaviour.
Call The Change Project on 08453727701 and work towards breaking the cycle of abusive behaviour.
Be fraud smart
Friends against scams
Scammers are experts in what they do, help stop them by learning about the different tactics they use.
Friends Against Scams is a quick online learning programme that can help you understand the different types of scams there are, how to spot them and how to support anyone you know who may have been a victim.
Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams on the Friends Against Scams website.
Careers at Essex Police
Recruitment events this week
29 March - Colchester Job Fair
30 March - Chelmsford Recruitment Event
Full details of these and other recruitment events on our website.
Police Staff jobs
Business Services Assistant £21,432 to £22,677
Closing date: 16 June 2023
Financial Investigator £36,177 to £38,856
Closing date: 3 April 2023
Network Services Team Leader £42,207 to £48,711
Closing date: 30 March 2023
Geographic Facilities Assistant £21,432 to £22,677
Closing date: 28 March 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 remember Edward Willsmore and Frederick Walter Woods.
Edward Willsmore
Police Constable Edward Willsmore had been a mariner prior to joining the force in February 1847. In February 1849 he was stationed at Burnham, protecting the oyster fishery with two other Police Constables and an Inspector.
Edward maintained his own boat and on Saturday 29 March 1851, he was seen out in it on the River Crouch with the sails set and the wind blowing hard. A witness saw a sudden squall fill it with water so that it sank. His body was not found for two days. He died on 29 March 1851.
Frederick Walter Woods
Police Constable Frederick Walter Woods joined the Southend Borough Constabulary on 19 July 1937. He was initially posted to the Central Section but on 2 February 1942 he left the Police and joined the Royal Air Force (Volunteer Reserve).
He went missing during air operations in the early hours of Friday, 31 March 1944 whilst serving on an operation to Nurnberg. On its return the aircraft was hit by flak when clearing the coast near Dieppe and presumably crashed into the English Channel. All seven crew died on 31 March 1944.
Obituaries
Roger Beales
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Roger Beales who retired as a Constable in 1981 and served at Brentwood, Canvey Island, Braintree, Headquarters Traffic and Colchester Traffic. He passed away on the 14th March 2023 aged 94 years.