News 4 June to 10 June
 Not just crime fighters
What do 8 members of the public, 4 police officers, a peacock and a tape measure all have in common?
This week, officers from the Braintree and Uttlesford Local Policing Team, members of the community and a peacock came together on Deanery Hill, Braintree to corral a stray horse out of the road. After a poorly thought out plan involving a tape measure, and a piece of string to move the horse from the road, members of the community came together, supplying head collars, offers of help to convey the horse home and offers of food and water for the horse.
After some supportive shouts from the local peacock who came to watch, we have been able to locate the horses owner and return the mischievous stallion back to his field.
 Warrant executed in Witham after community information
This week, acting on information from the community, officers executed a drugs warrant in Witham. This warrant is part on ongoing work in the town to tackle drugs supply in the area.
We want to thank those who continue to report suspicious activity—your information makes a real difference.
We can’t always share what we’re doing or post updates in real time, but please know: if you tell us what’s happening in your neighbourhood, we will act.
Help keep your community safe:
Report via the Essex Police website Or anonymously through Crimestoppers
Working hard to reduce burglaries
Our local detectives have been working hard to keep you safe, in the last three weeks they have arrested 9 individuals on suspicion of burglary. Overall, in the north local policing area burglary offences are down by 494 offences compared to last year. We are also seeing a further reduction of theft of motor vehicle as working together with manufacturers and our communities we are making it more difficult to steal cars.
In the North of Essex there have been 227 less offences of vehicle theft, than the same period last year.
While the use of relays to transmit car key signals has been made more difficult through our partnership work with manufacturers, criminals may attempt to break into houses to locate keys and steal the vehicle. We are asking that you continue to keep your car keys in faraday pouches or install sleeping batteries, please think about where you leave your keys.
Remember to lock all windows, doors, and secure your outbuildings too. Don’t let criminals use your own tools to break into your house!
Burglars can use signal jammers to block Wi-Fi. This means your Wi-Fi CCTV and Doorbell video will not record. Consider hard wired cameras, alarms, and video doorbells to ensure they always have power and can record.
If you do see anything you think is suspicious, a vehicle that looks out of place, a person that seems to be paying attention to properties please report to us, including as much detail as possible such as make model colour registration number, it could be the piece of information that solves the crime!
Man charged after vulnerable person blackmailed
On Sunday 8 June, officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team responded swiftly to reports of an offensive weapon being used in an assault at Trotters Field, Braintree. Thanks to prompt action, an individual was identified and arrested at the scene. Officers also recovered the weapon believed to have been used in the incident.
Further investigation revealed that the arrested male was also involved in a separate case of blackmail, targeting a vulnerable member of our community who was being financially exploited. As a result, the suspect was been charged with both assault and blackmail and is due back in court in July
We are committed to protecting all members of our community, especially those who may be vulnerable. If you suspect someone is being taken advantage of or are concerned about suspicious behaviour, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Your information could make a real difference.
Report anonymously via Crimestoppers or contact Essex Police directly
 National volunteers week
Last week was National Volunteers Week and did you know that there are lots of opportunities to volunteer with Essex Police.
Some of our special constables were out on patrol in our district, Special Constable Truscott was on patrol in Braintree over the weekend supporting Braintree carnival, where he attended the Fire Station Open Day, conducted foot patrol in the town centre and provided visibility and reassurance around the town. In Witham Special Sergeant Simon Jesse conducted a Community Beat Surgery promoting recruitment & providing an opportunity for residents and visitors to engage before helping to rescue an escaped dog, luckily he recognised the four legged friend and was able to return it straight back to the owner's home. later he conducted some anti-social behaviour patrols around the Whetmead Nature Reserve
Active citizen Ruth Cann was supporting Braintree District Councils Volunteers day at Braintree Town Hall giving out advice and support to people interested in volunteering
For more information on volunteering with Essex Police click below
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Friday, 13 June 2025, 12pm–1pm
PCSO 71674 Williams will be attending a Public Engagement Event at Pop Up Lounge, Newland Street, Witham, CM8 2AQ.
Saturday, 14 June 202 afternoon
Public Engagement Event
Witham, United In Music – Chipping Hill
Sunday, 15 June 2025, 6pm –7pm
PCSOs 70255 Milton & Macmillan will be at a Public Engagement Event at Cineworld and Namco, CM7 1JP.
Monday, 16 June 2025 - 6pm – 7pm
Walk & Talk
Braintree Town, CM7 1JP
Wednesday, 18 June 2025, 11am –12pm
PCSO 70714 Thorne will host a Coffee with a Cop session at St Giles Church, Great Maplestead.
Thursday, 19 June 2025, 11am-12pm
PCSO 70714 Thorne will host another Coffee with a Cop at St Mary's Church, Steeple Bumpstead, CBP 7DG.
Friday, 20 June 2025, 10am –11am
PCSO 7377 Macmillan will be at a Coffee with a Cop event at St Andrews Church Hall, Halstead.
Friday, 20 June 2025, 12pm – 1pm
PCSO 70714 Thorne will attend a Community Event at St Nicholas Church, Castle Hedingham, CO9 3ER.
Saturday, 21 June 2025, 3pm – 4pm
PCSO 70955 Cooper will be at a Community Event at Borley Church, Braintree, CO10 7AE.
Sunday, 22 June 2025, 2pm – 3pm
PCSO 70714 Thorne will attend a Public Engagement Event at St Luke’s Church, Middleton.
Monday, 23 June 2025, 4pm – 5pm,
PCSO 71674 Williams will lead a Walk and Talk at Hatfield Road Estate, CM8 1AA.
Wednesday, 25 June 2025, 10am –2pm
PCSOs Keating & Johnson will be at a Public Engagement Event with the Fire Brigade in Great Bardfield.
 Crime prevention advice
Protect your valuables
Most burglars are opportunists, aiming to grab as many valuable items as possible in the shortest time.
They often target small, easily portable items that can be hidden in their pockets. Jewellery in bedrooms is a common target, often holding sentimental value and being irreplaceable.
Simply hiding these items in a drawer or wardrobe isn't enough, as these are usually the first spots burglars check.
Consider fitting a Secured by Design approved domestic safe in your home to improve security and protect these valuables.
Be fraud smart
Fraud toolkit - everything you need to know all in one place
Major high street retailers have recently experienced cyber-attacks, be extra cautious with emails or messages claiming to be from these stores. Fraudsters often use current news stories to lure you in, impersonating trusted brands to carry out phishing scams aimed at stealing your personal information. For information and support, we’ve launched our online fraud toolkit - everything you need, all in one place.
 I have got my bank statement this morning and there are some transactions on it that I have not made, what should I do?
This could be a case of a bank error, fraud or identity theft (see question Q506 for further information about identity theft).
You should immediately contact your bank/credit card company to report the discrepancies and to terminate your card. The bank/company will have their own fraud department, if necessary, may investigate the matter in conjunction with the police. Take the credit card company/bank's advice on whether they want you to report the matter to the police, as it could just be a mistake, or, they may take on that responsibility, as in some cases they are the actual victim suffering losses, as you are likely to receive your money back.
Further Action
If you think all of your credit/debit card(s) details could have been compromised you should contact the relevant banks and the credit card companies to stop your cards, as necessary.
If you think you have been the victim of identity theft you should ensure personal and financial information is kept secure, shredded or otherwise destroyed (do not put such material in the bin or take it to the dump/tip.
You should always be aware of information on your computer being accessed and take any appropriate security measures. There are a number of possible security threats you should be aware of -
◾ Someone could pretend to be you;
◾ Your card could be cloned. Be very careful when using cashpoint machines, particularly in public places. Criminals can put a realistic front on the machine which reads your card details, and a video camera photographs your pin number. Opportunist thieves could be looking at you entering your pin number, then snatch the card from you to then go on and use the card. Always cover the pin number entry with your other hand or by some other means if you can.
◾ Someone could use your personal details, obtained by a variety of means to obtain cash or property.
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