News 14 August to 20 August
 We captured his arrest at Luton Airport, and the simultaneous seizure of cash from his home address, on body worn video
A drug dealer who thought he could use his profits to live beyond his means instead returned from a lavish holiday to be greeted by our officers at the airport.
Shazad Miah, 30, took thousands of pounds in ill-gotten gains by running a drug line supplying crack cocaine and heroin in Southend.
 Crime levels continue to fall
At the weekend, there was reporting in the national media which was disparaging of Southend and what our fantastic city has to offer. In response, one of our most senior officers has spoken out.
Operational Support Group
Officers arrested 22 people on Tuesday and Wednesday over two days.
Among those arrested were more than a dozen by our Operational Support Group, who were seeking wanted individuals from across the county.
One man was arrested on suspicion of robbery in Clacton after the victim was reportedly dragged from their car and attacked.
At about 10pm on 12 July, the victim reported driving in Hampstead Avenue in Clacton when a car blocked their exit.
The victim’s car was then rammed and five suspects have taken the victim from his car, attacked him and stolen his possessions.
In the south of the county, a 30-year-old man of no fixed abode has also been arrested on suspicion of rape, sexual assault, administering a noxious substance and coercive and controlling behaviour.
The arrest is in relation to incidents in Southend between 2020 and 2023, and he has been released on bail until 15 October.
We’ve seen a steady increase in the number of people heading to the Essex coast and getting out on to the water.
Our marine officers mount extra high-visibility patrols at water-based anti-social behaviour hotspots during the summer under the banner of Operation Wave-Breaker.
We are urging the owners of specific varieties of knives and machetes to hand them in to us in exchange for compensation ahead of fresh legislation banning their sale and possession.
A national surrender and compensation scheme has been launched by the Home Office ahead of a new law making it illegal to own or sell ‘zombie-style’ knives and machetes.
Police forces across England and Wales, including Essex Police, are participating in the scheme, which runs from 26 August until 23 September 2024.
From 24 September this year, zombie-style knives and machetes will be outlawed by new legislation.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Wednesday 21 August 10am to 11am
Brew and Chew Café, 1530 London Road, Leigh on sea, SS9 2QG
Thursday 22 August 11am to 12pm
Waitrose, 1231 London Road, Leigh on sea, SS9 3JQ
Saturday 24 August 10am to 11am
Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Westcliff on sea, SS0 7RA
Sunday 25 August 4pm to 5pm
Belfairs Woodland Centre, Eastwood Road North, Leigh on sea, SS9 4LR
Sunday 25 August 10am to 11am
Tesco Express, Southchurch Avenue, Kursaal, Southend on sea, SS1 2ZG
Tuesday 27 August 4pm to 5pm
Co-op, Sutton Road, Southend on sea, SS2 5PB
Tuesday 27 August 11am to 12pm
Lidl, Woodgrange Drive, Southend on sea, SS1 2SE
 Crime prevention advice
Prevent diners leaving your restaurant without paying
If you run a café or restaurant you might have come across customers who enjoy one of your meals, but instead of paying they 'do a runner'. This will hit your business hard, but there are ways to deter these restaurant thieves. Click more advice where you’ll find helpful hints designed to stop them stealing from you.
Be fraud smart
Personal fraud and how to prevent it
Fraud is when a person lies to you, or ‘scams’ you, to gain an advantage, such as taking your money or learning private information about you. This could be via email, text, phone or in person, either on the street or on your doorstep.
Some adults may be especially vulnerable to fraud and financial abuse. If you’re concerned about someone you know, contact your local social services and ask for Adult Social Care.
With a little knowledge you can protect yourself from fraudsters too:
For more information and help and to report fraud, go to Action Fraud the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre.
Click on more advice to read about the ten golden rules to prevent fraud.
 Local youths are riding up and down the street on go-peds/ motorised scooters / mini motors. Can police do anything?
You should contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team via 101 or report it online and provide them with as much detail as possible. For example, if known, who the youths are and where they're from, descriptions of the youths, vehicles and times when they tend to ride.
Community Support Officers are a valuable source of information and the team may be aware of other incidents or the identity of the youths involved.
The police have a number of powers to deal with the use of such vehicles, these include the seizure of the vehicle under section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (Power to seize vehicles driven without a licence or insurance) or section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 (seizure of vehicles used in manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance).
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