News 29 September to 5 October
 Fitness to Drive: A new approach to road safety
We are working with East Anglian DriveAbility to offer Fitness to Drive assessments for older drivers involved in road incidents. These assessments, run by occupational therapists and driving instructors, help identify medical or cognitive issues that may affect driving. The aim is to improve road safety while helping people stay independent for longer.
Drivers over 70, or those with medical conditions or adapted vehicles, may be referred for checks including eyesight tests, reaction times, and a practical drive. Outcomes range from being cleared to drive, needing further training, or being referred to the DVLA.
This initiative supports safer roads and helps families feel confident their loved ones are driving safely.
Two women were arrested in Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood, after early morning warrants were carried out by our neighbourhood policing teams. One was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and the other for possession of Class A drugs.
Searches uncovered suspected drugs, cash, mobile phones and other items linked to drug dealing.
We’re committed to tackling drug crime and protecting our communities.
If you suspect drug dealing in your area, please report it to us or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
Our officers charged 84 people with more than 320 shop theft offences in September, alongside six charges for assaulting retail staff. Many suspects appeared in court the next day, with some already sentenced.
Thanks to strong CCTV evidence and witness statements, officers are solving more cases - 1,627 more shoplifting offences were solved in the past year compared to the previous one.
The Business Crime Team is working closely with retailers to prevent theft and speed up investigations. Rapid Video Response officers now help gather evidence remotely, allowing suspects to be taken straight to custody.
Recent court cases include:
- A Southend man jailed for over two years after stealing £3,000 of goods.
- A Basildon woman charged with 21 thefts worth £2,500.
- An Enfield man charged with 33 thefts in Brentwood.
Appeal after fatal collision near Burnham
Two people have sadly died following a serious crash involving four vehicles on Fambridge Road, near Althorne, on Wednesday 1 October. A woman in her 30s and a man in his 70s were pronounced dead at the scene. Another man was taken to hospital with life-changing injuries.
A man in his 30s from Grays has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs.
Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage, especially of a grey BMW X5 and grey Volkswagen Passat seen in the area before the collision.
If you have any information, please contact us quoting incident 913 of 1 October.
Message from Chief Constable following Greater Manchester attack
Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington has shared a message of support following the horrific attack outside a synagogue in Greater Manchester. Essex Police sends its thoughts and sympathies to all affected, especially the Jewish community in Essex during Yom Kippur.
While there is no intelligence to suggest any threat in Essex, additional patrols and resources will be visible around synagogues and key areas to reassure communities.
We’re working closely with partners to keep everyone safe. Please report anything suspicious to us straight away.
 Basildon: Thirteen arrested after blitz on outstanding suspects
Officers arrested thirteen people across Basildon, Laindon, Wickford, Langdon Hills and Pitsea during a targeted operation to find individuals wanted for serious offences.
The arrests included ten men and three women suspected of failing to appear in court, breaching community orders, and not complying with the Sex Offenders’ Register.
Officers also recovered a weapon, drugs, and an illegal e-scooter. One suspect was recalled to prison and linked to multiple offences in Essex and Norfolk.
Sgt Rob Mackenzie said:
“These are not low-level offenders. If there’s a warrant out for you, we will find you and we will arrest you.”
 Man arrested on day he committed multiple arsons is jailed
Jordan Wood, 29, has been jailed for six years and two months after a series of arson attacks in Westcliff and Shoeburyness. He set fire to cars, property and a business in the early hours of 22 April, putting lives at risk and causing thousands of pounds in damage.
Thanks to quick action by detectives and vital information from the public, Wood was arrested the same day. He later admitted five charges including arson with intent to endanger life and possession of a Class B drug.
He’s also been given two 15-year restraining orders to protect victims.
Detective Constable Mark Sawyer said:
“Wood’s actions were reprehensible. It’s very fortunate no one was seriously hurt.”
A man has been jailed for 16 weeks after admitting six assaults in Epping. The 32-year-old who previously lived at The Bell Hotel, was arrested following a series of incidents between 25 July and 12 August. These included four assaults at the hotel and two earlier offences.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of common assault and four counts of assault by beating at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court. He was also ordered to pay £700 in compensation and costs.
A prolific shoplifter who stole around £3,000 worth of goods from two Southend petrol stations in just nine days has been jailed for two years and three months. Lloyd Miller, 33, targeted BP garages in West Street and London Road up to six times a day, stealing food, drink, toiletries and alcohol.
He was caught by a Southend officer and has now also been banned from all BP garages and Co-op stores in Essex for five years, along with other local shops. Miller admitted 28 counts of theft, breaching a criminal behaviour order, burglary and breaching a suspended sentence.
Essex Police say the conviction shows the value of strong partnerships with local businesses and encourage continued reporting of shop thefts.
We're investigating a fatal single-vehicle collision that happened on Dunmow Road, Stebbing, on Sunday 28 September. A man in his 60s sadly died at the scene. Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit is working to understand what led to the incident and support the man’s family during this difficult time.
If you saw anything or have dash cam footage from the area around 6.30am, please get in touch.
A man has been convicted following an armed stop by officers in Colchester. Police acted swiftly after reports of a weapons exchange in the Greenstead area. Armed officers stopped a car on Bromley Road and arrested a man in his 30s. Inside the vehicle, they found three knives and a cosh-style weapon.
Further checks revealed the man was disqualified from driving and had no insurance. Christopher Clyne, 35, of no fixed address, admitted all charges at Colchester Magistrates’ Court.
He’s been released on conditional bail and will be sentenced on 23 October.
 Essex Search and Rescue join officers for two-day training exercise
Essex Police and Essex Search and Rescue (EssexSAR) held a two-day joint training exercise at Hanningfield Reservoir to improve how they respond to high-risk missing person cases.
EssexSAR is a volunteer-led charity with specialist teams including dogs, drones, water, and mountain bikes. They’re available 24/7 and have already spent over 1,100 hours on 60 searches this year.
The training tested decision-making, teamwork, and new equipment like an all-terrain stretcher trolley. It also helped both teams learn how to work together more effectively in real emergencies.
You can support EssexSAR by donating or volunteering.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events across Essex this week
Monday 6 October
10am to 11am
Henham Community Store, High Street, Henham
10am to 12pm
Walton Forum, Walton High Street, Walton on the Naze.
10am to 11am
Quadrant Store, High Street, Chelmsford, CM20LS
12pm to 1pm
Pams Place, Vicarge Mead, Thaxted
Tuesday 7 October
10am to 11am
The Coffee Pot, Church Lane, Little Canfield
10am to 11am
Morrisons Supermarket, Waterglade Retail Park, Old Road, Clacton on Sea
10am to 11am
Memorial Hall, Elsenham
10am to 12pm
Oasis Cafe, Frinton Free Church, Connaught Avenue, Frinton on Sea.
10:30am to 11:30am
The Megacentre Rayleigh, 7 Brook Road, Rayleigh SS6 7UT
11am to 1pm
Outside M&S, 43-45 High Street, Brentwood, United Kingdom,
11:15am to 12:15pm
The Loughton Club, 8 Station Road, Loughton
11:30am to 12:30pm
The Loughton Club, 8 Station Road, Loughton
12pm to 2pm
Asda Rayleigh, Rawreth Lane, Rayleigh SS6 9RN
3pm to 4pm
Galleywood Library, Watchouse Road, Chelmsford
Wednesday 8 October
10am to 11am
Kappa House Coffee Shop, Newport
10am to 11am
Church House, Newport
10:30am to 11:30am
Chelmsford Library, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 1QH
11:30am to 1:30pm
Rayleigh Market, High Street, Rayleigh SS6 7EA
Thursday 9 October
10am to 11am
Felmores End parade of shops, Pitsea, Basildon
10:30am to 11:30am
Thurrock Council cafe, Civic Offices, High Street, Grays
11am to 12pm
Canvey Town Council, the Paddocks, Long Road, Canvey Island
11:30am to 1:30pm
Rayleigh High Street (Outside Boots), High Street, Rayleigh SS6 7EJ
2pm to 4pm
Waltham Abbey Town Hall, Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey
3:30pm to 4:30pm
Marks & Spencer Foodhall, 12-24 Eastwood Road, Rayleigh SS6 7JQ
Friday 10 October
10am to 11am
Oasis cafe, Orsett church centre, High Road
11:30am to 1:30pm
Secret garden tea room, 93 High Street, Rayleigh SS6 7EJ
2pm to 3pm
Clements Hall leisure centre, Rochford SS5 4LN
3pm to 4pm
Costa Coffee, Waterglade Retail Park, Next, Unit 3, Old Road, Clacton on Sea.
Saturday 11 October
10am to 12pm
Roydon Market, Roydon Village Hall, Harlow Road, Roydon
11am to 12pm
Starbucks Coffee Shop, Eastgate Shopping Centre, Basildon
1pm to 3pm
Village Hall, High Street, Henham
6pm to 7pm
Co-op, White Street, Great Dunmow
Sunday 12 October
10am to 11am
Morrisons Supermarket, Centenary Way, Little Clacton.
12pm to 1pm
McDonalds Hadleigh, 124 High Street, Hadleigh, Benfleet
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 while shopping online
Did you know online shopping fraud is the most reported fraud type seen in Essex?
- Use strong passwords and enable Two-Factor Authentication.
- When making a purchase, use a credit card or another secure payment method that offers additional protection.
- If you think you've been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it as a crime.
 Join our team
Police staff jobs
Contact Centre Officers £26,106 to £28,650
Supplier Relationship Manager - Operations and Community Services £51,291
Deputy Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner £76,023
Business Analyst £40,890
Senior Digital Forensic Specialists £47,709
Business Services Assistant £24,219
Police Community Support Officers £26,106 to £31,293
Visit our website for full advert, job descriptions and application form.
 This week we remember
William Edward Paxton
William Paxton served with Essex County Constabulary from April 1, 1911. As a reservist and with the outbreak of war, he returned to the Coldstream Guards after three years. William and four of his colleagues were killed instantly in one shell explosion on 9 October 1915 whilst under fire from German artillery.
Hubert James Edwards
Hubert Edwards served with Essex County Constabulary from May 1, 1912. After three years patrolling the streets, he volunteered to enlist with the 4th Battalion Grenadier Guards on May 18, 1915. Hubert was killed on 12 October 1917 along with 744 others during the first two weeks in October in heavy rain, trying to move forward a few hundred yards to improve their tactical position.
Read more about other Essex officers on the Essex Police Memorial Trust website.
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