News 22 September to 28 September
Four men have been arrested following early morning raids at business and residential addresses in Clacton, as part of a major operation targeting the supply of Class A and B drugs in Tendring.
The suspects, aged 27, 29, 33, and 36, are being questioned on suspicion of being concerned in drug supply. The investigation is being led by Essex Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit.
Chief Inspector Stuart Austin, Tendring district commander, said:
“We work hard to identify and go after those involved in the supply of illicit drugs. These arrests mark a significant step forward and will have a considerable impact on drug activity in the area.”
 Romance & Red Flags
A huge thank you to everyone who attended our Fraud Prevention events at Essex Libraries this September.
Author Becky Holmes shared powerful stories and insights into the world of scams, sparking important conversations.
Our Fraud Prevent Officer was on hand to answer everyone questions and concerns, offering practical advice on staying safe. While Victim Services and Trading Standards were both helping further support those who needed it.
These events were about bringing our community together to raise awareness and empower people with the tools to protect themselves and others against Fraud.
Three individuals have been charged following a major investigation into modern slavery linked to a company operating in Essex, Cardiff, and Brighton.
The case involves allegations that a woman was brought to the UK from Botswana under false pretences, then forced to work long hours without pay, given little food, and had her passport taken.
The suspects face charges including:
- Requiring someone to perform forced or compulsory labour.
- Facilitating a breach of UK immigration law.
- Conspiring to arrange travel with a view to exploitation.
They are due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on 28 October.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact us quoting reference 42/MR/20211/19.
Two 17-year-olds have been arrested following a series of phone robberies in Pitsea on 24 September. Victims reported being approached by suspects on a black motorcycle who snatched their phones before fleeing.
Officers quickly located the motorcycle, which had a false licence plate. The suspects attempted to run but were arrested after a foot chase. One was arrested on suspicion of robbery, attempted robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, and possession of a Class B drug. The other faces similar charges, including dangerous driving.
Two stolen phones have been returned to their owners.
 Cracking down on dangerous driving
Our Roads Policing Unit carried out a major operation on 20 September targeting drink and drug drivers across Castle Point, Rochford, and Southend.
The results were stark:
- 129 traffic offence reports issued
- 14 vehicles seized
- 18 arrests made (14 for drink and drug driving)
- 78 speeding offences recorded
- 2 arrests for drug supply
One driver was caught doing 60mph in a residential area. Others were found under the influence of illegal drugs or prescription medication that impaired their ability to drive.
Adam Pipe, Head of Roads Policing, said:
“We take road safety extremely seriously. Our officers are committed to protecting the public and will continue to target those who put lives at risk.”
Drivers are reminded: if you’re in doubt, don’t risk it.
Tanna Ireton, 20, of Poplar Hall Close, Colchester, has been jailed for 30 months after officers found a zombie knife at his home during a county lines investigation.
The knife was recovered in January during a warrant executed by Operation Raptor North, targeting the ‘Felix’ drug line supplying crack cocaine and heroin in Colchester. Officers also found drugs, a drug line phone, and a list of transactions.
Ireton admitted possessing an offensive weapon in a private place and being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. He was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on 18 September.
Zombie-style knives are now banned under the Criminal Justice Act 1988. Our officers are using this new legislation to remove dangerous weapons from circulation and tackle serious violence linked to drug crime.
 Witham: Man jailed for 16 years for child sexual abuse following complex investigation
Christopher Brown, 62, of Witham, has been jailed for 16 years after being found guilty of multiple child sex offences.
Brown groomed and abused a young girl over several years. The offences came to light when the victim bravely disclosed what had happened, prompting a full investigation by our Child Abuse Investigation Team.
He was convicted of 11 offences, including sexual assault and causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity. Brown will also be on the sex offenders’ register for life and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
Detective Constable Charlotte Smith praised the victim’s courage and said:
“We will always listen, investigate thoroughly, and do everything we can to bring offenders to justice.”
Chelmsford: drink driver caught and jailed
A man has been jailed for 16 weeks after being caught drink driving while disqualified in Chelmsford.
Just after midnight on 19 September, officers saw him drive through two red lights on Parkway. He was stopped and found to be two and a half times over the legal alcohol limit. Checks revealed he was already disqualified and had no MOT or insurance.
He admitted five offences and was also banned from driving for 45 months.
Roads Policing Sergeant Chris Bramhill said: “Driving under the influence is extremely dangerous and puts lives at risk. We will always take action to keep our roads safe.”
Hadush Kebatu, 41, of High Road, Epping, has been jailed for 12 months following sexual assaults on a teenage girl and an adult woman in July.
Kebatu was arrested within minutes of assaulting the teenage girl on High Road. Officers quickly uncovered further offences from the day before, leading to a full investigation. He was found guilty of multiple offences, including sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity, and harassment.
He has also been placed on the sex offenders’ register for ten years and is subject to a five-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order banning him from approaching or contacting any female.
As pupils across Essex return to school for the new term, we are issuing a timely reminder to parents, carers, and all road users to take extra care around school zones - particularly during drop-off and collection times.
With increased traffic and pedestrian activity near schools, we’re urging drivers to remain vigilant, observe speed limits, and avoid parking dangerously or obstructively.
Officers in Harlow carried out patrols outside a local school to tackle unsafe driving and parking during drop-off times. Issues included speeding, children without seat belts, and vehicles parked dangerously close to the school.
The second day saw some improvement, with more families walking, but unsafe behaviour continued. We’re urging all road users to stay alert and considerate to help keep children safe.
 Brentwood: Essex Police work secures prison sentence for offender
Jack Weller, 32, of Doddinghurst Road, Brentwood, has been jailed for two years and two months after breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) and making indecent images of children.
Weller was already subject to a 10-year SHPO issued in 2024. In July, our Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team identified further offending through monitoring software installed on his device. A full review found nine category A and four category B images.
He pleaded guilty to all charges and has also been placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years.
We have a zero-tolerance approach to breaches and are committed to protecting vulnerable people.
Basildon officers have secured further charges in the investigation into the remains of 37 dogs found at a Billericay property in May. Two people now face multiple offences, including animal cruelty and fraud. One is due to stand trial next year; the other will appear in court in October. A third person will face no further action.
This case has deeply affected the community and our officers. We continue working with partners to build a strong case and thank everyone who has shared vital information.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events across Essex this week
Monday 29 September
10am to 11am
Poundland, 43-45 Pier Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea
10am to 11am
Henham Community Store, High Street, Henham
10am to 12pm
Frinton Community Centre, The Triangle Shopping Centre, Frinton-on-Sea
10am to 11am
Tea Hut, Hatfield Forest, Hatfield Heath
5pm to 6pm
Tesco Extra, 132 London Road, Rayleigh SS6 9BN
7pm to 8pm
Cart and Wagon, Warrior Square Road, Shoebury
7:30pm to 8:30pm
Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend
Tuesday 30 September
10am to 11:30am
Witham Town Hall, Heritage Suite, Witham
10:30am to 11:30am
Rochford Banking hub, West Street, Rochford SS4 1AJ
11am to 12pm
Riverview Centre shops, Vange, Basildon
11:15am to 12:15pm
The Loughton Club, 8 Station Road, Loughton
Wednesday 1 October
10am to 2pm
Safe to Go Stow hub, 28 The Stow, Harlow
11am to 12pm
Tilbury Hub, Civic Square
3pm to 4pm
Poundland, 43-45 Pier Avenue, Clacton on Sea
Thursday 2 October
10am to 11am
Purfleet Community Pantry & Cafe, 32 River Court, Centurion Way
10am to 12pm
Unity Hub, 1st Floor opposite food court, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon
10:30am to 12pm
Highwoods Square, Colchester CO4 9ED
1pm to 2pm
Impulse Leisure Cafe, Blackshots Lane, Grays
5pm to 6pm
Co-op, Lower Street, Stansted
7:30pm to 8:30pm
Memorial Hall, Elsenham
Friday 3 October
10am to 11am
Mcdonalds, Staple Tye, Harlow
10am to 12pm
Walton Foodbank, Standley Road, Walton on the Naze.
10am to 11am
Morrisons Supermarket, Centenary Way, Little Clacton
7pm to 8pm
Belfairs Woodland Centre, Eastwood Road North, Leigh
Saturday 4 October
9am to 11am
Hadleigh Cycle Park, Chapel Lane, Hadleigh
10am to 11am
McDonalds, Hartley Brook Road, Clacton on Sea
11am to 12pm
Wickford High Street
11am to 1pm
Unit 17, The Grove Shopping Centre, Witham
Sunday 5 October
10am to 11am
Lake Meadows, Radford Crescent, Billericay
10am to 11am
Asda Supermarket, Bull Hill Road, Clacton on Sea
1pm to 2pm
Morrisons - Northwick Road, Canvey Island
For full details of upcoming events, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
 Crime prevention advice
You might still be over the limit the morning after a night out
Coffee, a cold shower, and a good breakfast might make you feel better but they don’t speed up how your body processes alcohol.
Your reaction times and judgement could still be affected.
The only cure is time. Alcohol leaves your system gradually, there’s no shortcuts.
Plan ahead:
- Arrange a lift
- Book a taxi
- Use public transport
Be fraud smart
Could the link in that message be fake?
Criminals will use ‘phishing’ links in messages to try and trick you into parting with your personal or financial information.
Be cautious of any unexpected texts and if it looks suspicious, forward the text to 7726 which will report it to your phone provider.
 Join our team
Police staff jobs
Business Services Assistant £24,219
Digital Forensic Technicians £32,244
Police Community Support Officers £26,106 to £31,293
Roads Policing Process Support Officer £26,106
Supplier Relationship Manager £51,291
Contact Centre Officers £26,650
Visit our website for full advert, job descriptions and application form.
 This week we remember
Basil John Boggis
Basil Boggis served with Essex County Constabulary from June 13, 1938. After training at Headquarters he was posted to Braintree from 6 August 1938. After several posting around the county, Basil left the police on 13 September 1943 and joined the army the following day. Basil was killed in action on Monday, 2 October 1944, whilst serving as Lance Corporal 14664830 with 3rd Battalion, Irish Guards. He was aged 29.
Charles Alfred Freeborn
Charles Freeborn joined Essex County Constabulary on 9 November 1912 and served at Braintree. He enlisted in Chelmsford with the 3rd Battalion Royal Fusiliers on 16 May 1915. He was killed in action in an attack at Montbrehain near Peronne on 4 October 1918, just forty days before the end of the war. Apart from his discomfort in the heat and disease ridden area of Salonika he had only seen action on two occasions during his three and a half years with the Royal Fusiliers. In the first, at Loos, he was injured and in the second he was killed.
Reginald Kitchener Ford
Reginald Ford served with Southend Borough Constabulary. He is thought to have completed some military service during the 1930s and been on the reserve list at the outbreak of the war. He died on Tuesday, 5 October 1943 while serving as Serjeant 5181732 with the 67 Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery. Reginald was aged 27.
Read more about other Essex officers on the Essex Police Memorial Trust website.
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