News 11 March to 17 March
 Search for missing person Vitoria Figueiredo Barreto
As part of our search for Vitoria Barreto, a laptop believed to belong to her has been found in Brightlingsea. It was located on Saturday 14 March, and her family have been updated and continue to be supported.
We are following up reports of possible sightings in the Bradwell area, with officers present in Bradwell and the Dengie area over the weekend. One line of enquiry is whether Vitoria unmoored a boat from a Brightlingsea pontoon in the early hours of Wednesday 4 March. The boat was later found drifting near Bradwell‑on‑Sea and is believed to have been missing a horseshoe‑shaped buoyancy aid.
Vitoria’s loved ones are asking members of the Brazilian community in Essex to display Brazilian flags to help create a safe and welcoming space for her.
Anyone with sightings or CCTV information is asked to call 999.
Keeping our roads safe is one of the most important responsibilities we share as a community. Every journey - whether to work, school, or the shops – relies on drivers following the law and vehicles being in a safe condition. When standards slip, the consequences can be serious. That’s why Essex Police continues to work closely with partners, volunteers, and local residents to make our roads safer for everyone.
As part of our ongoing road safety work, Tendring’s Neighbourhood Policing Team joined officers from the Road Safety Team on Tuesday 10 March for a dedicated Operation #VisionZero enforcement day, focusing on those breaking traffic laws and putting others at risk.
Chief Inspector Stuart Austin, Tendring district commander, said:
Standards of driving is regularly raised as an issue, so this collaborative effort is appreciated by not only me, but I’m sure by all the residents of Tendring.
Throughout the day, officers worked alongside the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP), visiting local businesses, schools, and Community Speedwatch volunteers - local residents who give their time to highlight the dangers of speeding within their own neighbourhoods.
Their message is clear: safe driving saves lives, and the community plays a vital role in supporting enforcement activity.
 Crackdown nets cash, drugs and key arrests across the county
Over the past week, we carried out a crackdown on drug dealing across Essex, disrupting several County Lines gangs and making 24 arrests. Officers seized large amounts of drugs, more than £108,000 in cash, and vehicles and clothing linked to criminal activity.
This work took place across the county and included warrants, vehicle stops and patrols. We also carried out safeguarding work to help protect vulnerable people, including children at risk of exploitation.
 Essex Police are keeping Vigilant to protect women and girls
Project Vigilant is an Essex Police operation to help keep women and girls safe on nights out. Specially trained officers patrol busy town and city centres, mainly at weekends.
Plain‑clothes officers look out for worrying behaviour and quickly alert uniformed colleagues, who step in to prevent harm and support anyone at risk. Roads policing officers also help by stopping vehicles linked to people known for violent or sexual offences.
Since January, the patrols have led to hundreds of vehicle stops, public interactions and arrests across Essex, helping people feel safer while enjoying the night‑time economy.
 New system to support hauliers moving abnormal indivisible loads through tight situations
Essex Police has introduced a new system to help hauliers move very large loads more safely and with less disruption on Essex roads.
The system lets hauliers ask for short‑term police support at specific problem spots on their route, such as tight junctions or narrow roads. This help can be provided at a single location, without charge where officers are available, instead of needing a full police escort.
Trained officers will assess the load, support it through the risky area if needed, and allow the journey to continue once it is safe. The aim is to reduce risk, avoid delays and road closures, and make the process clearer and cheaper for hauliers, while keeping other road users safe.
 Traffic Operation – Clacton Town Centre
At the end of last week, the Clacton Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out a focused traffic operation aimed at improving road safety, reducing dangerous driving, and engaging with motorists in and around the town centre.
Throughout the operation, officers stopped a total of 168 vehicles, speaking with drivers about safe driving practices and conducting checks to ensure compliance with road traffic legislation.
Key Outcomes
- 168 vehicles stopped and checked
- 1 electric scooter seized for illegal road use
- 1 road traffic collision attended during the operation
- 3 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) issued for no seatbelt
- 1 Traffic Offence Report issued for using a mobile phone while driving
This operation provided valuable visibility and reassurance to the community while helping to address behaviours that contribute to road related harm.
We will continue to run similar targeted operations as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety across the Tendring District.
 Two Special Visitors Join the Marine Unit Aboard ‘Toby Speller’
Last weekend, our Marine Unit welcomed two young visitors aboard Police Launch Toby Speller in Harwich. They’d asked to explore the boat and learn more about the vital work our Marine Officers do to keep Essex’s waterways and coastal communities safe.
The boys were given a full tour of the vessel, discovering the specialist equipment onboard, from navigation systems to safety gear and the tools used during daily patrols. To top it off, officers took them on a short trip around the harbour, giving them a real taste of life on the water.
Engaging with young people in this way is an important part of our policing approach. It helps build trust, breaks down barriers, and gives them an insight into the many roles within policing that help keep their communities safe.
The Marine Unit were delighted to host the visit, and the boys left with big smiles, and perhaps the first spark of a future career in policing!
 Crafting Community Connections in Harwich
On Thursday 12 March, officers from the Harwich Neighbourhood Policing Team held a 'Lets Talk' event at the Community Voluntary Services Tendring (CVST) hub in Dovercourt to spend time with members of the craft group.
It was a blooming lovely session, with members creating colourful pipe‑cleaner flowers using an online tutorial. Everyone had great fun and made some beautiful blooms that will brighten the space throughout Spring.
Thank you to CVST for welcoming the team and facilitating an enjoyable and creative session!
 Empowering Local Women Through Fraud Awareness
On Wednesday 11 March, 20 ladies from the Alresford Co‑op Women’s Guild welcomed Tammy, the district’s Fraud Prevention Coordinator, for an informative and engaging session at Alresford Village Hall.
The visit covered current fraud trends, how to recognise common scam tactics, and practical steps everyone can take to stay safe.
The group had the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and build confidence in spotting potential fraud.
A great opportunity for the community to learn, stay informed, and remain one step ahead of scams.
If you know a group that you feel would benefit from a visit, please email Tammy at: 42079913@essex.police.uk
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Thursday 19 March
10am to 12pm
Walton Library, 52 High Street, Walton on Naze
Friday 20 March
10am to 12pm
Walton food bank, Standley Road, Walton on Naze
Saturday 21 March
10am to 11am
Manningtree Market, Marketplace, Manningtree,
3pm to 4pm
Poundland, 43-45 Pier Ave, Clacton on Sea
Monday 23 March
10am to 11am
Morrisons Supermarket, Centenary way, Little Clacton
Tuesday 24 March
10am to 11am
Asda Supermarket, Bull Hill Road, Clacton on Sea,
10am to 11am
Brightlingsea Community Centre coffee morning, Lower Park Road
 Crime prevention advice
Secure Sliding and Patio Doors
Sliding and patio doors can sometimes be lifted off their tracks, especially older models.
An anti‑lift device or additional locking bar prevents this and adds more resistance against forced entry. These devices are inexpensive, quick to install and offer valuable extra protection for one of the home’s more vulnerable access points.
Be fraud smart
Watch Out for Vehicle Defrauding Scams
We’ve had reports of fraudsters targeting people selling their cars privately.
In some instances, fraudsters are turning up to view a vehicle and secretly pouring oil onto the engine or exhaust. During the test drive, this creates smoke to make the car appear faulty. They then push for a much lower price or in some cases try to drive off with the vehicle altogether.
Keep Yourself Safe
- Always stay with your vehicle during a viewing and test drives.
- Don’t leave the engine running while you’re not there.
- Keep your vehicle keys with you until the sale is fully agreed.
If something feels off, stop the viewing.
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
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