News 4 August to 10 August
 Brentwood officers tackle anti-social behaviour in town centre
Our Neighbourhood Policing Team in Brentwood is working to reduce anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the town centre. Officers are focusing on young people involved in disruptive behaviour and are working closely with families, schools, and local authorities to help steer them away from offending.
We’re using a mix of enforcement and support — including home visits, community engagement, and referrals to youth services — to address the root causes of ASB. This approach is helping us prevent repeat incidents and build stronger relationships with the community.
We’re encouraging residents to keep reporting ASB so we can respond quickly and effectively.
 Colchester man jailed for stalking and breaching court orders
Christopher Allen, 71, from Eight Ash Green, has been jailed for more than two and a half years after stalking young women in Witham and Colchester. He had previously been convicted of stalking twice and was under a full Stalking Protection Order (SPO).
In June, Allen spent long hours following women, offering gifts, and making unwanted sexual comments. He was arrested on 2 July and admitted stalking, breaching his SPO, and breaking the terms of a suspended sentence. All sentences will run consecutively.
Officers are working with the courts to put tighter restrictions in place when he’s released. They thanked the women who came forward and said this case shows how seriously stalking is taken in Essex.
 Tributes paid to man found in woodland near Grays
The family of a man whose body was found in the deneholes near Grays have described him as “an unforgettable character” with a “unique soul”.
A man’s body was recovered from the site off Stanford Road last week.
We are now in a position to confirm it is that of 47 year-old Lucas Fulcher from South Ockendon who had last been seen on 28 April.
His family described him as “an unforgettable character” with a “unique soul” who loved music and expressed himself through songwriting, guitar playing, and singing. They said he faced many challenges but remained creative, eccentric, and thoughtful. They’ve asked for privacy and kindness as they grieve and seek answers.
Detective Inspector Darren Ward said there is no evidence to suggest Lucas’ death was suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner. He also praised the professionalism and compassion of the teams involved in the recovery.
 Wanted men stopped on A12 and jailed
Two men have been jailed after officers stopped their car on the A12 near Chelmsford. The pair, aged 37 and 36, were wanted in connection with burglary and fraud offences. When officers tried to stop the car, one of the men attempted to drive past police vehicles, causing damage to three cars.
The investigation found they had burgled a caravan in Weeley and used stolen bank cards to try and make purchases in Clacton. One man was sentenced to 22 months in prison and banned from driving for nearly four years. The other received a 12-month sentence. Both must also pay a victim surcharge.
 Keeping women and girls safe by disrupting offenders
We’re working hard to protect women and girls across Essex - not just in homes and public spaces, but everywhere. Our roads policing teams are targeting people who use the road network to commit serious crimes, including domestic abuse and sexual offences.
In just two days, officers made 21 arrests. These included people wanted for sexual assault, harassment, and controlling behaviour. Even when arrests aren’t made, we’re gathering vital information and sharing it with specialist teams who monitor and manage offenders.
We’re also helping to make public spaces safer by supporting better lighting, more CCTV, and awareness campaigns like Reflect, which encourages people to take responsibility for abusive behaviour.
Our message is clear: we will keep taking action to protect women and girls and make our streets safer.
 Teen banned from parts of Tilbury to help tackle anti-social behaviour
A 17-year-old from Tilbury has been banned from several areas in the borough for one year, following a court-issued anti-social behaviour injunction. The ban includes places like Tilbury Town rail station, Grays High Street, and parts of Calcutta Road. The young person must also attend support sessions with Thurrock Youth Justice Service.
This action is part of a joint effort between Essex Police and Thurrock Council to reduce anti-social behaviour and support young people in making positive changes. Officers and council teams are working closely with families and communities to prevent further disruption and improve safety.
Five-year ban for Chelmsford shoplifter
A 47-year-old man from Chelmsford has been banned from several shops in the city centre for five years. The ban includes stores like Co-op, JD Sports, Next, Superdry, and Vision Express, as well as the High Chelmer shopping centre.
The court issued a criminal behaviour order (CBO) after the man admitted to multiple thefts and was found to be involved in anti-social behaviour. He must also work with drug and alcohol support services. If he breaks the order, he could be sent to prison.
 Basildon pair jailed over drug importation
Two men from Basildon and Pitsea have been jailed for a combined total of nearly 10 years after trying to import drugs through the postal system. Border Force officers found parcels containing over 2kg of cannabis, which led to a wider investigation by Essex Police.
Officers later seized 15kg of amphetamine, 650g of cocaine, and thousands of pounds in cash. Both men, aged 44 and 38, admitted several drug offences and were sentenced at Basildon Crown Court. They are now subject to 10-year Criminal Behaviour Orders, which include restrictions on mobile phone use to help prevent further drug activity.
 Tributes paid to retired police dog Diesel
We’re sad to share that retired police dog Diesel has passed away after a short illness. Diesel served Essex for five years before retiring in 2023. He helped find missing people, detain suspects, and recover weapons and evidence.
In 2021, Diesel and his handler, Sergeant Jamie Edwards, received a national bravery award after helping stop a series of knife-point robberies. After retiring, Diesel became a much-loved family pet.
Sgt Edwards said Diesel was “fearless and inquisitive” and leaves “huge paws to fill”.
Grays: Two-year ban for serial shoplifter
A 43-year-old man from Grays has been banned from several shops and a local club for two years after stealing from businesses multiple times. He admitted to 13 thefts between April and June, including food and household items from places like Aldi, Tesco, and Greggs. He also assaulted shop workers and stole a patio table from the RAFA Club.
Following our investigation, the court issued a criminal behaviour order (CBO). If he breaks the order, he could face prison. He must also complete unpaid work, attend rehabilitation sessions, and get support for drug and alcohol issues.
 Drug dealers jailed for more than 340 years
In the last six months, Essex Police has secured prison sentences totalling 342 years for drug dealers across the county. Officers have arrested over 300 people, closed 93 drug lines, and removed harmful drugs and weapons from our streets.
One case involved a group selling crack cocaine and heroin in Basildon. Officers seized over £10,000 worth of drugs and the men involved were sentenced in court. This work helps protect vulnerable people, including young people who are often exploited by drug gangs.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events across Essex this week
Monday 11 August
10am to 11am
McDonalds, Hartley Brook Road, Clacton on Sea
10am to 11:30am
Outside Sainsburys, Fifth Avenue, Harlow
10am to 1pm
Great Baddow Recreation Ground, Great Baddow CM2 9RL
11am to 12pm
The Reading Rooms, Great Yeldham
11am to 1pm
High Street, Brentwood
11am to 12pm
Miracle House, Silver Island Way, Wickford, SS12 9NR
1pm to 2pm
Morrisons, 175 London Road, Hadleigh, Benfleet
2pm to 3pm
Hadleigh Cycle Park, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh
4pm to 5pm
Dovercourt Swimming pool, Low Road, Harwich
Tuesday 12 August
10am to 11am
Morrisons Supermarket, Centenary Way, Little Clacton
11am to 12pm
Hardie Park Cafe, Hardie Road, Stanford-Le-Hope
11am to 12pm
McDonalds Canvey, Northwick Retail Park, Northwick Road, Canvey Island
11:15am to 12:15pm
The Loughton Club, 8 Station Road, Loughton
11:30am to 1pm
Staple Tye Splash Park, Abercrombie Way, Harlow
12pm to 1pm
Everyone Active, The Brentwood Centre, Doddinghurst Road, Pilgrims Hatch
1:30pm to 3pm
Staple Tye - Library and Atelier Estate
3:30pm to 4:30pm
WItham Town Hall
Wednesday 13 August
10am to 11am
Wimpole Road Church 49 Wimpole Road, Colchester, Essex,
10am to 11am
The Snug, High Easter
10:30am to 11:30am
Chelmsford Library Chelmsford County Hall, Market Road, Chelmsford
11:30am to 12:30pm
Rayleigh Market, High Street, Rayleigh SS6 7EA
11:30am to 1pm
Norman Booth Paddling Pool, Old Harlow
11:30am to 12:30pm
Rayleigh High Street, Rayleigh SS6 7EA
2pm to 3pm
Mens Shed, Blatchets Barn, Little Canfield
5pm to 6pm
McDonald's 36/37 High Street, Chelmsford
Thursday 14 August
10am to 12pm
Touchpoint, Crafton Green, Stansted
10am to 11am
Post Office, Little Hallingbury
10am to 12pm
Touchpoint, Chapel Hill, Stansted
10am to 11am
Tesco Stores Ltd, Princes Road, Chelmsford
10am to 11am
Clacton Town Square, Pier Avenue, Clacton on Sea
10am to 11am
Community Shop, Lower Road, Little Hallingbury
10:30am to 11:30am
Thurrock Council cafe, Civic Offices, High Street, Grays
11:30am to 1:30pm
John Lewis & Partners, 50 Bond Street, Chelmsford
12pm to 2pm
Longbow Flats, Sherwood Way, Southend
12:30pm to 1:30pm
Rayleigh High Street (Outside Boots), High Street, Rayleigh SS6 7EJ
2pm to 3pm
Stebbing Village Stores, Stebbing
2pm to 3pm
4 Lower Queen's Road, Buckhurst Hill
2pm to 3pm
IG9 Brunch Cafe, 4 Lower Queen's Road, Buckhurst Hill
2pm to 3pm
Village Store, High Street, Stebbing
2pm to 3pm
Community Shop, Stebbing
3pm to 4pm
East Tilbury Hub, Princess Avenue, East Tilbury
Friday 15 August
10am to 11am
Tea on the Heath, Hatfield Heath
10am to 11am
M & S Mayflower Retail Park, Gardiners Link, Basildon SS14 3HZ
10am to 11am
Tea on the Heath, Pond Lane, Hatfield Heath
12pm to 3pm
Shalford Village Hall
1pm to 2pm
Thremhall Park Cafe, Start Hill, Great Hallingbury
3:30pm to 5pm
Sumners Paddling Pool, Broadley Road, Harlow
5pm to 6pm
Benfleet Railway Station, Ferry Road, Benfleet
Saturday 16 August
10am to 1pm
The Columbine Centre, Bath House Meadow, Walton on the Naze
10am to 1pm
Mind, Body Spirit Event, The Columbine Centre, Bath House Meadow, Walton on the Naze
12pm to 6pm
Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex
3pm to 4pm
Costa Coffee, Waterglade Retail Park, Next, Unit 3, Old Road, Clacton on Sea
Saturday 16 August
4pm to 6pm
Rayleigh Train Station, Station Road, Rayleigh, Essex SS6 7HJ
Sunday 17 August
11:30am to 1pm
Town Park Paddling Pool, Harlow
12pm to 6pm
Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex
2pm to 3pm
Marks & Spencer Foodhall, 12-24 Eastwood Road, Rayleigh SS6 7JQ
2pm to 3pm
Marks & Spencer Rayleigh, High Street, Rayleigh SS6 7JQ
For full details of upcoming events, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
 Crime prevention advice
Sort your settings
With more time spent on phones, tablets and games, now’s a great time to check your child’s device's are safe.
Visit our website for easy tips on setting up devices and encouraging safe online habits.
- Chat with them about what they do online.
- Use privacy settings and parental controls that suit your family.
- Keep apps and devices updated to help block risks.
A few extra layers of protection can help keep your children safer online.
Be fraud smart
Stay safe when shopping online
With cyberattacks on the rise, protecting your personal info is more important than ever.
Checkout as a Guest: Yes, it’s a bit annoying to re-enter your details, but it helps make your data safer and you can still track purchases and returns.
Don’t Save Your Card Info: Some sites save it by default. Look for a box to untick/tick during checkout. If it’s already saved, head to your account settings to delete it manually.
Our Fraud Prevention Toolkit is packed with tips and guidance to help you stay safe from fraud. You'll also find clear steps for support on what to do if you think you have been a victim.
 Join our team
Police staff jobs
Supplier Relationship Manager - Operations and Community Services £51,291
Duties Administrator £24,219
Procurement Specialist for Operations and Community Services £40,170
Training and Skills Administrator £24,219
Business Advisor £35,526
Visit our website for full advert, job descriptions and application form.
 This week we remember
Henry Charles Pigerham
Henry Pigerham served with Essex County Constabulary from 13 June 1938. He joined the R.A.F. on 11 August 1941 and was one of six men killed during training to be Observers at Picton, in Ontario, Canada on 14 August 1942 whilst serving as Leading Aircraftman (Cadet) 1320030 with Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was aged 26.
Stephen Greet
 Steve Greet joined Essex Police on 7 March 1983. Seventeen months into his probation on 14 August 1984, Steve Greet was on an attachment to Harlow Traffic when he and his driver stopped a car on the M11 near Great Hallingbury. While talking to the driver on the hard shoulder of the motorway, Steve was struck and killed by a lorry.
Read more about other Essex officers on the Essex Police Memorial Trust website.
 Obituaries
Brian Boon
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Brian Boon who retired as an Inspector in 1989 he then went on to serve as a support staff member in Finance for many years. Total service in Essex Police was 46 years. He passed away on the 17 July 2025 aged 85 years.
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