News 4 June to 10 June
 Southend Neighbourhood Policing Team officers on patrol
A man’s been arrested as part of investigation by Southend’s Neighbourhood Policing Team into vehicle’s being broken into in Shoebury.
The investigation incorporates a series of reported offences over the last few months.
A 35 year-old man was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday 4 June by response officers at Shoebury Railway Station on suspicion of theft of a vehicle, theft from a vehicle, vehicle interference, and fraud by false representation.
Our enquiries are ongoing.
 Joel Lazarus
A Southend man has been jailed for a year for 29 shop thefts in Basildon, Hullbridge, South Woodham Ferrers and Wickford.
Joel Lazarus, 38, of no fixed address, has also been banned from driving for 18 months.
Basildon magistrates heard he’d targeted the BP garage in East Mayne, Basildon, on 24 occasions since June 2024 – sometimes twice on the same day. He also stole from BP garages in Cranfield Park Road, Wickford, and South Woodham Ferrers, and the Co-op store in Ferry Road, Hullbridge. Lazarus had previously admitted committing the 29 shop thefts.
When arrested by an officer from Basildon Local Policing Team, Lazarus refused to provide a sample in custody for a Class A drug test, which he is required to do under Essex Police’s drug test on arrest (DTOA) scheme. He had also admitted this charge.
A policing operation which saw violent incidents in Southend fall by almost half within four months last year is being intensified to ensure those involved in violent crime will continue to have “nowhere to hide”.
As a result of the increased number of neighbourhood officers in Southend, we’re able to intensify our focus on those people who we believe are likely to be cause harm in our community.
We’re doing that alongside key partners, such as Southend-on-Sea City Council, whose CCTV operators reported a disturbance involving a group of people taking place in Warrior Square last night at about 7.30pm.
Officers arrived quickly and found two people had sustained injuries which were serious but not life-threatening.
One woman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of a public order offence, assault, possession of an offensive weapon and criminal damage. She remains in custody and work is ongoing to locate others we believe to have been involved.
 PC Samantha Hilbery and Sergeant Alex Farr with the Commendation certificates they received from Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington
Two off-duty police officers from Southend bravely challenged two armed burglars in Rochford in the early hours of the morning.
Despite being threatened with a crowbar, our officers managed to detain the pair while also summoning on-duty colleagues to assist.
And now Sgt Alex Farr and PC Sam Hilbery have been commended by Essex Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington for their exceptional bravery.
Mr Harrington says:
“Sergeant Alex Farr and PC Sam Hilbery are highly deserving of their Commendations, awarded for their exceptional bravery, quick thinking and unwavering commitment to public safety.
“Their actions show police officers are never truly off duty and Alex and Sam went far beyond what would be expected of them in such a situation.
“They confronted a dangerous suspect, alone and unarmed. Not only that, but they successfully managed a volatile and violent situation and secured the arrest of two violent individuals.
“Despite the very real risk of being injured themselves, Alex and Sam demonstrated outstanding courage, professionalism and teamwork, reflecting the highest standards of policing.”
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Upcoming community police events
Wednesday 11 June 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Central Wards LCM at Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend
Saturday 14 June 10am to 2pm
School Fete at Westleigh School, Ronald Hill Grove, Leigh
Monday 16 June between 10am-1pm
Victoria Shopping Centre, Southend Highstreet, Southend
Saturday 21 June 12pm to 3pm
Summer Fayre at St Saviours Church, Kings Road, Westcliff
Friday 27 June 3:15pm to 5:15pm
Summer Fayre at Edwards Hall School, Macmurdo Road, Eastwood
 Crime prevention advice
Protect your motorcycle or moped
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Use multiple locks:
Thieves are less likely to target bikes with multiple locks, especially if they include a disc lock, D-lock, or chain lock.
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Lock to a secure object:
Secure your bike to a strong, immovable object like a ground anchor or street furniture.
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Keep locks tight:
Make sure your locks are fitted tight and through difficult-to-remove parts.
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Steering lock:
Always use the steering lock and remove the ignition keys, even for short periods.
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Alarm system:
Consider installing an alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, and sensors.
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CCTV:
Install CCTV cameras to act as a deterrent.
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Lighting:
Ensure your bike is parked in a well-lit area or consider installing low-level dusk to dawn lighting.
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Mark your bike: Property mark your bike's frame, rims, and other parts to make it less attractive to thieves.
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Consider bike covers: Use a motorbike cover, especially when leaving your bike for extended periods.
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Avoid leaving valuables: Don't leave your helmet or other accessories on your bike or in panniers.
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Register your bike: Register your bike's frame number with a national bike registration database.
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Secure your garage: If you store your bike in a garage, fit a garage door defender or upgrade locks.
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Consider a ground anchor: Fitting a ground anchor provides extra security.
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.
 The dog next door is always barking, what can I do?
You should speak to your neighbour about the problem as they may not be aware that it is happening.
Unless there is any evidence of the dog being mistreated then the RSPCA will not be able to help. If you do believe that the dog is being mistreated, you can contact the RSPCA via their telephone number 0300 1234 999.
The noise could be classed as a noise nuisance so you would need to report it to the Environmental Health department at your local authority.
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