News 12 March to 18 March
Special Superintendent Howard Rayner is handing in his warrant card and retiring after an extraordinary 41 years as a volunteer police officer.
Howard, 68, joined Essex Police in 1983 and combined policing with his full-time job as the managing director of a Colchester tile company.
His exceptional public service saw him awarded British Empire Medal in 2019 and receive a Lord Ferrers letter of recognition as well as Long Service and Good Conduct accolade from the force.
Howard joined our Special Constabulary after he apprehended a man who’d kicked in a shop window and the officer who attended the scene suggested he apply. Howard and the officer have remained firm friends.
Howard has served under seven chief constables and said policing has given him unique opportunities. Despite still enjoying his role and being responsible for more than 60 officers across Chelmsford and Braintree, he believes the time is right to step down.
Two men will appear in court charged with drug offences.
On Friday 14 March, officers stopped a car in Friars Street, Southend, shortly before 6pm.
The two occupants were arrested on suspicion of supplying drugs after a search of the vehicle located Class A drugs.
Following a search of a nearby premises, further Class A drugs and drug-related paraphernalia were found.
Reece Knight, 33, of St. Andrews Road, Shoeburyness has been charged with three offences:
• Supply Class A drugs
• Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs
• Acquire / use / possess criminal property
Tyler Boosey, 24, of Barleylands Road, Billericay, has been charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.
Our officers have arrested more than 260 people on suspicion of shoplifting so far this year.
And they have secured 453 charges of shop theft against 164 of them, plus a further 24 charges of assaulting a retail worker.
At court, we apply for criminal behaviour orders against persistent and prolific shoplifters. As well as banning them from the stores they target, CBOs can include conditions designed to divert criminals from the drug and alcohol addictions which can be the cause of their offending.
Bans often apply to a specific store or a specific chain of shops in Essex. Two people have recently been banned from store chains across England and Wales.
Arrests for shoplifting and associated offences are made by our officers locally but our specialist Business Crime Team has assisted teams to apply for the CBOs at court.
 Join us for this year’s Essex Community Goals football tournament!
We're inviting young people aged 12 and 13, who don't often get the chance to play football as part of a team, to take part in an exciting football tournament.
- On: Saturday 12 July 2025
- At: Essex Police College, St Margaret's Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6DT
- Teams: 7-a-side (max 10 players per team)
- Open to both single and mixed gender teams
- Entry Fee: £25 per team
Registration closes on Friday 13 June and all teams must have an adult (18 years or older) who has agreed to take on the role of team manager for the tournament.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Wednesday 19 March between 5pm-6pm
Outside Tesco, London Road, Leigh
Tuesday 25 March between 10am - 11am
Wakey Wakey Cafe, London Road, Leigh
Wednesday 26 March between 12pm-1pm
Outside Londis, Eastwood Old Road, Leigh
 Stay vigilant to drink spiking
We understand how frightening it can be to report drink spiking. Your safety is our top priority, and we take every report seriously.
Please remember to only accept drinks from trusted friends and avoid sharing drinks. If something feels off, trust your instincts and seek help immediately.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger always call 999.
You are not alone. Learn more on our website about spiking, the signs to look out for and how to report it.
Be fraud smart
Our fraud coordinators offer free talks on fraud for organisations and community groups in Essex.
They can talk to you about the latest's scams, advice and support on how to protect against fraud.
If you would be interested please contact us.
 I want to have a personalised number plate with fancy writing, what are the requirements?
There are a number of legal requirements in relation to the display and format of number plates. Basically, you must not:
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alter, rearrange or misrepresent the letters or numbers,
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characters must not be moved from one group to the other,
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character size and spacing must comply with the regulations.
Offences in relation to the above may result in any or all of the following:
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