News 14 May to 20 May
“Crime and anti-social behaviour continues to fall in Essex and we are pleased that HMICFRS have recognised how we have improved in ‘responding to the public ‘and ‘investigating crime’ since our last inspection.”
That’s from our Chief Constable following the release of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) most recent report published on Wednesday 14 May.
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said:
“Ensuring that we look after our people so they can serve the people of Essex is essential. Equally ensuring the quality of the crime data to measure success and target resources is fundamental to reducing crime. So being assessed as ‘good’ in these two areas shows we are getting the foundations right.
“Essex Police remains unfairly funded in comparison with other forces and parts of the country so to be assessed as ‘adequate’ across the complex range of services we deliver is recognition of the immense work by our officers, staff and volunteers along with the strong partnerships we have across Essex. There are areas identified where we need to improve and, in every area, we want to get better. We are already working on these and this is acknowledged in the report.“
A dangerous driver caught by Police Dog Kaiser following a high-speed police pursuit along the A13 has been jailed for 14 months.
Michael Burke, 24, drove at speeds of more than 100mph into London, sometimes on the wrong carriageway, before he abandoned his car and PD Kaiser located him cowering in bushes by the roadside.
We are appealing for information following a fire in Tilbury that we’re treating as arson.
It was reported a fire was started at an address in Raphael Avenue between 3pm and 4pm on Monday 19 May in an alleyway between two houses.
Significant damage has been caused to one of the addresses and the alley was closed to the public.
We need anyone who saw what happened or saw someone acting suspiciously in that area at that time to come forward.
If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.
Please quote the crime reference number 42/68555/25.
 Grays: Op Sceptre - tackling knife crime
Local Neighbourhood officers were out completing a weapons sweep of Grays Town Park on Tuesday 21 May as part of Op Sceptre - Knife Intensification Week.
Op Sceptre is a national police campaign focused on tackling knife crime across England and Wales. The operation aims to:
- reduce knife crime and it's impact on local communities
- address root causes of knife carrying
- enforce laws against possession of use of knives
Some of the ways in which we try to address this is by conducting various pre-planned activities such as:
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Weapon sweeps in parks and public spaces to find hidden knives
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Stop and search operations in high-risk areas
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Targeting habitual knife carriers and known offenders
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School visits and youth engagement to discourage knife carrying
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Knife surrender bins for safe disposal of weapons
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Community outreach and crime prevention events
Thankfully on this occasion, no weapons were located within the park, however officers will be out completing dedicated activity throughout the week.
 Tilbury: Triple whammy
On Friday 16 May, your officers were out and about in Tilbury, responding to reports of anti-social behaviour and nitrous oxide use. 13 canisters of nitrous oxide were seized from a large group of males.
While still in the area, officers spotted a suspicious transit van parked across a curb.
A quick check revealed it had been stolen from the Kent area just days ago. The van has now been seized for forensic examination and will soon be reunited with its rightful owner.
And just when they thought the shift was winding down… on the way back to the station, officers spotted an abandoned moped near the Broadway in Grays... no plates, no riders, and a very suspicious backstory. Turns out it had been used by two suspects attempting to steal the bucket off an excavator. The moped has also been seized on suspicion of being stolen and will be examined.
We’re not sure what the suspects planned to do with an excavator bucket, but we’re digging into it. (Pun intended)
If you see something suspicious, let us know - we’re always ready to roll (and occasionally seize a few vehicles along the way).
 Grays: Stolen vehicles recovered
On 16 May, we received a report of a motorcycle being stolen from Morrisons, Grays.
Numerous officers deployed to the location which resulted in a pursuit.
This incident led to three motorcycles all being located and recovered as suspected stolen.
Other items were located nearby which will assist our on-going investigation to locate the individuals responsible for this.
Vehicle crime has a big impact on the victims, and in this case, we are happy we are able to reunite three vehicles with their owners.
Our investigation remains on going.
Lakeside: Man charged
A 33 year old man from Wickford has been charged and remanded to court this morning for vehicle offences at Lakeside Shopping Centre back in February.
On 1 February 2025, a vehicle was reported stolen from Lakeside Shopping Centre car park. Through dedicated work by the Neighbourhood Policing Team, the defendant was identified and arrested on 15 May 2025.
The man has now been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, possession of an offensive weapon, driving without a valid licence and driving with no insurance.
 Do you have a doorbell camera or CCTV?
Your CCTV could help us to solve real crimes.
Register your CCTV and doorbell cameras with us and receive alerts when your footage may help us catch criminals operating in your area.
It takes just 60 seconds to add your details to our secure police system and within minutes, you could be helping us solve serious crimes. You’ll just add your name, address, email and the number of cameras you control.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Thursday 22 May 3pm to 4pm
East Tilbury Hub, Princess Avenue
Friday 23 May 10am to 11am
Oasis Cafe, Orsett Church Centre, High Road
Wednesday 28 May 11am to 12pm
Tilbury Hub, Civic Square
Thursday 29 May 10am to 11am
Purfleet Community Pantry, 32 River Court, Centurion Way
Thursday 29 May 1pm to 2pm
Impulse Cafe, Impulse Leisure Centre, Blackshots Lane
Friday 30 May 12pm to 1pm
IKEA, Heron Way, Lakeside
 Crime prevention advice
Secure your home, secure your peace of mind.
Consider installing strong locks, security lights and always lock your doors and windows, even if your just stepping out for a minute.
Be fraud smart
Report scam text messages
Did you know you can report scam text messages simply by forwarding the message and the phone number to 7726?
Its free and by reporting the message your phone network provider can investigate where the text came from and take action to stop the scam.
 What is the what3words system?
The what3words system enables the emergency services to find someone more easily.
When people call 999 they often struggle to describe their location, what3words helps them say exactly where they are, saving precious response time.
How does it work?
The system works by assigning 3 distinct words for every 3 square metre grid square on a map.
You must have the what3words app on your phone (which you can download on both Android and iOS from the link in Related Information). Then in an emergency:
- Find the 3 word address for your current location on the free what3words app. It works offline – ideal for areas with an unreliable data connection.
- Share your 3 word address over the phone to the call handler.
- The emergency service can then coordinate a response directly to the exact location where help is needed.
Please see the official what3words website in Related Information if you wish to know more.
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