News 24 March to 30 March
 Volunteers making a difference
A new group of Special Constables at Essex Police have completed their training and are ready to support their communities. These volunteers, who balance their regular jobs and personal lives, have the same powers as regular officers. They were cheered on by volunteer police dogs Cassie and Claude during their attestation ceremony. Awards were also given to some of the most dedicated volunteers.
 Harlow/Hertfordshire: Five arrested during early morning raids
Five people were arrested during early morning raids in Harlow and Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, as part of an investigation into money laundering and drug supply.
Officers seized suspected Class A and Class B drugs, cash, and mobile phones. The arrests included individuals suspected of money laundering and drug possession with intent to supply.
 PD Pablo tracks knife crime suspect after robbery
A 44-year-old man was arrested in Colchester after a knifepoint robbery at a shop on London Road, Lexden. The suspect threatened a cashier and stole about £200. Police Dog Pablo tracked the suspect from the scene, leading to his arrest. A knife was found nearby and seized. The investigation is being led by Colchester CID.
 Murder investigation launched after fatal collision
Our detectives have launched a murder investigation after a fatal hit-and-run collision in Harlow.
A silver Mitsubishi left the road and struck a pedestrian near a cycle path off Momples Road on March 29th. The victim, a man in his 20s from London, was pronounced dead at the scene. Shortly after, the vehicle was found abandoned and on fire at a nearby underpass. Our officers are investigating potential links to the theft of a black Ford Fiesta earlier that day.
 Funeral fraudster guilty after determined fight for justice
David Smith, a 45-year-old man from Basildon, has been convicted of fraud after deceiving grieving families out of thousands of pounds. Smith posed as a funeral director, taking payments for services he never provided. His fraudulent activities were uncovered after multiple complaints led to an investigation. Smith was sentenced to three years in prison and ordered to pay compensation to his victims.
The investigation was led by two officers, one of whom, PC Leigh Stevenson, has now retired from the force having been awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for her tenacity.
She worked extensively to seek justice for the victims and even re-scheduled her retirement around the various court cases – until a protracted delay in proceedings meant this was no longer possible.
"Officer was brilliant and Essex Police's determination really helped me"
A woman who was sexually abused as a child has expressed her gratitude for the support during the investigation that led to the conviction of Dean Rowles. Rowles, 62, was sentenced to over six years in prison for multiple counts of indecent assault.
The survivor praised the perseverance of Sergeant Rachel Mitchell and the counselling she received from the Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse, which helped her through the challenging process.
 Crackdown on prolific shoplifters with jail sentences and behaviour orders
Katie Venis, a 33-year-old woman from Great Baddow, has been issued a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) following multiple shop thefts in Chelmsford. She was arrested for stealing meat from a Co-op and found with Class A drugs. The CBO prohibits her from possessing drug paraphernalia in public and entering specific stores.
Anthony Johannessen, a 33-year-old prolific shoplifter from Tendring, has been jailed for 12 months and banned from entering certain shops in Essex for three years. He admitted to committing 27 thefts, totaling around £5,370, between October 2024 and March 2025. Johannessen was detained by police community support officers in Clacton.
Shellie Rustami, a 31-year-old prolific shoplifter from Grays, has been jailed for 58 weeks after admitting to multiple thefts, including one on Christmas Day. She stole nearly £1,000 worth of goods from various shops despite being banned from entering some of them.
Lloyd Salter, a 38-year-old prolific shoplifter, has been banned from entering Colchester city centre under a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order. He admitted to multiple thefts and assaulting a Police Community Support Officer. The order restricts him from entering charity shops, food retail shops, and using bicycles or other transportation in the city centre.
 Meet Detective Constable Jane Grieve
Meet DC Jane Grieve of Essex Police. Discover her career journey, challenges, and dedication to helping people.
 Watch as PD Cooper's quick action leads to teen arrests
Three teenagers were arrested in Canvey Heights Country Park thanks to the quick actions of Police Dog Cooper and his handler, PC Ben Norfolk. The teens were attempting to steal motorbikes when a member of the public alerted the police. PD Cooper tracked and apprehended the suspects, who were arrested on suspicion of theft and other related offenses.
 Car meets: Why we want people to enjoy their vehicles and stay safe
We are urging car enthusiasts to enjoy their vehicles responsibly and safely during car meets. While most gatherings are incident-free, there have been occasions where dangerous driving, such as racing and performing stunts, has led to enforcement actions.
Officers have issued Fixed Penalty Notices and seized vehicles involved in anti-social behavior. Detective Chief Inspector Ian Hughes emphasized that responsible drivers are welcome, but those who endanger others will face consequences.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events across Essex this week
Monday 31 March
10am to 11am
Henham Community Shop, High Street, Henham
4pm to 5pm
Sainsburys Rayleigh Weir, 21 Stadium Way, Benfleet
Tuesday 1 April
10am to 12pm
The Oasis Cafe, Connaught Avenue, Frinton on Sea.
10:30am to 11:30am
Rochford Banking Hub, West Street, Rochford SS4 1AJ
11am to 12pm
Tesco, Princes Road, Chelmsford
12pm to 12:30pm
South Essex College, High Street, Grays
12pm to 1pm
Golden Cross Parade, Rochford SS4 1UB
2pm to 3pm
The Companions Cafe, Coastlands Community Centre, 13 High Street, Walton on Naze,
5pm to 6pm
Benfleet Rail Station, Ferry Road, Benfleet
Wednesday 2 April
10:30am to 11:30am
Flowers Community Hall, Lime Close, South Ockendon
12:30pm to 1:30pm
The Beacon Centre, Drake Road, Chafford Hundred
Thursday 3 April
9:30am to 11am
CVST Harwich Hub, 276 High Street, Dovercourt
10am to 11am
Reynolds Court, Newport
Friday 4 April
10am to 11am
Harwich Market, High Street, Dovercourt
10:30am to 12pm
Great Bentley Coffee Morning, Methodist Church, Forge Lane
11am to 12pm
The Range, Northlands Pavement, Pitsea, Basildon
3pm to 4pm
McDonalds, Pier Avenue
Sunday 6 April
10am to 11am
Asda Supermarket, Bull Hill Road, Clacton
For full details of upcoming events, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
 Crime prevention advice
Keep your things safe
Never leave valuables in plain sight in your car.
Hide them or where possible take them with you to avoid tempting opportunistic thieves.
Be fraud smart
2-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
Sexual Abuse Partnership Co-ordinator £43,920
CCTV Evidence Officer £32,244
Complaints Review Officer £40,890
Detention Officers £29,109
Visit our website for full advert, job descriptions and application form.
 This week we remember
Frederick Walter Woods
Police Constable Frederick Walter Woods joined the Southend Borough Constabulary on 19 July 1937. He was initially posted to the Central Section but on 2 February 1942 he left the Police and joined the Royal Air Force (Volunteer Reserve).
He went missing during air operations in the early hours of Friday, 31 March 1944 whilst serving on an operation to Nurnberg. On its return the aircraft was hit by flak when clearing the coast near Dieppe and presumably crashed into the English Channel. All seven crew died on 31 March 1944.
Read more about other Essex officers on the Essex Police Memorial Trust website.
|
