News 23 June to 29 June
 Britain’s oldest PCSO has no intention of retiring as he enters his 50th year in policing
Police Community Support Officer Allan Barley, 79, is proving age is just a number as he begins his 50th year with the force.
Allan joined Essex Police back in 1976 and served for 30 years as a PC in Basildon, Wickford, and Chelmsford before becoming a PCSO in 2006.
He now works as a part of Chelmsford Neighbourhood Policing Team and plans to carry on for as long as possible despite being, we believe, the oldest PCSO in Britain.
Earlier this year, Allan’s commitment to public service saw him shortlisted in the lifetime achievement category at the National Police Staff Awards.
Allan was inspired to join the police when he was working in London and saw a newspaper advert for the Met that featured an officer pulling off a high-speed skid in a patrol car. Having grown up in South Ockenden, he chose to join his local force.
“At that time, I was living in Stifford and I was posted to Basildon but I didn’t have a clue where that was. I had to look it up on a map! I then had to borrow a push bike and cycle the 16 miles down the old A13, getting up at 3.45am for the early shift.”
 Essex Police launch Forcer Protocol on Armed Forces Day
To coincide with Armed Forces Day, Essex Police launched a faster way to find and safeguard former serving military personnel who are lost, missing or in need of support.
Starting on Saturday 28 June, a new initiative to support veterans and their families was lanunched in the county.
Former personnel can often find it difficult to reintegrate into civilian life after leaving military service.
If they then go missing while vulnerable, swift access to information about them can be critical in finding them safely before they come to harm.
Officers now have access to a portal through which they can find personal specific details already submitted by either the military veteran or their families, carers or friends, using a digital form in anticipation of them going missing.
The portal is run by charity, Safe and Found Online, to help police provide help more quickly.
The scheme – ‘The Forcer Protocol’ - is named after Lance Corporal Alan Forcer who suffered with complex PTSD and debilitating depression following service in Northern Ireland and Kosovo during the height of the conflicts, he sadly took his own life.
 Mum speaks out after her child's abuser is jailed
The mum of a young child who was sexually abused has spoken out after the man who committed the offences was jailed for 15 years.
"The last two and a half years have been like a horror movie. We are trying to move forward with our lives and getting justice is certainly a positive step in the right direction.
"No child should ever go through what my child did. I will always blame myself; I think that’s a mum thing.
"But listening to the judge, the police and counsellors I’m beginning to accept that it wasn’t my fault and the only person responsible is my child’s abuser."
Ricky Williams, of Grove Avenue, Walton-on-the-Naze, had denied rape, three counts of sexually abusing a child and three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
But the jury did not believe him, and in April he was found guilty on six counts after a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court.
He was found not guilty on one count of sexual abuse.
And at the same court on Wednesday 18 June the 37-year-old was sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to serve a further five years on extended licence.
He was also given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for life.
The offending had taken place over a 10-month period between 2022 and 2023.
Officers keeping you safe on our roads made more than 20 arrests in just one day last weekend.
Deploying to Basildon with the aim of tackling drink and drug driving on one of the hottest days of the year so far on Saturday 21 June, Roads Policing officers made 21 arrests.
Sixteen of these arrests involved suspected drink or drug driving. They also arrested two people on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
Officers also seized 22 vehicles and identified 200 speeding offences using handheld speed measurement devices.
 Hassan Bousanguar
Vange: Tributes paid to 'genuine and reliable' man
The family of a man who had died following an assault in Vange have described him as ‘the most genuine and reliable friend’.
Detectives in the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate launched an investigation after emergency services were called to Riverview Centre, Vange, shortly after 6pm on Saturday 4 May 2024 where a seriously injured man was found in the communal hallway.
He was taken to hospital in a critical condition where sadly, in December 2024, 42-year-old Hassan Bousanguar died in hospital.
We’ve continued to support his family and work hard to investigate the circumstances around this incident since May last year.
Hassan’s family said:
“Hassan will always will be a much-loved son, brother and uncle.
“He was the most genuine and reliable friend with selfless commitment to people and humanity.”
Codey Nolan, 33, of HMP Chelmsford, has been charged with his murder.
 Fresh law banning 'ninja-style' swords welcomed ahead of amnesty
We will take part in a national knife surrender scheme running from 1 to 31 July 2025, ahead of a new law banning certain ‘ninja-style’ swords. The initiative, led by the Home Office, aims to close legal loopholes and remove dangerous weapons from the streets.
The amnesty allows individuals to safely surrender banned swords at designated police stations or knife bins across Essex. Those handing in weapons can apply for £5 compensation, or more with proof of value.
Designated drop-off locations include:
- Colchester Police Station
- Southend Police Station
- Chelmsford Police Station
- Grays Police Station
From 1 August 2025, possession of a banned ninja sword—even in private—could result in up to six months in prison, with potential increases to two years under future government plans.
Police will also engage with residents in high-risk areas as part of Operation Guardian, continuing efforts from last year’s successful zombie knife amnesty.
 Southend: Man jailed for child sexual offences
Christopher Stuckey, 59, from Southend, has been sentenced to seven years in prison with an additional five years on extended licence after attempting to engage in sexual communications with children—who were actually undercover police officers.
Over several months in 2024, he believed he was speaking to a 13-year-old girl and the aunt of an eight-year-old, expressing intentions to commit serious sexual offences.
He pleaded guilty at Basildon Crown Court to multiple charges, including:
- Attempting to arrange a child sexual offence
- Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child
- Distributing and possessing indecent images of children
Stuckey was also given a 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
 Officers reach thousands of children with key knife crime message
More than a dozen knives were seized and seven people were arrested during a week-long focus on knife crime in Essex.
Although our work on this issue is 24/7, intensification weeks give us a chance to concentrate our efforts and strengthen our partnerships.
Sceptre week, supported by forces across the country, was carried out last month.
We placed a particular focus on education, engaging around 4,000 young people across 50 schools and colleges.
The Violence and Vulnerability Unit, made up of numerous agencies including Essex Police, carried out 21 visits with young people suspected to have been involved in knife or drug-related crime.
This programme, ReRoute, sees skilled practitioners build trust and a relationship with these young people following referrals from our officers.
Only by tackling the attitudes, perceptions and root causes behind knife crime can we make progress.
Thanks to this work, Essex Police is bucking the national trend.
Against a well-publicised gradual rise in knife-enabled crime in the UK – we’ve seen a 10% decrease in the number of incidents year-on-year in Essex.
That’s 152 fewer incidents when compared with the 12 months to June 2024.
It’s also a sustained and continued decrease, with 256 fewer incidents of knife-enabled crime when compared with pre-Covid levels (the 12 months to December 2019) – a decrease of 15%.
 Detectives renew appeal in John Palmer murder case, ten years on
Ten years on from the brutal murder of a man at his Brentwood home, his family and detectives continue to search for answers.
John Palmer, 65, was at his home in Sandpit Lane in South Weald, Brentwood on Wednesday 24 June 2015, when he was murdered.
The father, and now grandfather, was burning rubbish in the garden of his home. At around 5.30pm it is believed the killer entered the garden over the fence and shot Mr Palmer six times.
A mortally wounded Mr Palmer managed to walk a short distance towards his house before collapsing. He was then discovered by relatives who called for help. Mr Palmer died from his injuries.
A hole found in the garden fence of Mr Palmer’s rural home suggests the killer may have been watching him in the days leading up to his death.
In the decade since his murder, detectives have explored hundreds of lines of enquiry, examined thousands of pieces of evidence and explored Mr Palmer’s history and associations in the UK and abroad.
Despite this, Mr Palmer’s killer remains at large.
Now, on the tenth anniversary of the murder, detectives have renewed their appeal for information.
 Arlanzo Sherwood
A Basildon man has been sentenced to 11 years in prison following a successful investigation by Essex Police into historic child sexual abuse.
Arlanzo Sherwood, 46, was convicted at Basildon Crown Court after a nine-day trial, where a jury found him guilty of:
- Two counts of assault of a girl by penetration
- One count of sexual activity with a child
- One count of voyeurism
The offences were first reported in 2019 by a family friend of the survivor, who was a child at the time of the abuse. Essex Police’s Quest team, which specialises in non-recent child sexual abuse cases, led a thorough two-and-a-half-year investigation.
The survivor, now in her 20s, bravely gave evidence in court. She expressed her gratitude to Essex Police and support services, saying:
“Telling the right person has made all the difference to my life. I never thought I would tell anyone, but I have had incredible support.”
Sherwood was also placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and given a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The judge commended Detective Constable Chris Sedgwick for his professionalism and dedication throughout the case. DC Sedgwick praised the survivor’s courage and encouraged others who have experienced abuse—recent or historic—to come forward:
“You will be listened to, you will be supported, and specially trained officers will be there throughout the process.”
Attention Porsche owners: Stay one step ahead of thieves
We’ve recently seen an increase in the theft of Porsche vehicles - especially Macan and Cayenne models.
We know how upsetting and disruptive this kind of crime can be, and we’re here to help raise awareness and encourage simple steps that can make a big difference in protecting your vehicle.
Here are a few tips to boost your car’s security:
- Install approved alarms and immobilisers to make it harder for thieves to succeed.
- Use visible deterrents like steering wheel locks to make your car a less appealing target.
- Keep your keys safe by storing them in a Faraday pouch to block signal relay attacks, and avoid leaving them near doors or windows.
- Park smart—if possible, use a locked garage or install anti-theft bollards to prevent your car from being driven away.
Our officers are actively investigating these thefts and working to identify those responsible. If you’ve seen anything suspicious or have any information, please get in touch, it could really help.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events across Essex this week
Monday 30 June
9:30am to 12pm
Epping Market, High Street, Epping
10:30am to 11:30am
Clements Hall Leisure Centre, Hawkwell SS5 4LN
11am to 12:30pm
279-281 High Street, Epping
12pm to 5pm
Stonards Hill Recreation Ground, Stonards Hill, Epping
2pm to 3pm
B&M, Airport Retail Park, Rochford Road, Rochford, SS2 6FW
2pm to 3pm
Thremhall Park Cafe, Start Hill, Great Hallingbury
Tuesday 1 July
10am to 10:30am
Shalford Village Meet and Greet
10am to 2pm
Baytree Centre, High Street, Brentwood
10am to 12pm
Bianca's Coffee Shop, High Street, Walton on the Naze
10am to 11am
Tesco Stores Ltd, Princes Rd, Chelmsford
10am to 11am
Memorial Hall, Elsenham
2pm to 3pm
Outside Jubilee Beach Office, Marine Parade, Southend
3pm to 4pm
East Tilbury Hub, Princess Avenue, East Tilbury
Wednesday 2 July
10am to 2pm
Baytree Centre, High Street, Brentwood
10am to 11:30am
Witham Town Hall, Heritage Suite, Witham
10:30am to 11:30am
Harwich Swimming Pool, Low Road, Harwich
11am to 12pm
Hardie Park Cafe, Hardie Road, Stanford-Le-Hope
Thursday 3 July
10am to 11am
CVST Hub, High Street, Harwich
10am to 2pm
Baytree Centre, High Street, Brentwood
3pm to 4pm
Poundland, 43-45 Pier Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea
3pm to 4pm
WItham Town Hall, Newland Street, Witham CM8 2FE
6pm to 7pm
Stansted Library, Chapel Hill, Stansted
Friday 4 July
10am to 2pm
Baytree Centre, High Street, Brentwood
10am to 11am
Harwich Market, High Street, Harwich
10:30am to 12pm
Great Bentley Coffee Morning, Methodist Church, Forge Lane, Great Bentley
3pm to 6pm
Great Dunmow Primary, Woodlands Park
3pm to 6pm
Great Dunmow Primary, Woodlands Park, Great Dunmow
3pm to 6pm
Hereward Primary School, Colebrook Lane, Loughton
7pm to 8pm
Ferndale Baptist Church, North Avenue, Southend
Saturday 5 July
10am to 11am
Jaywick Library, Golf Green Road, Jaywick
11am to 12pm
Toppesfield Village Hall
11am to 12pm
Old Harlow High Street, Old Harlow
11am to 12pm
Miracle House, Silver Island Way, Wickford, SS12 9NR
12pm to 3pm
Hamstel Primary School, Hamstel Road, Southend,
Sunday 6 July
10am to 11am
Morrisons Supermarket, Centenary Way, Little Clacton
10am to 4pm
Museum of Power, Hatfield Road, Langford, Maldon
12pm to 7pm
Summer Fayre, Latchingdon Village Hall, Latchingdon, Chelmsford
For full details of upcoming events, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
 Crime prevention advice
A good night out starts with a safe way home
Whether you're heading to a BBQ, a night out, or an evening with friends, make your journey part of the plan.
- Book a licensed taxi ahead of time
- Use public transport
- Arrange a lift with a sober friend
It’s not about spoiling the fun, it’s about making sure everyone gets home safely.
Be fraud smart
Book smart
Scammers are trying to cash in on our need for a getaway by posting fake holiday homes and hotel listings - even on trusted websites.
Book Smart
- Use a credit card or one with online purchase protection
- Always pay through the site’s secure system—never direct to the host
- Be cautious about social media offers
After Booking
- If you get a message asking for more money, don’t click any links. Contact the site directly.
 Join our team
Police staff jobs
Forensic Quality Officer £29,109
Recruitment Assistant £26,106
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) £26,106 to £31,293
Detention Officers £28,409 to £32,335
Visit our website for full advert, job descriptions and application form.
 This week we remember
George Calver Shipgood
George Shipgood served with Southend Borough Constabulary from 10 March 1915 and died on 3 July 1916. In December 1915 he enlisted to join the Rifle Brigade but later transferred to 9th Battalion Essex Regiment. The regiment formed part of the 35th Brigade of the 12th Eastern Division. On 2 July the division relieved the 8th Division in the line opposite Ovillers where heavy fighting had taken place the previous day. On 3 July the bombardment was renewed at 2.15am by the 12th Division but at 9am the division had to report that the attack had failed. Ovillers was finally taken on 17 July by which time the 12th division had suffered over 2,300 casualties.
 Peter James Wringe
Peter Wringe was 23 when he joined Essex Police, and was posted to Southend where he is remembered as an officer with a keen sense of humour. He was always willing to do more than was expected of him.
With only six months' service he joined other members of his shift at a warehouse alarm in the early hours of July 4th 1982. The building appeared secure, but he knew that burglars had previously entered through the roof, so he climbed on to the single storey building to check. He fell thirty feet to the ground and died later in hospital.
Read more about other Essex officers on the Essex Police Memorial Trust website.
 Obituaries
Nick Milbank
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Nick Milbankwho served for over 50 years as a cadet, Police Officer in FIR, then as a support staff member in Contact Management Command.
He passed away on 6 June 2025 aged 67 years
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