News 30 April to 6 May
On Thursday, 8 May 2025, the nation celebrates 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe.
We want to take this opportunity to give an insight into the life of Essex police officers during the Second World War and honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe.
291 police officers left to serve in the armed forces. Tragically, 32 officers from the Essex, Colchester, and Southend police forces were killed in military service.
Two more lost their lives when the Essex Police headquarters in Chelmsford was bombed.
As World War II raged, Essex Police officers continued their vital work to protect the county. But with every shift they faced new challenges and an increased risk of danger. Now officers were dealing with air raid precautions and ration fraud, not to mention dealing with captured enemies. All this alongside their usual work of responding to emergencies, investigating crime and catching criminals.
The Chelmsford Town Team continue to keep our city centre safe and free from crime
Last week the Chelmsford town Team located and arrested a prolific shoplifter who has been causing significant disruption to local businesses. He had been circulated as wanted and appears to have been trying to evade arrest. He has been charged with shoplifting and will appear at court in the near future. We will be seeking a criminal behaviour order on conviction. This is one of many recent arrests by the team, of those targeting those causing the most harm to the community.
The team arrested a young male who had also been committing thefts at different shops in Chelmsford as well as criminal damage and assault. He was also charged and will have to answer for his action at the court in the near future.
Over the last few weeks the team have been busy dealing with individuals who have been breaching their criminal behaviour orders, dealing and possessing controlled drugs, carrying weapons, breaching court bail and failing to appear. A typical day will see multiple persons being arrested and put before the court.
Sgt Thomas from Chelmsford Town centre team has stated “These are the latest arrests in our ongoing efforts to protect local businesses and ensure the safety of our community. We understand the impact that shoplifting has on our local businesses and their staff. These arrest demonstrates our commitment to tackling crime and supporting our hardworking business owners. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice and maintain a safe environment for everyone.”
Work by specialist detectives has ensured a former Essex Police officer has been jailed for four and-a-half years after admitting a series of online child sexual offences.
Former PC Mark Ling, 38, formerly of Ipswich, had pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual communications with a child and one count of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity at Ipswich Crown Court on 18 January.
A reporting restriction was put in place to prevent details of the guilty pleas to be published as there were other ongoing, related matters.
In relation to these matters, he was later charged with a further four counts of sexual communication with a child. He admitted to two of those charges at the same court on 4 February and the other two on 10 February.
The charges all relate to an investigation into the online interactions between Ling and underage girls.
Detectives went through the painstaking task of identifying the girls involved, locating them, and speaking to them securing evidence which left Ling with no option but to admit his guilt.
Today (Thursday 1 May), he was sentenced to four and-a-half years in prison.
 Community speed watch results
We've got the results of another day's work with Safer Essex Roads and community Speed Watch volunteers across the Maldon and Tendring districts
A total of 60 offences were recorded by officers and volunteers out last weekend in South Woodham Ferrers , Bicknacre, Cold Norton, Great Bentley and Clacton.
Working with Safer Essex Roads Partnership and Community Speedwatchers, we're identifying where drivers are speeding and targeting those roads.
 The Maldon Town Team intercept another drug supply
The Maldon Town Team have been patrolling the South Woodham Ferrers area again, helping to ensure the safety of the community. While patrolling around Compass Gardens, officers noticed an individual acting suspiciously. The person attempted to evade the uniformed officers but was quickly intercepted. A search conducted under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act led to the discovery of a significant quantity of Class B drugs, along with scales and a substantial amount of cash. The individual has been arrested on suspicion of 'being in possession of a controlled substance with intent to supply' and remains in custody while the investigation continues.
Sergeant Dalby of the Maldon Town Team said: "My team are experts in locating and intercepting those involved in drug supply. Whether it is proactive stops or search warrants, the team are very good at what they do. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — we will look for you, we will find you, and you will be arrested."
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Monday 12 May 10.30am to 12pm
The Orchards Cafe, Mascalls Way, Great Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 7NS
Wednesday 14 May 10am to 2pm
Broomfield Hospital Atrium, Court Road, Broomfield, Chelmsford CM1 7ET
Thursday 15 May 11am to 1pm
John Lewis & Partners, 50 Bond Street, Chelmsford CM1 1GD
Saturday 17 May 10am to 11am
Quadrant Department Store, 220 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford CM2 0LS
Saturday 24 May11am to 1pm
B&Q Chelmsford, Homelands Retail Park, Cuton Hall Lane, Chelmsford CM2 5PX
Saturday 24 May 9am to 10pm
Chelmsford Park Run, Central Park, Chelmsford CM2 0RW
Monday 2 June 10am to 11am
Quadrant Department Store, 220 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford CM2 0LS
Wednesday 18 June 10am to 2pm
Broomfield Hospital Atrium, Court Road, Broomfield, Chelmsford CM1 7ET
 Crime prevention advice
How safe is your flat?
Although there are fewer points of entry to a flat, they need to be as well protected as possible. As for overall building security, all residents need to keep an eye and an ear out as well as making sure that communal front and back doors are never left open.
Boundary
Protection of a flat begins from the outside. Check that the managing agent or landlord cuts shrubs and planting back regularly so that they don’t obscure anyone from view or interfere with lighting or CCTV.
If you notice something’s not working properly or if a light is out, let the managing agent or landlord know so that it can be fixed straight away.
Outbuildings
Keep cycle stores, bin stores, sheds and other covered areas locked and secured. These hidden spaces can attract loitering and lead to antisocial behaviour, especially after dark.
Be fraud smart
There have been occasions when fraudsters have posed as police officers, both in person and on the phone, to trick people into giving them personal information and defraud them of money.
If you're unsure about whether the person you're dealing with is a genuine police officer – stop – and call us on 101 to check their identity.
Please note, if you've been on the phone to someone – who called you – but you have doubts about them, we recommend that you hang up and wait five minutes before you call us. There have been cases of fraudsters keeping the line open after a victim has hung up. Leaving several minutes between calls will make sure that the call has closed.
Holiday and ticketing fraud
Holiday fraud
Holiday fraud is on the increase as people use holiday booking websites more and more.
Scammers will list a hotel room or accommodation that isn’t available or doesn’t exist. Often victims only realise it’s a scam when they arrive at their destination, by which time the fraudster is long gone.
What you should know
Scammers may want you to pay them by direct bank transfer, not through the website. They entice you to do this by offering discounts for bank transfer payments. Don’t be tempted.
A scammer will often use photos of accommodation copied from other sites. Use Google Images to check where else an image has been used.
The scammer, or their advert, may claim that they belong to a legitimate trade body or consumer protection scheme, such as the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA). Contact the body or scheme to check the person’s credentials.
Research the property yourself. See if it has its own website. Always try to call the owner of the property to confirm they know about your potential booking. If you can’t see a phone number, send an email asking for it.
Have your say
The Essex Multi Agency Against Fraud (MAAF) has launched a new survey to gain deeper insights into the types of fraud affecting our neighbourhoods.
Have your say and shape the future of our work so we can help stop those in Chelmsford becoming victims of fraud.
 Have you any advice about personal safety during a night out?
Listed below are some steps that can be taken to ensure your personal safety:
- Never leave your bag or coat unattended in a pub or nightclub, it is an ideal place for thieves.
- Never leave your drink unattended, as it is very easy for someone to put an illegal substance in your drink, which could have very serious consequences for you.
- Always make sure you know how you are going to get home after a night out. It is best to travel home with friends and not on your own.
- Book a taxi home before going out, do not flag down a taxi as you cannot be sure they are a licensed cab driver.
- Avoid any confrontation or fighting, if someone is threatening you, tell a door supervisor but do not get involved.
- Never accept a drink from a stranger. Go with the person to the bar if you want to accept a drink.
In general though, wherever you are try and remember the following suggestions:
- Do not walk home alone late at night. If you do, choose well-lit main roads and walk confidently.
- If someone does grab your bag fighting back is not always a good idea, you do not know if your attacker has a weapon.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Reading and listening to music can be distracting.
- In a busy public place, try to only use your mobile phone in an emergency as it is advertising the fact that you have a phone and whilst using it you are distracted, making it easier to take it from you.
- If you are attacked it is often better to shout fire rather than help, it tends to attract more attention.
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