News 29 October to 4 November
“They are an example of the incredible bravery of all our officers trying to do the best for the people they serve, putting others first and putting themselves in harm’s way.”
Officers who faced arresting a man trying to assault them with a knife have seen him convicted at court.
Declan Diedrick left one officer with an injury to her face which required urgent hospital treatment in an attack in Harlow on 29 December 2023.
We received calls with concerns for the safety of Diedrick, 25, of no fixed abode, in Hull Grove on the evening of the incident, before the first two officers at the scene were made aware he was also in possession of the seven-inch serrated kitchen knife.
When they tried to get him to put it down, an altercation with the officers began and Diedrick stabbed one of them before being handcuffed on the floor.
A member of the public also helped officers restrain Diedrick, who he did not attempt to stab.
Diedrick previously admitted wounding without intent and possession of bladed article in a public place, however prosecution proceeded with trial where he denied further charges against him – he was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm with intent by a jury at Chelmsford Crown Court on 30 October 2025.
 Joint Police Operation Targets Cross-Border Criminality in Harlow and Bishops Stortford
In a coordinated effort to tackle cross-border criminality, last week officers from the Harlow Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted multiple operations one of them joining forces with colleagues from the Bishops Stortford Neighbourhood Policing Team, aimed at disrupting criminal activity and enhancing public safety.
These operations focused on intelligence-led, high-visibility patrols across Harlow, Sawbridgeworth, and Bishops Stortford. Officers worked as one team, sharing real-time information and crime trends to proactively detect and deter offenders operating across district boundaries.
Some highlights of activity.
Multiple vehicles stop-checked where insurance and driving licence validity checks conducted.
1 male apprehended and arrested in the act of stealing a pedal cycle, later linked to multiple offences in the Harlow district, male has been Charged and Remanded.
1 Arrest made for drug driving.
4 positive stop searches resulting in further investigations.
Multiple intelligence reports gathered.
6 traffic offence tickets issued.
3 vehicles seized for insurance matters.
A/Insp Kirkby of the Harlow Neighbourhood Policing Team said:
"This operation demonstrates the strength of partnership policing and the impact of intelligence sharing across borders. By working together, we’ve not only disrupted criminal activity but also sent a clear message that offenders will be identified and dealt with, wherever they operate."
The teams plan to continue collaborative efforts to ensure communities remain safe and feel protected.
Can you help?
We’re asking for your help after a man was injured when he was pushed off his bike in Harlow.
It was reported to have happened in Mardyke Road at around 5.10pm on 29 October.
The incident was interrupted by another man who stepped in to help before leaving the scene. He’s been described as wearing dark clothing.
If you saw what happened, or if you have CCTV, dash cam or phone footage from the area, we’d really like to hear from you.
Please quote reference number 42/157050/25 when you get in touch.
You can contact us by:
• Reporting online at https://esxpol.uk/fpoYp
• Using our Live Chat, available 24/7
If you’d prefer to stay anonymous, you can speak to Crimestoppers:
• Visit: https://esxpol.uk/pZHUF
• Call: 0800 555 111
Even small details could make a big difference.
 Community United: Harlow Police and Council Teams Ensure Safe and Joyous Fireworks Night
On Sunday 2 November, thousands of residents gathered at the Showground in Harlow Town Park for the 47th annual Bonfire and Fireworks Night — a cherished tradition that lit up the skies and brought the community together in celebration. Behind the scenes, the event was safeguarded by the dedicated efforts of the Harlow Neighbourhood Police Team and Harlow Council’s Community Safety Team, working in close partnership to ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for all.
The bonfire was lit at 6:15pm, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at 6:30pm. Families, friends, and neighbours enjoyed the festivities with food stalls, refreshments, and community spirit in abundance. But while the crowd looked to the skies, officers and council staff were on the ground, managing public safety, traffic flow, and welfare concerns.
👏 A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the night run safely and smoothly. This is what community partnership looks like!
“More arrests, more charges, more visibility – our Neighbourhood Policing Teams are working for you”.
That’s from one of our most senior officers as he marks six months since our enhanced teams came into effect.
Between the 1 April and the start of October the NPTs made 20 percent more arrests and secured 28 percent more charges than their equivalent teams did during the same time last year.
As part of our commitment to our neighbourhoods, 74 more officer roles were added to our NPTs at the start of April.
 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 5 November 10am to 2pm
Safe to go Stow, 28 The Stow, Harlow
Tuesday 11 November 10am to 2pm
Walk the beat - Meet at GPCA, Abercrombie Way, Harlow
Wednesday 12 November 10am to 2pm
Safe to go Stow, 28 The Stow, Harlow
Tuesday 18 November 12pm to 1pm
Lets Talk - Harlow Museum, Muskham Rd, Harlow
 Fireworks
Everyone should be able to enjoy fireworks safely, whether at an organised display or in their back garden. Here you’ll find out the law around using fireworks as well as how to stay safe, and report those using fireworks in a dangerous or threatening way.
Online shopping
With Christmas fast approaching, Please be aware of Online Shopping frauds that could be taking place.
Shopping online can save time and effort and gives you a wide choice of goods from around the world. Unfortunately, while most buyers and sellers are genuine, fraudsters use online shopping scams because they can hide their identity and target many victims at the same time.
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
 What are the rules relating to fireworks?
It is an offence to:
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possess adult fireworks (all fireworks except category 1 fireworks - party poppers, sparklers, throwdowns etc) in a public place by anyone under the age of 18;
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possess category 4 fireworks (professional display fireworks) by anyone other than a fireworks professional;
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it is illegal to supply adult fireworks to those under 18;
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throw or cast or fire any firework in or into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public space (this would include throwing or firing from a private place into a public place, street, highway etc);
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to light any fire or discharge any firearm or firework (without lawful authority or excuse) within 50 feet of the centre of a highway which consists of or comprises a carriageway, and as a consequence, the highway is damaged.
There is a curfew on the use of adult fireworks between 11 pm and 7 am, except on:
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Bonfire Night (when the curfew is between 12 midnight and 7 am);
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New Year's Eve (when the curfew is between 1 am and 7 am);
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Chinese New Year (when the curfew is between 1 am and 7 am);
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Diwali Night (when the curfew is between 1 am and 7 am).
The penalties for using fireworks outside the above curfew hours are imprisonment (maximum 6 months) and a substantial fine. Please note, you could also commit offences if they were being used to cause a nuisance.
Please see websites in Related Information for details from the Health and Safety Executive on how to safely use fireworks and organise a fireworks display.
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