Essex Police Dispatch - issue 95
Essex Police Weekly Update
This week: jail for Dartford Crossing disruption, Vanished live TV show, Sensory Access Charter Mark for Essex Police Museum, Leigh Norris returns to the Sahara, White Ribbon accreditation.
News 17 April to 23 April
Sensory Access Charter Mark for Essex Police Museum
The Essex Police Museum has made a raft of upgrades to improve the experience for people with hearing, sight and sensory impairments. Read more.
Thurrock: Man charged with firearms offences after aggravated burglary
A man is due to appear in court after being charged in connection with an ongoing investigation into an aggravated burglary in Grays. Read more.
Saffron Walden: Fatal collision investigation
We were called to a serious collision between a car and a motorcycle in Thaxted Road in Saffron Walden, shortly before 4pm on Saturday 22 April. Read more.
Dartford Crossing: Two jailed over widespread disruption
Two men have been sentenced after causing widespread disruption across the South-East when they dangerously climbed the QEII Bridge at the Dartford Crossing. Read more.
Southend/Brentwood: Man arrested after pursuit
A man is in custody after a car failed to stop and damaged a number of police cars as it tried to evade officers at speeds of up to 100mph in the early hours of Saturday 22 April. Read more.
Countywide: Essex Police on television show Vanished
Essex Police Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings was interviewed about the case of missing person Anthony Stammers on live television last week. Read more.
Man jailed after betting fraud
A man has been jailed after he was convicted of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation against online gambling company Bet365. Read more.
Southend: Appeal after robbery
We’re investigating an incident in which a woman was threatened with a knife in Southend. Read more.
Rochford: East Street incident
A man has been arrested on suspicion of affray after officers were called to concerns for the welfare of a man in East Street, Rochford, shortly after 8.30am on Saturday 22 April. Read more.
Southend/Benfleet: Shoplifter banned from some shops for three years
A shoplifter has received a suspended prison sentence and been banned from entering certain shops in Southend and Benfleet for three years. Read more.
Stansted Airport: Woman due in court over security alert
A woman was due to appear in court last Wednesday to face a charge in connection with a security alert on board an EasyJet flight at Stansted Airport. Read more.
Chief Inspector Leigh Norris returns to the Sahara to take on ‘the Toughest Footrace on Earth’
Leigh will battle temperatures of over 40C and travel distances of up to 50 miles a day while carrying his food, water, bedding and cooking utensils. Read more.
A12: Investigation launched into A12 incident
Essex Police are investigating an incident on the A12, where a driver was witnessed illegally moving cones from a sectioned off area. Read more.
Essex Police proudly receives the White Ribbon Accreditation plaque
Last November, we proudly became a White Ribbon Accredited organisation. On Thursday 13 April, we mounted the plaque for all to see at our Headquarters. Read more.
Thurrock: Man charged after family threatened
A man has been charged as part of our investigation into a violent incident in Corringham. Read more.
Saffron Walden: Officers deal with drivers acting illegally at car meet
Vehicle seized and traffic tickets issued following reports of anti-social behaviour and excessive noise. Read more.
Southend: Man convicted of attempted murder
A man is facing a significant prison sentence after being found guilty of attempting to murder a man in Westcliff, thanks to work by our specialist officers. Read more.
Basildon: Pair jailed over serious assault
Work by our detectives have led to two people being jailed for a total of nearly 12 years for serious assault. Read more.
Colchester: Stroll with a Patrol returns for 2023
Colchester’s Community Policing Team are again inviting local residents to join them on foot patrols this spring and summer. Read more.
Harlow: investigation update following death of man
Update into our investigation following the death of a man in Harlow on Sunday 16 April. Read more.
Specialist officers secure justice for woman sexually abused 30 years ago
Specialist officers have secured justice for a woman who was sexually abused more than 30 years ago. Read more.
Wivenhoe: Tackling anti-social behaviour
Action to tackle anti-social behaviour caused by a group of young people travelling to Wivenhoe will include targeted and dedicated patrols. Read more.
Crime prevention advice
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.
For more advice and tips on how to help protect your car please visit our website.
Be fraud smart
Protect yourself from ATM distraction theft
Crimestoppers have launched a campaign to tackle ATM distraction theft, an issue prevalent across rural and urban areas, which often affects the most vulnerable members within communities.
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.
Find more advice on protecting yourself from ATM theft on our website. You can also speak to Crimestoppers if you have any information, completely anonymously.
Careers at Essex Police
Police Staff jobs
EUC Field Operations Engineer £26,439 to £30,657
Closing date: 5 May 2023
Vetting Team Leader £28,530 to £30,375
Closing date: 5 May 2023
BSA Secretary £23,100 to £25,353
Closing date: 3 May 2023
Assistant Caseworker £21,432 to £22,677
Closing date: 2 May 2023
Geographical Facilities Team Leader £28,530 to £30,375
Closing date: 1 May 2023
Senior Network Engineer £35,841 to £42,207
Closing date: 1 May 2023
Management Accounting Technician £36,177 to £38,856
Closing date: 27 April 2023
Kennel Assistant £20,490 to £21,018
Closing date: 25 April 2023
Panel Beater Technician £34,287 to £36,177
Closing date: 25 April 2023
Mechanical Engineer £45,375 to £48,546
Closing date: 25 April 2023
Architectural Building Surveyor £45,375 to £48,546
Closing date: 25 April 2023
Electrical Design Engineer £45,375 to £48,546
Closing date: 25 April 2023
Financial Investigator £35,307 to £38,064
Closing date: 24 April 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
Frederick James Redhouse
Frederick James Redhouse service with Colchester Borough Constabulary and volunteered for military service in 1915 with the Military Mounted Police. In 1917 he was serving on the Western Front and was struck by a piece of shrapnel whilst regulating traffic. He died of his wound on 25 April 1917.
William A Mann
William A Mann served with Essex County Constabulary from 6 June 1914. His police service lasted just 2 months before being recalled to the army at the outbreak of war. Gunner Willian Mann was deployed with 24th Headquarters Brigade, Royal Field Artillery when he met is death on 26 April, 1915.
Read more about other Essex officers on the Essex Police Memorial Trust website.
Obituaries
Peter John Knight
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Peter John Knight who retired as an Inspector in 1991 and served with West Mercia Constabulary, transferred to Essex where he served at Rayleigh, Chelmsford, Headquarters and Training School. He passed away on the 1st April 2023 aged 84 years.
Ian Packer
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Ian Packer who retired as a Constable in 2004 and served at Grays in Thurrock. He passed away on Friday 9th April 2023 aged 55 years.