News 15 October to 21 October
We have seized thousands of pounds of illegal vapes and tobacco products hidden in businesses across Essex as part of our ongoing partnership work to prevent organised crime.
Officers are working with Trading Standards, Border Force and HMRC as part of Operation Machinize, a national operation targeting cash-based money laundering and the illegal trade in tobacco and vapes.
The operation focuses on identifying criminal activity within high street businesses, using intelligence, inspections, and enforcement to disrupt organised crime.
In the last fortnight alone we have identified and targeted businesses in Clacton, Colchester, Harlow, Chelmsford, Basildon, Braintree, Witham, Harwich, Thorpe-le-Soken, Walton-on-the-Naze and Jaywick.
Fifteen people were arrested after the latest Operation Claymore targeting crime along Essex’s borders with London and Hertfordshire.
A cross-force team from Essex, the Met and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) tracked down vehicles believed to be involved in crime using hits from automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.
Activity in Essex was focused on the districts of Epping Forest and Harlow, areas that are easily accessible from the M25 and M11.
Of the 15 arrests, four men were detained on suspicion of car theft and failing to stop after an Audi with false number plates was pursued into East London. The car was reported stolen following a burglary in 2024 and came to a sudden halt after attempting to make off. A search revealed a number of index plates and GPS jamming devices.
 Unsolved Harlow house fire: The Shakoor family murder investigation
“I just want answers. I just want to know why and for the wait to end.
“It’s never something that leaves your mind, it’s the first thing I think about when I wake up.
“That night still haunts me and it always will. You just feel so helpless.”
Those are the words of Dr Abdul Shakoor, the sole survivor of a fire which claimed the lives of six members of his family in Harlow in October 2012.
It’s been 13 years since the devastating fire, in Barn Mead, and detectives within our Serious Crime Directorate remain committed to securing justice for Dr Shakoor.
Dr Shakoor lost his wife, 44-year-old Dr Sabah Usmani, and five children - daughters Hira, 12, and Maheen, three, and sons Sohaib, 11, Muneeb, nine and Rayyan, six.
Speed checks in Harlow
Speed is a major factor in road deaths and serious injuries. People are right to be concerned when they see speeding motorists. Speed limits are important because higher speeds reduce reaction time and increase stopping distance, turning near misses into collisions.
In response to concerns, Special Constables from Harlow carried out speed checks on Rye Hill Road, Staple Tye, Harlow. Within 10 minutes, 3 drivers had been reported with the highest speed detected as 46mph in a 30mph limit.
Special Constables are volunteers, who have the same powers as regular Police Officers. They are a fantastic asset to our police force.
Here’s why speeding is dangerous:
➡️ Higher speeds reduce reaction time to obstacles.
➡️ Faster speeds increase stopping distance, risking collisions.
➡️ High-speed collisions cause more damage and injuries.
➡️ Speeding makes vehicles harder to control, especially in bad weather.
➡️ Speeding endangers pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.
While speed checks not only catch speeding drivers it also discourages others from speeding. Encouraging drivers and motorcyclists to consider their behaviour helps make roads safer for everyone.
 Harlow Policing Snapshot – September 2025
Here’s a look at some of the key work carried out by Harlow officers throughout June:
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96 Missing People Located
Our officers worked swiftly and compassionately to locate 70 individuals reported missing, ensuring they received the support and care they needed.
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69 Reports of Anti-Social Behaviour Investigated
We responded to 78 incidents of anti-social behaviour, acting on concerns raised by our local communities and working to restore peace and reassurance.
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19 Road Traffic Collisions Attended
Officers attended 22 road traffic collisions, prioritising the safety of those involved and helping to keep Harlow’s roads moving.
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154 Domestic Violence Incidents Investigated
We took action on 129 reports of domestic abuse, ensuring victims were safeguarded and connected with the right support services.
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123 Crimes Solved
Our teams successfully solved 123 crimes, holding offenders accountable and helping to deliver justice for victims.
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577 Pieces of Intelligence Submitted
Officers submitted 525 pieces of intelligence, helping us to proactively target and disrupt criminal activity in our communities.
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74 Stop and Searches Conducted
We carried out 71 stop and searches, helping to prevent harm by ensuring individuals weren’t carrying dangerous or illegal items.
 What is an Independent Advisory Group or IAG?
IAG's are a group of influential individuals from a diverse range of communities across the district. They get together four times a year to provide insight and constructive feedback to Essex Police on a variety of policing issues.
It's a place to raise awareness of issues of concern or community tension and members provide a critical analysis of policing policy and practice.
It helps to drive improvements in your police service and ultimately increase your confidence in us.
Are you willing to challenge the police to help them improve?
Are you from a diverse community and want a say on policing?
Are you passionate about voicing the needs and concerns of your community?
If the answer is yes, your local Independent Advisory Group (IAG) may be the place for you.
Be part of a two-way conversation with your local police to discuss significant incidents, influence policy and procedure and give feedback on other policing matters.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Wednesday 22 October 10am to 2pm
Let's Talk - Safe to Go Stow hub, 28 The Stow, Harlow
Wednesday 22 October 11am to 12pm
Let's Talk - Nicholls Field park/cycle track, Harlow
Thursday 23 October 10am to 11am
Let's Talk - Playhouse Square, Harlow
Wednesday 29 October 10am to 2pm
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