News 19 February to 25 February
 PC Sam Sarfas
Did you know we have a police air capability in Essex?
The National Police Air Service assists our officers on the ground to help people, keep you safe and catch criminals.
One of the service’s helicopters is based at North Weald.
It’s called out when our officers need air support to search for missing people, track stolen vehicles during a police pursuit or track suspects, such as hare coursers.
The flight crew also provides overhead observation at major incidents, which gives vital situational awareness to operational commanders at the scene.
 Vote for Baloo as Crufts Hero Dog of the Year
Our Baloo is a finalist in Crufts Hero Dog of the Year!
While on duty in October 2018, the Belgian Milionis was hit by a car as she chased down a criminal who was trying to get away from police.
Her injuries were so bad that she needed metal plates screwed into both sides of her pelvis. Her front leg also needed amputating.
This sadly ended Baloo's career as a police dog.
But this hasn't stopped her from continuing to help people across Essex.
Find out about the impact she continues to have in the video … and you can also vote for her too!
 Project Servator Deployments in the City
Our Project Servator officers are dedicated to your safety. This week, they were out and about in Southend, connecting with many locals and visitors.
Their deployments can pop up anywhere, anytime, aiming to disrupt a range of criminal activities, including terrorism, while providing a reassuring presence for our community. Our officers are highly trained to spot the tell-tale signs of criminal intent.
Project Servator officers use a variety of resources, including drones, to expand their patrol coverage – our vigilant eyes in the sky, working alongside our ground patrols
Remember, you play a crucial role in keeping our streets safe. If something doesn't feel right, like an unattended item or suspicious behaviour, report it.
Report it online via our website or call us on 101.
Always call 999 in an emergency.
“I gain no pleasure from speaking up, and struggle to think of strangers seeing this side of me, but what feels right is knowing that by doing this I can play a small part in safeguarding the next generation against the very real monsters threatening to take away another childhood.”
That is the message from one survivor of the abuse carried out in Essex more than 20 years ago.
Sixty-seven-year-old Barry Farrant sexually abused his victims in Essex in the 1990s and 2000s, before they came forward and spoke to officers in 2020.
After years of investigation by our Child Abuse Investigation Team, he was charged with seven charges of indecent assault of a girl under the age of 14 and five charges of gross indecency with a girl under the age of 14 in July 2023.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Friday 28 February between 10am - 11am
Wakey Wakey Cafe, London Road, Leigh
Monday 3 March between 5pm-6pm
Outside Co-op, London Rd, Leigh
Tuesday 4 March between 5pm-6pm
The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend
Thursday 6 March between 3:30pm 4:30pm
McDonalds High Street (top near Odeon), Southend High street
 Crime prevention advice
Most burglars are opportunists, aiming to grab as many valuable items as possible in the shortest time.
They often target small, easily portable items that can be hidden in their pockets. Jewellery in bedrooms is a common target, often holding sentimental value and being irreplaceable.
Simply hiding these items in a drawer or wardrobe isn't enough, as these are usually the first spots burglars check.
Consider fitting a Secured by Design (SBD) approved domestic safe in your home to improve security and protect these valuables.
Be fraud smart
Criminals are once again targeting car parks in Essex with fake QR codes on payment signs, offering it as a method of payment. Fraudsters use QR codes that direct people to duplicate fake website to gain your details and take your money.
If you see a QR code on a sign, always check before scanning it. There should be a list of recommended payment methods so you can check that it is authentic.
Please share this message and help make others aware.
If you think you may have added your card details on a scam website, contact your bank immediately, block further payments and report it to Action Fraud.
 Do I have to have my car insured if I don't use it and it is parked on private land?
Unless you have notified the DVLA that your vehicle is being kept off the road by means of a Statutory off Road Notice (SORN), you are not exempt from having to insure your car.
In line with Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE), it is now a legal requirement for the registered keeper of a vehicle to insure it even if it is not being used and/or is parked on private land. The only exemption to this is if it has a SORN.
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