Honouring courage and sacrifice: We reflect on Remembrance Day
At Essex Police, Remembrance Day is a rare opportunity to reflect and honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country.
Remembrance Day is a time to honour those who served, to remember the fallen and to acknowledge the profound impact of their sacrifice.
Among our ranks are officers and police staff whose loved ones served in conflicts across the globe and at home. Their stories of bravery are more than history; they are a legacy and a source of inspiration to us all.
For PC Dan Brown in our Operational Support Group, Remembrance Sunday is a powerful reminder of the legacy of service that shaped his life.
“My great-grandfather, Captain William Edward Wheeler DCM (Distinguished Conduct Medal), was a true hero.
"He served in both World Wars, showing incredible bravery from rescuing his commanding officer under fire during the Battle of the Somme and received the Distinguished Conduct medal 2nd only to the Victoria Cross.
"He later served with the Auxiliary Division Royal Irish Constabulary as a section leader. His courage and resilience have always inspired me.”
Third man convicted over Roydon party murder of Robert Powell
A third killer has been convicted for his role in the murder of a man outside a party in Roydon thanks to the relentless work of our major crime detectives.
Temitope Adeyinka, 41, stood trial at Woolwich Crown Court charged with murdering 50-year-old Robert Powell in the early hours of 13 June 2020.
Mr Powell, who left a party at an address in Water Lane at around 4.45am, was shot eight times and later died in hospital.
Two women were also inadvertently caught in the hail of bullets and suffered serious injuries.
The principal organiser the hit, Nana Oppong, 45, and associate Israar Shah, 41, were both convicted of murder last year and jailed for life.
Loughton: Burglars caught red-handed after swift response
Two burglars were swiftly apprehended in Loughton after attempting to break into a home on Sunday, 23 August. The homeowner, alerted by his security cameras while away, noticed suspicious activity and called 999 at 4:05pm. Within 15 minutes, officers from the Loughton Local Policing Team arrived and arrested the suspects, Sergio Prieto and Juan Martinez Rodgriguez, who had entered the property through an upstairs window and caused damage to doors, windows, and wiring in an effort to disable security systems.
Martinez-Rodgriguez was caught trying to flee through the back garden, carrying tools including a hydraulic press, screwdriver, and crowbar. Prieto was found inside the house with garden clippers. A drone was also recovered from the scene. Both men, who had no fixed address, were charged with burglary following an investigation by Loughton CID. They admitted the charges and were sentenced to 14 months in prison at Chelmsford Crown Court.
This incident highlights the effectiveness of rapid police response and community vigilance. Essex Police reported attending every home burglary in the past 11 months, with 282 arrests made in September and 224 in October for residential burglary. A specialist team continues to investigate whether Prieto and Martinez-Rodgriguez are linked to further offences.
Essex Police take part in national crackdown on vehicle crime
Between 13 and 15 October, Essex Police joined forces across the country in a national week of action to tackle vehicle crime.
The operation, called Operation Alliances, brought together police forces and partners to tackle vehicle crime by focussing on stopping organised crime groups and criminals who use vehicles to commit offences like theft and drug driving.
During a three-day enforcement push, Essex Police made a real impact. Officers from teams across the force worked together using intelligence and collaboration to catch criminals, recover stolen vehicles, and keep our roads safe.
Key outcomes included:
20 arrests for crimes including burglary, drug and drink driving, immigration offences, and carrying weapons.
16 vehicles seized.
9 stolen vehicles recovered, including a stolen Toyota Hilux and a cloned car chased into London.
37 traffic offence reports issued.
A suspected illegal garage (known as a “chop shop”) was found in High Roding, with four stolen vehicles and 15 fuel tanks discovered.
Police also found drugs, weapons, and useful information that will help with future investigations.
During a routine patrol on the A12 near Witham, Essex Roads Policing Unit officers stopped a suspicious van and uncovered a series of alarming violations. The van was found to be cloned, a serious offence often linked to criminal activity. Inside, a passenger was bizarrely seated on a garden chair in place of the front seat, while eight others were dangerously crammed into the rear without seatbelts or proper seating, surrounded by mattresses.
Further checks revealed the driver was operating outside the terms of his licence and had no insurance. The van was seized immediately, and the driver was reported for multiple offences, highlighting the critical role of vigilant road policing in preventing potentially deadly situations.
Brentwood: Range Rover on cloned plates stopped on A12
Brian Howard, a 56-year-old man from Basildon, has been banned from all BP service stations in Essex for five years following a series of shoplifting offences. He admitted to stealing food and groceries worth at least £1,900 from BP garages on East Mayne and Nether Mayne between May and October. The Basildon Neighbourhood Policing Team gathered extensive CCTV footage and witness statements, leaving Howard with no option but to plead guilty at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on 31 October.
As part of his sentencing, Howard received a 12-week jail term suspended for 12 months, was ordered to complete a six-month drug rehabilitation programme, and participate in 30 days of rehabilitation activity. He must also pay £1,855.71 in compensation to the affected garages. A criminal behaviour order now prohibits him from entering any BP forecourt or shop for five years, with breaches potentially resulting in fines or imprisonment.
23 arrests in one day as officers target drink and drug drivers
Our officers made 23 arrests — 22 of which were for drink or drug driving — during a targeted road safety operation on Friday 31 October.
Officers were out in force to keep people safe on the roads, and the results show just how vital these operations are.
In total:
23 arrests
76 traffic offences were recorded
23 vehicles were seized
88 speeding offences were identified using TRUCAM speed guns—all in 30mph zones
The operation highlights the ongoing dangers of drink and drug driving, especially during busy weekends. Essex Police remain committed to tackling this issue and protecting road users.
Colchester: Rapist sentenced to 14 years in prison
Officers have praised the bravery of a woman reporting she was raped as her attacker was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Daniel Oldfield, 48, of no fixed abode, attacked his victim in her own home in April 2022.
On the night of 2 April, Oldfield had been sleeping elsewhere in the property but entered the woman’s bedroom and attacked her, injuring her hand and holding her by the neck before leaving the room.
Later the same evening he attacked the woman again, as she slept, raping and sexually assaulting her.
He was charged and remanded in custody from November 2022, and following a two-week trial, a jury at Ipswich Crown Court found Oldfield guilty of rape and sexual assault by penetration by majority verdict 11-1 in August 2024.
He has now been jailed for 14 years and given an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order following a hearing at the same court on 30 October 2025.
A drug dealer who tried to run a crack cocaine and heroin supply business from prison faces an additional six years behind bars after our officers traced the evidence back to him.
We’ve also secured a Serious Crime Prevention Order against him, which will restrict his ability to return to the same criminal activity and ensure he is closely monitored upon his release.
Donrico Rowe, 26, thought he could distance himself from the risky work selling harmful drugs on the streets of Essex.
Unfortunately for him, as we had already done with each of his associates, our Operation Raptor teams tracked him down.
We have successfully intercepted a vehicle linked to bulk shop thefts, thanks to coordinated efforts between frontline officers and the Operational Support Group.
On Saturday 1 November officers tracked a vehicle travelling along the A12 from Suffolk, suspected to be involved in a series of thefts. The vehicle was located near Shenfield, where officers swiftly intervened and brought it to a safe stop.
Both the driver and passenger were arrested at the scene after a large quantity of suspected stolen items was discovered inside the vehicle. In addition to the theft-related offences, the driver was also found not wearing a seatbelt and was dealt with accordingly.
Man jailed for causing injury that left two seriously injured
Work by specialist roads policing officers has ensured a driver who caused a collision that seriously injured two has been jailed.
Our officers identified John Doocey was driving a Nissan NT400 flatbed van at 90mph along the A133 at Frating on around 7.05pm on 3 August this year.
They established he had attempted a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre during extremely poor conditions, with heavy rainfall limiting visibility and leaving significant standing water on the road.
Shortly after the overtake, Doocey lost control of his vehicle which fishtailed, left the carriageway, rolled, and hit a tree.
One of his passengers was able to get out of the vehicle but the other was trapped until emergency services were able to get him out.
The passenger who was trapped sustained a potentially life-changing spinal injury while the other was left with a broken ankle.
Doocey, 30, of High Road, Trimley St. Martin in Suffolk was arrested at the scene and later charged with two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He admitted the charges at Ipswich Crown Court on 8 October and, at the same court on Friday 31 October, was jailed for three years.
He has also been given a three year disqualification and will have to undertake an extended retest.
It’s Safer Business Action (SaBA) Week and we’re taking the opportunity to highlight the work of our dedicated Business Crime Team.
These specialist officers work year-round to support local businesses in our communities, helping them to prevent crime and protect staff and customers.
The team understands that crimes affecting businesses - such as theft, fraud, cybercrime, and abuse - can be complex and targeted.
And so they offer tailored support, ranging from crime prevention and safeguarding advice to bespoke cybercrime & fraud clinics and conflict management workshops.
Whether it’s a visit from a business crime officer or a workshop or drop-in session, you’ll be given practical guidance to help keep your customers safe and your business secure.
For full details of upcoming events, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
Crime prevention advice
Protect your belongings
Leaving valuable items visible in your car can attract opportunistic thieves.
Always try to remove or conceal items such as phones, GPS devices, chargers, cash, wallets, purses, sunglasses, jackets, bags, and other valuables whenever possible.
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This week we remember
Jo-Ann Jennings
Jo-Ann Jennings was nearly 21 when she joined the regular force after serving as a special constable in her home town of Benfleet for almost two years. Her first posting was to Grays, where she met her responsibilities with vigour and determination, soon becoming a respected and valued member of the relief.
She welcomed the challenge of a transfer to Corringham in the autumn of 1989, and was readily accepted by her new colleagues. Jo-Ann Jennings was enthusiastically settling in at her new station when tragedy struck.
During the early hours of Remembrance Sunday 1989, she was passenger in a police car which was involved in an unexplained accident in Brentwood Road, Orsett. So severe were her injuries that she died shortly afterwards. Jo-Ann's Jennings colleagues remember her warmth, sincerity, strong sense of commitment, and the obvious pride with which she served the community.
Alexander ‘Alex’ Simpson Scott
Alexander Scott served with Essex County Constabulary from 1 June 1934. He became a motor patrol driver at Headquarters, qualifying as a first class driver and wireless operator.
When war began, traffic officers were armed with revolvers and given the extra job of guarding HQ. Teams of three men worked a 24 hour shift, taking it in turns to watch for fires and guard the front and back of the main buildings.
During a night raid on London, one German plane turned back towards Chelmsford and dropped its shrapnel bombs on HQ: Alex Scott was one of two officers killed.
Maurice ‘Dixie’ George Lee
Maurice Lee served with Essex County Constabulary from November 6, 1935. He was working at HQ one evening in November 1940 when a German bomber returning from a raid on London dropped a number of shrapnel bombs. One fell under the clock tower, one in the Chief Constable's garden, and the others in nearby fields. Dixie Lee and Alex Scott were two of the officers on guard duty that night and both were fatally injured.
Dixie Lee died later in the day at Chelmsford Hospital aged 29.
The Chief Constable regrets to inform you of the sad death of our former colleague Terence Fisher who retired as a Sergeant in 1989 and served with the Southend Borough. He leaves a widow Wendy. He passed away on the 5 October 2025 aged 83 years.
When and how to contact the Police
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.
