'We're at our strongest when we're most representative'
Essex Police has been named Police Force of the Year at the National Black Police Association awards.
We were praised for our work on the Police Race Action Plan, our Positive Action Engagement Plan, our fourth successive Towards Excellence Conference and our We Value Difference recruitment campaign.
Our nomination detailed the work the force has carried out by our Multi and Ethnic Support Association in relation to the Police Race Action Plan, which involved sharing best practice with all forces in England and Wales.
The force was also praised for putting diversity, equality and inclusion at the centre of our values alongside providing support to ethnic minority candidates through the recruitment process and ensuring pathways into policing are accessible to all.
21 arrests and 11 vehicles seized as officers work to make Essex roads safer
As well as the arrests and seizures on Saturday 11 October, officers also submitted 100 traffic offence reports – all as part of our work to make the county’s roads safer and to prevent and detect crime being carried out on the roads.
Traffic offence reports can lead to a number of outcomes, including a prosecution and official warnings.
The work included a number of significant arrests.
Chelmsford: Detailed and sensitive investigation into non-recent sexual abuse
A man has been jailed for 16 years following a detailed and sensitive investigation by our Child Abuse Investigation Team into non-recent sexual abuse.
The survivor, who was repeatedly assaulted as a child nearly 20 years ago, bravely came forward in 2022. Her courage and the work of our specialist officers led to the conviction of 58-year-old Dave Roper, who was found guilty of six offences.
The survivor said the support she received throughout the process gave her strength and helped her begin the journey of healing. This case shows that it’s never too late to speak out - we will listen, investigate, and support you.
Specialist officers arrest dozens of high-harm offenders in one month
Our Operational Support Group (OSG) has arrested 68 suspects in just one month—including 17 for domestic abuse. They use tools like drones, police dogs and high-visibility patrols to find and stop criminals.
Who are OSG?
The OSG is a team of specially trained officers who help with tough policing jobs. They:
Carry out warrants and enter properties
Patrol areas with high crime
Stop cars linked to crime
Arrest people who pose a serious risk
In August, they:
Took 24 dangerous vehicles off the road
Carried out 50 stop and searches - nearly half found drugs, weapons or stolen items.
Completed 9 warrants and gathered 96 pieces of intelligence.
Temporary Superintendent Ian Hughes said:
“We work hard to catch criminals and protect victims, especially in domestic abuse cases.”
Essex Police target drink and drug driving: 328 arrests made in September
We’ve made 328 arrests in September as part of our ongoing work to tackle drink and drug driving across Essex. This includes:
85 arrests for drink driving
169 for drug driving
21 for failing to provide a breath test
53 for driving while unfit through drink or drugs
This is the highest number of drug driving arrests we've seen in a single month since before the pandemic. Officers from across the force worked together to keep dangerous drivers off our roads.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs - whether illegal or prescription - puts lives at risk. If you’re unsure whether you’re fit to drive, don’t risk it.
Wickford: Officers uncover stolen vehicles at suspected ‘chop shop’
We’ve uncovered a suspected illegal vehicle dismantling site - known as a ‘chop shop’ - in Wickford. Officers found multiple stolen vehicles and parts at the yard, including four complete vehicles, a trailer, and 18 engines. Many of these were stolen from Essex.
A 38-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of handling stolen goods.
These operations strip stolen vehicles for parts, which are then sold on, making it harder to trace the original theft. They also help fund organised crime and put unsafe parts back on the road.
We’re continuing to take strong action against vehicle theft and illegal dismantling. If you see anything suspicious, please report it to us or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Maldon: Pair jailed in drug and money laundering case
Two people have been jailed after our officers uncovered a drug supply line being run from inside prison and on the streets of Maldon.
Abdul Hamid, already serving 18 years for drug offences, was found to be orchestrating a cocaine network from his prison cell. His partner, Shannen Taylor, helped by selling drugs and laundering money through accounts linked to Hamid.
Thanks to a detailed investigation by our Economic Crime Unit, both were convicted. Hamid received an extra six years in prison, and Taylor was sentenced to four-and-a-half years.
A man has been arrested after our roads policing officers spotted a car with false registration plates during a routine patrol in Chadwell St Mary.
The driver failed to stop and was pursued before being arrested in Felicia Way. Officers recovered a coat and bag containing drugs, scales and wraps. The 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and several driving offences, including no insurance and driving without a licence.
He has been released under investigation while we continue our enquiries.
Southend: Officers commit 5,400 hours to peak season patrols
This summer, our officers dedicated over 5,400 hours to patrolling Southend’s busiest areas, helping to keep the city safe and welcoming for everyone. From mid-May to mid-September, our team made 105 arrests, carried out 167 stop searches, and responded to 407 calls for help.
Working closely with Southend-on-Sea City Council, British Transport Police, and local businesses, we tackled crime and anti-social behaviour head-on. Thanks to this joint effort, families and visitors were able to enjoy the seafront peacefully.
Although the summer operation has ended, our Neighbourhood Policing Team continues to patrol the city all year round.
Brentwood: Manslaughter conviction secured following fatal assault
John Moore, 39, has been convicted of killing 63-year-old Francis Reilly in Brentwood following a violent assault last year.
Mr Reilly had visited Moore’s flat in Ingrave Road to confront him over an unpaid debt. During the altercation, Moore attacked Mr Reilly with a hammer and threw him against a wall, causing injuries that would prove fatal. He then continued the assault outside, which was witnessed by a taxi driver who alerted patrolling officers.
Mr Reilly sadly died at the scene. Moore was arrested shortly after and initially charged with murder. He later admitted manslaughter at Basildon Crown Court, and the plea was accepted.
Detective Inspector Lisa Hurrell said:
“Mr Reilly was killed in an utterly senseless act of violence. We hope this conviction brings some closure to his family.”
Meet PCSO Paul Brassey - two decades of dedication
Police Community Support Officer, Paul Brassey, has been a familiar face across Tendring for nearly 20 years.
From community patrols to being first on scene at incidents, Paul’s calm and caring approach has helped keep people safe and reassured.
He joined Essex Police in 2006 after working in engineering, and quickly found his calling in community policing. Whether it’s attending local events, helping vulnerable residents, or saving lives - including a recent sea rescue that earned him a Chief’s Commendation - Paul’s story shows the real impact PCSOs can have.
Paul says: “The most rewarding part is knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.”
Chelmsford: Stolen car recovered and arrest made after pursuit
A stolen Range Rover was recovered just 15 minutes after it was reported missing from a driveway in Chelmsford. Our officers, working with the Metropolitan Police, pursued the vehicle along the A12, M25 and M11 before safely bringing it to a stop using tactical measures including a stinger.
A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. The pursuit caused temporary disruption on the M11.
This swift response shows our commitment to tackling vehicle theft and dangerous driving.
Broxted: Dogs ban for two south Essex men after hare coursing investigation
Two people from south Essex have been banned from owning or keeping dogs for two years after being caught hare coursing near Broxted.
They were seen letting dogs chase hares before hiding in a nearby building site. Officers from our Rural Engagement Team and Uttlesford Neighbourhood Policing Team quickly found and detained them.
Both admitted trespassing with intent to pursue hares and were fined and given disqualification orders under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
Hare coursing is a cruel activity often linked to organised crime and causes damage to farmland. We rely on your reports to help tackle it - if you see it happening, call 999.
Waltham Abbey: Two convicted of attempted murder following shooting
Two men and a woman have been convicted after a man was lured to a flat in Waltham Abbey and shot in the leg.
On 24 November 2024, the victim was called to Howard Close by Margit Knap, 41, of Waltham Abbey. He was unaware that Amir Mahamud, 27, of Garfield Road, Enfield, and Hamidreza Nasiri, 30, of Holbrook Close, Enfield, were waiting to attack him.
As he entered the building, he was assaulted and shot at three times while trying to escape. He crashed his car nearby and received urgent treatment.
Thanks to quick police work, CCTV and forensic evidence, all three were arrested. Mahamud and Nasiri were convicted of attempted murder and firearm offences. Both were also linked to drug dealing.
October is Tyre Safety Month, and we’re reminding drivers across Essex to check their tyres regularly. Bald, damaged or underinflated tyres can lead to breakdowns or serious collisions. It only takes a few minutes to check your tyre pressure, tread depth, and look for any damage – and it could save lives. Remember:
Tread depth must be at least 1.6mm - anything less is illegal.
Check for bulges, tears or objects stuck in the tyre.
Make sure your tyre pressure matches your vehicle’s handbook.
Drivers found with illegal tyres can face fines and penalty points. Before any long journey, take a moment to check your tyres - it’s a simple step that helps keep everyone safe.
A three-year prison sentence has been secured for Trevor Pearce, 63, of Loughton, following an investigation by our Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team.
Pearce was already on the Sex Offenders’ Register and subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) after a previous conviction. During routine checks, officers found he had breached his SHPO by using undeclared devices, deleting browsing history, and failing to disclose mobile apps. He was also found in possession of over 600 indecent images and videos of children, extreme pornography, and upskirting material.
He pleaded guilty to 15 offences at Chelmsford Crown Court. Pearce remains on the Sex Offenders’ Register and under an indefinite SHPO.
For full details of upcoming events, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
Crime prevention advice
Keep your home safe from burglars
Here are some tips to keep your home safe from burglars:
Be aware of unusual signs. Some thieves might leave dirt or small objects in certain places to see if they are cleaned up, indicating that someone is home.
Keep an eye out for anything unusual around your property.
Ensure all doors and windows are locked, even when you're at home.
Set timers for lights to give the impression that someone is home, even if you're out.
Consider installing alarms and cameras to deter potential intruders.
Geographic Contact Officer £26,106 Staff Officer to the Police, Fore and Crime Commissioner £40,890 Contact Centre Officer £26,106 to £28,650 Business Analyst £40,890 Senior Digital Forensic Specialists £47,709
Visit our website for full advert, job descriptions and application form.
This week we remember
Christopher ‘Wiggy’ Wiggins
Chris Wiggins served with Essex Police from 8 March 1982. On 13 October 1992, Chris was on duty patrolling the M25 with PC Richard Raker. They responded to a report of a car on fire and arrived to find it well alight on the hard shoulder. They implemented a lane closure and after cones had been placed and the matrix signs switched on, their police car was struck by a heavy goods vehicle causing it to burst into flames. Chris was alone in the police car at the time and he was killed instantly.
Edward Jack Gillingham
Edward Gillingham served with Southend Borough Constabulary. He and his wife were killed as a result of enemy action on 14 October 1940. A German raider released two heavy bombs whilst being pursued by a British fighter in the Thames Estuary. One of the bombs fell at the rear of Edward’s house where he and his wife were talking a walk together in their garden before he was due to go on duty.
We're offering more ways of reporting non-emergency crime and anti-social behaviour through the digital 101 service on our website.
You can also use the service to contact your local policing team, tell us about something you have seen or heard, or request information.
We also have a 24-hour Live Chat service, where you can send direct messages to a digital 101 operator.
We still have our 24-hour 101 service which people can call if they feel it is more appropriate to speak to us or don't have access to the internet.
Always call 999 if a serious offence is in progress or has just been committed, someone is in immediate danger or harm, property is in danger or being damaged, or a serious disruption to the public is likely.
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service 18000.
British Sign Language (BSL) users please use our video relay service where an interpreter will help you report the crime to us.
If you're in danger but you can't talk on the phone, you should still call 999, then follow these instructions depending on whether you're calling from a mobile or a landline.
