News 19 March to 25 March
Officers acting on reports of suspicious activity at a property in Southend carried out a co-ordinated strike and uncovered a substantial cannabis grow.
Three arrests have been made and work is ongoing at the scene, after Southend Community Policing Team executed a warrant at an address in Redstock Road on Monday 19 March.
The property was surrounded prior to the early-morning strike, with one man detained as he tried to escape a rear window.
After forcing entry at the front of the address, a substantial cannabis grow of more than 150 plants was discovered across two floors and multiple rooms.
The property had been converted to house a sophisticated farm, with various lighting and equipment used.
From seeing a prolific romance fraudster convicted to protecting the NHS from criminal activity, our Serious Economic Crime Unit (SECU) has had a busy month.
The team played an active role in a month of targeted action against fraudsters, arresting 18 people and seizing or freezing almost £900,000 in assets.
Across February 2025, police forces have been supporting a campaign co-ordinated by the National Economic Crime Centre and City of London Police.
This month of action – titled Operation Henhouse – recognises fraud as the most prevalent crime in the UK.
Our month of activity under Operation Henhouse supports the national Stop! Think Fraud campaign.
Across the month, our SECU:
- Made 18 arrests.
- Carried out 14 voluntary interviews with suspects.
- Executed six warrants as part of enforcement action.
- Issued two cease and desist notices.
- Submitted three cases to the CPS for charging decision, securing three charges.
- Seized or froze £891,859 in assets.
The Prevent and Protect Team also made a safeguarding visit to a vulnerable fraud victim and carried out 32 public engagement activities.
 Danny Rynne
An offender who was tied to a stolen vehicle thanks to forensic work has been jailed more than two years after he was also linked to an attack on a traffic warden.
On 26 December 2022, a civil enforcement officer approached a black Nissan car in Elmer Avenue, Southend.
She noticed the car was parked without a valid permit and issued a ticket.
The officer was approached by Danny Rynne, 33, who immediately requested that she revoke the penalty notice.
Rynne became increasingly irate, making verbal threats including stating that he would throw faeces and urine over her.
The officer felt enough fear for her safety to press a personal alarm to call for help.
At this point the threats turned physical, and Rynne grabbed the officer’s hand and snapped her body-worn camera off its holder.
He walked away with the camera while continuing to hurl verbal insults.
We were alerted and, thanks to the work of officers, tied the black Nissan to a theft reported on 11 December 2022.
The victim had reported her black Nissan stolen from her driveway in Southend.
The seized vehicle was found to be displaying false plates, with Rynne’s fingerprints located on another number plate recovered from the inside of the car.
Rynne was arrested and charged with robbery of the enforcement officer and handling stolen goods.
He proceeded to deny both offences despite the evidence against him and a lengthy wait for trial resulted.
 Detective Jane Grieve
A lifelong mission to protect children
For more than 21 years, Detective Constable Jane Grieve has dedicated her career to protecting children and securing justice for victims of abuse. As part of the Child Abuse Investigation Team (CAIT) at Southend, she deals with some of the most complex and emotionally demanding cases in policing—yet her commitment to safeguarding vulnerable children has never wavered.
“No two days are the same. One moment, I’m conducting a joint visit with social care to support a child who has reported abuse; the next, I’m preparing case files, interviewing victims, or questioning suspects. You never know when a ‘live’ case is going to come in, so you always have to be ready to adapt.”
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Tuesday 1 April between 3pm - 4pm
Havens Age concern, Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff
Monday 7 April between 11am - 12pm
Havens Age concern, Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff
 Crime prevention advice
Don't drive under the influence of drink or drugs!
Alcohol and drugs impair your ability to drive safely and slow your reaction times.
Protect yourself and others by making smart choices:
Plan ahead: If you plan to drink, arrange your journey in advance. Use a designated sober driver, taxi, or public transport.
Stay informed: Understand the risks and legal consequences of drink driving. It's not worth the risk!
Look out for friends: Ensure your friends get home safely. Don't let them drive if they've been drinking.
Be fraud smart
Enable two step verification
Whether it's your email, a social media account, or your online banking, losing access to a digital account can be stressful.
Enabling 2-step verification (2SV) will keep criminals out of your accounts, even if they work out your password.
It's a simple way to give your accounts an extra level of protection.
 Do I need a permit from the Police to sell door to door?
If you are going to sell door to door only, you will need a pedlars certificate which is issued by the police.
A pedlars certificate is a certificate that allows a person to sell goods (usually trinkets, household goods and other hand made objects) door to door going from place to place. The "pedlar " cannot remain in one place and sell items; a pedlar goes to their customers to sell items rather than allow customers to come to them. If you do want to remain in one place, on a street for example, you would require a street trader's licence, which you can obtain from your local council.
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