News 17 March to 23 March
 Meet Inspector Sue Richardson
Inspector Sue Richardson has been with Essex Police for over 25 years, starting her career as a constable. She has worked in various roles, including community policing and CID, and is currently an inspector in the Operational Policing Command. Sue is passionate about supporting her team and ensuring they have the resources they need to serve the community effectively.
Sue emphasises the importance of work-life balance and encourages her team to prioritize their well-being. She believes that a happy and healthy team is essential for providing the best service to the public. Sue is also committed to mentoring new officers and helping them develop their careers within the force.
 Clacton: Murder investigation launched
We have launched a murder investigation following the death of a woman in Clacton. Officers were called to an address on Skelmersdale Road at 11:30 am on March 21, 2025, due to concerns for the woman's welfare. Despite the efforts of local officers, ambulance crews, and an air ambulance, the woman, aged in her 40s, sadly died at the scene. A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to the hospital in serious condition.
Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston assured the community that the police are working diligently to understand the circumstances of the incident. He emphasized that officers were on the scene within five minutes of the call and are not looking for anyone else in connection with the case. The police are urging anyone with information or footage of the incident to come forward.
 Pilgrims Hatch: Investigation after man's body found
We are investigating the discovery of a man's body in Pilgrims Hatch. Officers were called to Lincolns Lane at around 5:45 am on March 19, 2025, where a man in his 30s was found deceased. A cordon was in place while enquiries are conducted.
Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood emphasized that this is not a murder investigation but an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the man's death. The police are seeking information from the public, particularly doorbell or dashcam footage from the area on the evening of March 18 and the morning of March 19.
 Celebrating neurodiversity awareness week
Essex Police celebrated Neurodiversity Awareness Week last week. We highlighted the strengths and talents of individuals with neurological conditions such as ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. Essex Police values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute meaningfully.
PC Lauren Hooper, who joined Essex Police in 2022, is an inspiring example of neurodiversity in the workforce. Despite being autistic and dyslexic, Lauren has excelled in her role, passing all her training tests and becoming a drill lead at her passing out parade.
 Colchester: Drug supplier ordered to hand over cash or face jail
Aaron Matthews, a drug supplier from Colchester, has been ordered to repay nearly £53,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Matthews was sentenced in September 2024 for supplying cocaine and cannabis. He must pay the amount within three months or face an 18-month jail term.
Matthews was arrested in September 2022 after police found drugs and cash in his car and home. He had built an extensive supply network, which was dismantled following his arrest.
 Man jailed and banned from shops for two years
Nicky McCarthy, a 45-year-old from Tilbury, has been jailed for 12 weeks and banned from Savers and Tesco shops in South Ockendon for two years after repeatedly shoplifting from these stores. McCarthy was caught stealing items worth over £600 in total, including washing detergent and chocolate. His arrest was part of a targeted operation by Essex Police, who used plain-clothes officers to catch him in the act.
 Making stolen goods too hot to handle
Specialist business crime officers have launched a campaign to make stolen goods "too hot to handle" within the retail sector. On March 17, 2025, officers visited convenience stores in Maldon to sign up retailers to Operation Pedlar, which aims to prevent thieves from selling shoplifted goods to shops and licensed premises. Since January 1, 2025, Essex Police have made 304 arrests for shop theft, with 200 individuals charged with a total of 582 counts of shop theft and 21 charged with assaulting retail workers. The Responsible Retailer agreement encourages business owners and staff to buy stock from legitimate sources and share information about people offering stolen goods.
PC Mike Lee emphasized the importance of reducing opportunities for thieves to sell stolen items, making shoplifting less attractive. The campaign includes public awareness posters and guidance for retail staff, who have the power to refuse entry to individuals attempting to sell stolen goods. Essex Police's licensing team will also seek to revoke premises licenses if there is evidence of stolen goods being sold. The initiative aims to improve community safety and support law-abiding businesses.
 Officers dismantle cannabis farm and arrest three men
On March 19, 2025, Southend Community Policing Team executed a warrant at a property on Redstock Road, uncovering a substantial cannabis farm. Acting on reports of suspicious activity, officers conducted a coordinated strike, surrounding the property before making entry. Inside, they discovered over 150 cannabis plants spread across two floors, along with sophisticated cultivation equipment. Three men, two in their 30s and one in his 20s, were arrested on suspicion of cannabis production. One of the men was detained while attempting to escape through a rear window.
PC Adam Edwards emphasized the importance of community cooperation in reporting suspicious activities, which enabled the police to build a case and carry out the enforcement action. He highlighted the broader issues linked to cannabis production, such as violence and exploitation, and the significant impact on the local community. The operation is part of Essex Police's ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal drug activities and ensure community safety.
 Man jailed over robbery and handling stolen car
Danny Rynne, a 33-year-old from Southend, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for robbery and handling stolen goods. The incident occurred on December 26, 2022, when a civil enforcement officer issued a parking ticket to a black Nissan on Elmer Avenue. Rynne, who approached the officer, became aggressive and made verbal threats, including threatening to throw faeces and urine at her. He then physically assaulted the officer by grabbing her hand and taking her body-worn camera. Forensic evidence later linked Rynne to the stolen Nissan, which had been reported stolen on December 11, 2022.
Despite denying the charges, Rynne was convicted at Basildon Crown Court on March 13, 2025. Detective Constable Mark Sawyer highlighted the unacceptable nature of Rynne's behavior towards a public servant and praised the victim for her courage throughout the lengthy legal process. The case underscores the importance of supporting victims and ensuring justice is served, even after a significant delay.
 Man who grew cannabis to repay drug debt is sentenced
David Haynes, a 49-year-old from Hornchurch, was sentenced to 21 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, for producing cannabis to repay a drug debt and overpay his mortgage. Essex Police's Proactive Money Laundering Team discovered Haynes growing cannabis in an outbuilding behind a rented property he owned on South End Road. During their investigation, officers found nearly 6,000 sapling cannabis plants and 122 larger plants, along with sophisticated cultivation equipment. Haynes was arrested on January 22, 2024, while tending to the plants, and he admitted to the crime, claiming he was trying to settle a drug debt.
The investigation revealed that Haynes had made significant mortgage overpayments totaling over £96,000 in the previous year, which he couldn't explain. Detective Constable Megan Tighe noted the sophisticated nature of the operation and the potential street value of the cannabis, estimated at nearly £70,000. In addition to his suspended sentence, Haynes must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and comply with a 30-day rehabilitation requirement. A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing will be held later to address the financial aspects of his criminal activities.
 A12: Porsche driver arrested on suspicion of drug driving
On March 15, 2025, a Porsche 911 driver was arrested on the A12 at Feering after being spotted inhaling from a green balloon while driving erratically. Essex Police received 999 calls from concerned motorists who witnessed the driver "all over the road" near Kelvedon. Officers from the Roads Policing Unit quickly responded and stopped the car, finding balloons and two large nitrous oxide canisters in the boot. The 27-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of a Class C drug (nitrous oxide) for wrongful inhalation.
Adam Pipe, Head of Essex Police’s Roads Policing Unit, praised the public for reporting the dangerous behaviour, allowing officers to intervene promptly. This arrest was part of a broader operation targeting drink and drug drivers, resulting in ten arrests and 133 traffic offence reports that day. The operation underscores Essex Police's commitment to road safety and reducing serious collisions.
 109 road offences identified in one day
On March 17, 2025, officers conducted a road safety operation in Maldon, identifying over 100 offences in a single day. The operation targeted the "fatal four" offences:
- not wearing a seatbelt
- using a mobile phone while driving
- speeding
- drink- and drug-driving.
Officers also focused on other traffic violations, such as insecure loads and driving while disqualified. During the day, two people were arrested on suspicion of drug-driving, two vehicles were seized for being driven without insurance, and two vehicles were prohibited from moving due to safety concerns. Additionally, 62 people were found not wearing seatbelts, and 20 drivers were caught using their mobile phones while driving.
PC Asa Smith emphasized the importance of these operations in preventing serious injuries and fatalities on the roads. Other offences were also recorded, including driving while disqualified, driving in a dangerous condition, and minor traffic violations, bringing the total number of offences identified to 109. The operation highlights Essex Police's commitment to road safety and their proactive approach to reducing road traffic incidents.
 DNA on stolen car used in ATM incident leads to 8 year sentence
Tommy Mitchell has been sentenced to eight years in jail following an attempted ATM theft in Clavering, Saffron Walden. On December 3, 2023, Mitchell used a stolen Land Rover Defender to try and pull an ATM from a shop on Stortford Road. Despite multiple attempts, he failed to extract the machine and fled the scene, leaving the vehicle behind. The shop sustained significant damage, leading to a four-day closure for repairs. A forensic examination of the vehicle revealed Mitchell's DNA on the steering wheel, which was a crucial piece of evidence linking him to the crime.
Mitchell was arrested and charged with conspiring to commit burglary with intent to steal. He admitted to the Clavering offence and other similar crimes across different areas. Detective Chief Inspector Justin Beacher emphasized the disruption caused to the local family business and the importance of rural ATMs for vulnerable residents. The shop has since reopened after necessary repairs.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events across Essex this week
Monday 24 March
10am to 11am
Costa Coffee, 50 Pier Avenue, Clacton on Sea.
10am to 11am
Priors Hall Farm, Lindsell
10am to 11am
Community Centre, Tanton Road, Flitch Green
10am to 12pm
Men's walk & talk, leaving Frinton Community Centre, The Triangle Shopping Centre, Frinton on Sea.
11am to 12pm
Tesco Stores Ltd, Princes Road, Chelmsford
2pm to 3pm
Coffee Shop, Thremhall Park
5pm to 6pm
Benfleet Rail station, Ferry Road, Benfleet
Tuesday 25 March
10am to 11am
Wakey Wakey Cafe, London Road, Leigh
10am to 11am
Rochford Market, 22-24 West Street, Rochford SS4 1AL
10:30am to 12pm
Witham Town Hall, Heritage Suite, Witham
10:30am to 11:30am
Grays Library, Thameside Complex Orsett Road, Grays
Wednesday 26 March
10am to 12pm
Essex Police Fraud & Scams officer, Frinton Free Church, Connaught Avenue, Frinton on Sea.
10:30am to 11:30am
Manningtree Library, High Street, Manningtree.
10:30am to 12pm
Alresford start up cafe St Andrews Church, St Andrews Close, Alresford.
11am to 12pm
Woodside Park, Manor Road, Benfleet
12pm to 1pm
Outside Londis, Eastwood Old Road, Leigh
2:45pm to 3:45pm
Stebbing Community Shop, High Street, Stebbing
4pm to 5pm
Morrisons Supermarket, Waterglade Retail Park, Old Road, Clacton on Sea.
6pm to 7pm
Stansted Library, 72 Chapel Hill
Thursday 27 March
9am to 3pm
Knightswick centre - Furtherwick Road Canvey Island
9:30am to 10:30am
Mothers Kitchen, 6 Felmores End, Basildon
10:30am to 11:30am
Zest cafe, University of Essex
Friday 28 March
7am to 9am
Hockley Train Station, Station Road, Hockley Essex SS6 7HJ
10am to 11am
Morrisons Supermarket, Centenary Way, Little Clacton.
10am to 12pm
Walton food bank, Standley Road, Walton on Naze.
10am to 12pm
Co-op Food, 45 Spa Road, Hockley SS5 4BE
12pm to 1pm
IKEA Lakeside (Customer restaurant), Heron Way, Essex
2pm to 3pm
Chadwell St Mary Information Centre, Brentwood Road
2:30pm to 3:30pm
IG9 Brunch & Cafe, 4 Lower Queen's Road, Buckhurst Hill
3:30pm to 4:30pm
Bulphan Village Hall, Church Road
Saturday 29 March
9:30am to 10:30am
Billericay Library, 143 High Street, Billericay CM12 9AB
11am to 12pm
Miracle House, Silver Island Way, Wickford, SS12 9NR
Sunday 30 March
10am to 11am
McDonalds, Hartley Brook Road, Clacton on Sea.
11am to 12pm
Orleto Lounge, 2 East Square, Basildon SS14 1HS
For full details of upcoming events, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
 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.
 Join our team
Police staff jobs
CCTV Evidence Officer £32,244
Complaints Review Officer £40,890
Detention Officers £29,109
Practice Nurse Team Leader £43,920
Visit our website for full advert, job descriptions and application form.
 This week we remember
Geoffrey William Smith
Geoffrey Smith served with the Grenadier Guards, and then joined Essex County Constabulary on 3 January 1939. After training at Headquarters he transferred to Grays but he was recalled to his regiment on 4 December 1939. He died on Wednesday, 24 March 1943 whilst serving as Serjeant 2614476 with 5th Battalion, Grenadier Guards.
Edward Willsmore
Police Constable Edward Willsmore had been a mariner prior to joining the force in February 1847. In February 1849 he was stationed at Burnham, protecting the oyster fishery with two other Police Constables and an Inspector.
Edward maintained his own boat and on Saturday 29 March 1851, he was seen out in it on the River Crouch with the sails set and the wind blowing hard. A witness saw a sudden squall fill it with water so that it sank. His body was not found for two days. He died on 29 March 1851.
Read more about other Essex officers on the Essex Police Memorial Trust website.
 Obituaries
Michael Blackwell
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Michael Blackwell who retired as Divisional Commander of Colchester in 1992 and served with Cambridge City, West Suffolk, transferred to Essex where he served at Grays, Hadleigh, Force Support Unit, Communications, Chelmsford & Colchester.
He passed away on March 4 2025 aged 90 years.
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