News 18 March to 24 March
 Clacton: Officer praises brave victim as serial rapist jailed for 17 years
An officer has praised the courage of a survivor after a man who subjected her to years of sexual abuse was jailed for 17 years following an investigation by our Child Abuse Investigation Team. The victim came forward in 2025 and was supported throughout the investigation as she shared what had happened to her over many years.
Ricky Cutts, 37, of Marine Parade East in Clacton, was convicted of multiple sexual offences and sentenced to 17 years in prison, with a further five years on extended licence. He was also given a lifetime Sexual Harm Prevention Order and will remain on the Sex Offenders Register for life.
Officers said the victim showed incredible strength in speaking out and helped bring a dangerous offender to justice, and they continue to encourage anyone who has experienced sexual abuse to report it, knowing they will be listened to and supported.
 Search for missing person Vitoria Figueiredo Barreto
Our officers are continuing to search for 30‑year‑old Vitoria Figueiredo Barreto, who was reported missing on Wednesday 4 March. She was last seen in the Brightlingsea area on Tuesday 3 March. We have carried out extensive searches of land, coastline and water, but Vitoria has not yet been found.
While the majority of physical searches are now complete, our work to find Vitoria is not stopping. We are continuing a number of enquiries, including work around her communications and finances, and are liaising with international partners due to Vitoria being a Brazilian national. We remain determined to provide her loved ones with the answers they need and urge anyone who has seen Vitoria or has information about her whereabouts to contact us on 999 or share information through our dedicated portal.
 Commercial Vehicle Unit arrests five drug drivers during week-long operation
Essex Police arrested five drivers on suspicion of drug driving during a five-day road safety operation on Essex’s main roads.
Officers used an unmarked HGV to spot unsafe driving, including mobile phone use and not wearing seatbelts.
In total, 166 vehicles were stopped, seven were seized, and dozens of other offences were dealt with. We will continue to take action to keep people safe on our roads and tackle dangerous driving.
 Harwich: Ferry passenger arrested at port admits drink-driving
A motorist arrested shortly after driving off a ferry at Harwich has admitted drink-driving. The 39-year-old man from Wolverhampton, was stopped by our rural engagement officers at Harwich International Port during a routine operation.
He later pleaded guilty at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court to driving while over the legal alcohol limit, after providing a breath reading of 105 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, where the legal limit is 35.
He also admitted using a vehicle without insurance. The man has been given an interim driving ban and was released on conditional bail. He will be sentenced at a later court hearing.
 Essex Police Dog Team celebrates success at Eastern Region Police Dog Trials
We are celebrating after our Dog Team won first place at the Eastern Region Police Dog Trials, held across Essex between 11 and 13 March.
Teams from several forces took part, with handlers and dogs tested in realistic policing tasks such as tracking, searching for people, and obedience.
The final day was held at our Headquarters and watched by the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Essex.
Police Dog Khan was named overall Regional Champion, with Police Dog Kylo also qualifying for the National Police Dog Trials in May.
Dog welfare was a priority throughout the event, with strict rules in place to protect their health and wellbeing
 Helping Essex retail and hospitality staff to stay safe
Our Business Crime Team is helping retail and hospitality staff stay safe at work by running free conflict management workshops. The sessions show staff how to spot problems early, stay safe, and use simple communication to calm situations before they get worse. Businesses can also get advice and support to help protect their staff and customers. Business owners and managers are encouraged to get in touch to book a workshop.
 Wildlife crime investigation leads to seizure of illegally-taxidermised bats
Officers have seized items following a wildlife crime investigation in Essex. Specialist officers carried out enquiries after concerns were reported, and evidence was recovered.
Wildlife crime harms animals and the environment, and we work with partners to take action. Anyone who sees or suspects wildlife crime is urged to report it to help protect wildlife across the county.
 Essex Police joins forces with TyreSafe
Essex Police has joined TyreSafe to help tackle dangerous and illegal tyres and make roads safer across Essex.
Our officers regularly find vehicles with worn or unsafe tyres, which can cause serious collisions. Working with TyreSafe, we will raise awareness and encourage drivers to check their tyres.
By law, tyres must have enough tread and be free from serious damage. Driving with illegal tyres can lead to fines and penalty points.
Policing is a demanding job and our officers make thousands of decisions every day as they strive to protect the public, prevent crime and bring criminals to justice.
Whenever people need help or a crime has been committed, our officers enter what can be volatile and emotionally-charged situations and must quickly decide the best course of action.
This is not always straightforward, which is why there are codes of ethics and practice that act as guidance.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Thursday 26 March 3pm to 4pm
Sainsbury’s Supermarket, Samson’s Road, Brightlingsea, CO7 0RN.
Saturday 28 March 1pm to 2pm
Morrisons Supermarket, Waterglade Retail Park, Old Road, Clacton on Sea, CO15 1HX.
Monday 30 March 3pm to 4pm
McDonalds, Pier Avenue, Clacton on Sea, CO15 1QN.
Wednesday 1 April 10am to 11am
Morrisons Supermarket, Centenary way, Little Clacton, CO16 9SB.
Wednesday 1 April 10am to 11am
Walton Community forum, High Street, Walton on Naze, CO14 8AG.
 Crime prevention advice
It only takes a few seconds for someone to take advantage of an unlocked door or open window.
Whether you’re filling up with fuel, paying for parking or unloading shopping, always lock your car and wind the windows up fully.
Making this a habit helps prevent opportunistic theives and keeps your belongings safe.
Be fraud smart
Your bank may ask security questions to verify who you are, but they will never ask you to enter your PIN into your phone or authorise transactions during a call. If you receive a call like this, end the call immediately.
If someone calls claiming to be from your bank, always verify who they are before sharing any personal details. Do this by calling your bank using the number on the back of your bank card, and make sure you use a different phone line.
If possible, use a phone belonging to a family member, friend, or neighbour. Scammers can keep phone lines open after pretending to hang up, making it appear you’re speaking to your bank when you’re not.
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
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