News 1 September to 7 September
 New officers ready to keep neighbourhoods safe
Sixty-nine officers took their oaths and passed out at Essex Police HQ on Friday 5 September.
“You are joining a force focussed on getting justice for victims of crime.”
That’s the message from our Chief Constable to the 69 new officers who took their oaths today ready to start keeping your neighbourhood safe.
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington Harrington was joined by Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Julie Fosh, the High Sherrif and the Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, as well as the friends and loved ones of the officers on their way to join Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Commands across the county.
Harwich: Charges secured after shops targeted at knifepoint
Gordon Bees, a 72-year-old man from All Saints Close, Dovercourt, has been charged with eight offences following a series of knifepoint attempted robberies at shops in the Harwich area. The incidents occurred in late August and early September, with the most recent on 2 September involving threats made to staff at a shop on Main Road, Dovercourt. Bees reportedly brandished a knife and lunged at a staff member before fleeing empty-handed. A second similar incident occurred shortly after at a nearby store. Police responded swiftly, gathered statements, reviewed CCTV footage, and arrested Bees following an area search.
Tendring CID detectives led the investigation, resulting in Bees being charged with three counts of theft from a shop, three counts of possessing a knife in a public place, and two counts of attempted robbery. He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 4 September and was remanded in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for 2 October at Chelmsford Crown Court.
 A414: Man dies following collision
A man has died following a collision on the A414 between Chelmsford and Ongar.
We were called shortly before 3.30am on Friday 5 September with a report of a car which had left the road and struck a tree. Sadly, a man in his 20s died at the scene and specialist officers are now supporting his family. We do not believe any other vehicles were involved.
The road was closed while we investigated and recovered the vehicle but has now re-opened.
 Colchester: Two arrests after drugs warrants
Officers went to two addresses at around 6am on Friday 5 September.
The action is part of an ongoing investigation into the sale of Class A drugs in the north of the county.
Two men – aged 29 and 52 and both from Colchester – were arrested on suspicion of drugs supply offences. They are currently in custody.
Officers also seized suspected class A drugs, drug paraphernalia and cash.
 Court order for man after two-year harassment campaign
Peter Rushton, a 43-year-old man from North End, Southminster, has been issued a five-year criminal behaviour order following a prolonged campaign of harassment investigated by the Maldon Neighbourhood Policing Team. This order adds to a five-year restraining order, an 18-week suspended prison sentence, and a £650 fine handed down after Rushton was found guilty in his absence at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court in June 2025. His offences included criminal damage, harassment without violence, and breaching a community protection notice.
Despite repeated warnings, Rushton’s behaviour escalated, and he failed to attend his trial earlier in the year. On 3 September, Southend magistrates approved the police’s application for the criminal behaviour order, which targets persistent anti-social conduct. Alongside the restraining order, it aims to protect victims and curb future offences. Breaching either order could result in imprisonment or further fines.
 Canvey: Paedophile who tried to flee country jailed
A Canvey man, David Crookes, has been sentenced to 13 years and nine months in prison after pleading guilty to a series of child sexual abuse offences. The Essex Police Online Investigation Team uncovered that Crookes had been commissioning abuse since the 2010s. He was arrested in 2022 while attempting to leave the country, and a forensic analysis of his devices revealed over 580 images and videos of extreme pornography and child abuse, along with extensive evidence of communication and payments related to the crimes.
Crookes, 66, of Link Road, Canvey, admitted to multiple charges including arranging child sex offences, distributing indecent images, and inciting child exploitation. He was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court and will also serve five years on extended licence after his release. An indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order was imposed.
Detective Jack Morgan emphasised the severe impact on victims and the emotional toll on officers, highlighting the importance of such convictions in protecting children and disrupting abuse networks.
 A130: Two men die in collision
We are now in a position to confirm two men, both in their 20s, died following a collision on the A130 on Monday 1 September).
Officers were called to reports of a two vehicle collision at the Rayleigh Spur roundabout shortly after 4.15am. Sadly, one man died at the scene while another died in hospital.
Specialist officers are supporting their families. Five other people were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The drivers of the two cars – two men from Barking aged 23 and 24 – were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. They have since been released on bail until 20 November.
Our investigation into the collision is ongoing.
 Darcie and Roman Casselden
Pitsea: Charge in connection with fatal collision
A woman has been charged in connection with the fatal collision in Pitsea that claimed the lives of siblings Roman and Darcie Casselden, who were riding a privately owned e-scooter at the time. Deimante Ziobryte, 21, has been charged with failing to stop at the scene and appeared at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on 28 August. She is due to return to court on 8 January 2026 and remains on bail while further driving offences are investigated. A second person arrested at the time will face no further action.
Tributes continue to pour in for Roman and Darcie, whose deaths have deeply affected the local community. Roman was remembered for his compassion and dedication to helping children, while Darcie was celebrated for her creativity and joyful spirit. Chief Superintendent Leighton Hammett explained the emotional toll of the incident and urged the public not to speculate online, assuring that Essex Police is making good progress in the investigation and is committed to finding answers for the grieving family.
 Four charged with hare coursing offences as Rural Engagement Team steps up patrols
Essex Police’s Rural Engagement Team has intensified patrols in areas known for hare coursing, responding to an early start to the season due to unusually hot and dry weather. With fields left bare after early harvests, conditions have become ideal for this illegal activity. Officers are using drones and the National Police Air Service helicopter to monitor hard-to-reach areas and are actively pursuing suspects, including seizing vehicles and seeking court orders to restrict offenders. Four individuals have been charged in connection with hare coursing incidents in Danbury and Woodham Mortimer and are due to appear in court on 8 October.
Between July and August 2025, Essex Police received 46 reports of hare coursing—an unusually high number for this time of year. Sergeant Paul Brady emphasised the importance of public reports to help target enforcement efforts and urged people to call 999 if they witness hare coursing, while avoiding personal risk. Hare coursing, which involves dogs chasing and killing wild hares, causes significant harm to wildlife, farmland, and rural communities. Essex Police continues to work with regional forces and the Crown Prosecution Service under Operation Galileo to combat this cruel and illegal practice.
Justice in sexual abuse case reminds survivor 'speaking out does matter'
A survivor of non-recent child sexual abuse has spoken out following the conviction of her abuser, Dave Roper, who was sentenced to 16 years in prison after being found guilty of multiple offences. She praised Essex Police and the court for their professionalism and care, saying the process gave her a sense of justice and recognition. The abuse, which occurred nearly 20 years ago, had deeply affected her life, and she only felt able to report it in 2022. Specialist officers from the Child Abuse Investigation Team supported her throughout the investigation and trial, helping her navigate the emotional challenges.
The survivor shared how the trauma shaped her identity and continues to impact her daily life, but emphasized that speaking out made a difference. Essex Police highlighted that there is no time limit on reporting sexual abuse and encouraged victims to seek support, whether through the police or independent organizations.
 Waltham Abbey: ASB patrols lead to drug dealing arrests
Epping Forest Neighbourhood Policing Team officers have increased patrols in Waltham Abbey following reports of drug dealing and dangerous e-bike riding in the town centre. In the past two months, four individuals have been arrested for drug supply offences, with over twenty wraps of Class A drugs recovered. A related search warrant uncovered a substantial quantity of drugs and two weapons. Officers are also investigating closure orders for properties linked to criminal activity. E-bike riders have been identified for travelling at illegal speeds on Sun Street, where electric-assisted pedal cycles must not exceed 15.5mph.
PC Amber Forrow of the Epping Neighbourhood Policing Team highlighted the importance of tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB), which includes drug dealing and reckless e-bike use. Thanks to community intelligence and proactive policing, the number of incidents has decreased. Across the Epping Forest district, ASB has dropped by 12% and overall crime is down by 6.1%, reflecting the effectiveness of targeted enforcement and community engagement efforts.
 Officers stop stolen car on the A12 and recover £50k of cocaine
In May 2023, Essex Police officers intercepted a stolen car with cloned plates at a service station on the A12 in Feering. Inside the boot, they discovered two 1kg blocks of cocaine valued between £48,000 and £60,000. The driver, Lee Ansell (50) from Ampthill, Bedfordshire, was arrested and later identified as a drug courier.
Further investigation by Braintree CID and the Serious Organised Crime Unit revealed that Ansell was working under the direction of Paul Jones (41) from Flitwick, Bedfordshire, a wholesale drug supplier. Both men admitted to conspiring to supply cocaine and were sentenced at Chelmsford Crown Court on 22 August:
- Paul Jones: 7 years imprisonment
- Lee Ansell: 3 years and 6 months imprisonment
Police will pursue action under the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover illicit profits.
Detective Inspector Frazer Low praised the proactive and collaborative police work that disrupted a significant drug supply operation in Essex.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events across Essex this week
Monday 8 September
10am to 11am
Asda Supermarket, Bull Hill Road, Clacton on Sea
10am to 12pm
Loughton Library, Traps Hill, Loughton
10am to 11am
The Council Offices, Victoria Place, Brightlingsea
1pm to 2pm
Morrisons - 175 London Road, Hadleigh, Benfleet
Tuesday 9 September
10am to 11am
Memorial Hall, Elsenham
10am to 11am
Tea on the Heath, Pond Lane, Hatfield Heath
10am to 12pm
Oasis Cafe, Frinton Free Church, Connaught Avenue, Frinton on Sea
10:30am to 11:30am
Rochford Market, 22-24 West Street, Rochford SS4 1AL
10:30am to 11:30am
Foodbank, Doddinghurst Road Community Church, 56-60 Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood
11am to 12pm
Costa Coffee, 8 High Street, Chelmsford CM1 1BE
11:15am to 12:15pm
The Loughton Club, 8 Station Road, Loughton
1pm to 2pm
Post Office, High Street, Hatfield Broad Oak
3pm to 4pm
Costa Coffee, Clacton Common Factory Shopping Village, Stephenson Road W, Clacton on Sea
Wednesday 10 September
10am to 11am
The Snug, High Easter
10am to 11am
Kappa Coffee House, Buntens Barn, Newport
10:30am to 11:30am
Chelmsford Library, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1QH
12pm to 1pm
Golden Cross Parade, Rochford SS4 1UB
2pm to 3pm
Mens Shed, Blatchets Barn, Little Canfield
4:30pm to 5:30pm
Runnymede Leisure Centre, Kiln Road, Benfleet
5pm to 6pm
McDonald's 36/37 High Street, Chelmsford
Thursday 11 September
10am to 12pm
Touchpoint, Chapel Hill, Stansted
10am to 12pm
Touchpoint, Crafton Green, Stansted
10am to 11am
Post Office, Little Hallingbury
10am to 11am
Community Shop, Lower Road, Little Hallingbury
11am to 12pm
John Burrows Park, Rectory Road, Hadleigh, Benfleet
11am to 12pm
Wood Cottage Tea Room, Felsted
12:30pm to 1:30pm
Rayleigh High Street (Outside Boots), High Street, Rayleigh SS6 7EJ
1pm to 2pm
Takeley Park, Takeley
2pm to 3pm
Stebbing Community Shop, Stebbing
Friday 12 September
1:30pm to 2:30pm
The Pyramid Centre, Heath Road, Chadwell St Mary
3pm to 4pm
Morrisons Supermarket, Waterglade Retail Park, Old Road, Clacton on Sea
3:30pm to 4:30pm
Bulphan Village Hall, Church Road
6pm to 7pm
Royal British Legion Building, Felsted
Saturday 13 September
10am to 12pm
Roydon Market, Roydon Village Hall, Harlow Road, Roydon
3pm to 4pm
Costa Coffee, Waterglade Retail Park, Next, Unit 3, Old Road, Clacton on Sea
6pm to 7pm
Co-op, White Street, Great Dunmow
Sunday 14 September
11am to 3pm
Front of Southend Police Station, Victoria Avenue, Southend
11am to 3pm
Outside Southend Police Station, Victoria Avenue, Southend on sea
11am to 4pm
Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex
For full details of upcoming events, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
 Crime prevention advice
Protect your number plate
Did you know stolen number plates are often used to hide vehicles involved in crimes or to avoid paying tolls and parking fees?
Keep your vehicle's number plate safe by using one-way clutch head screws to secure your plates and deter thieves.
Be fraud smart
Romance fraud can happen to anyone
It often begins with a fraudster building emotional trust and forming a relationship, all with the intent to deceive.
If you're worried someone you know might be a victim of romance fraud, please report it.
 Join our team
Police staff jobs
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Detention Officers £28,409 to £32,335
Visit our website for full advert, job descriptions and application form.
 This week we remember
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Read more about other Essex officers on the Essex Police Memorial Trust website.
 Obituaries
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