News 25 March to 31 March
 Monthly Message from Tendring District Commander, Stuart Austin
With warmer weather on the way, our preparations for the busy summer months across Tendring are already well underway. We know that as more people come to enjoy our fantastic coastline and towns, demand for policing increases. I want to reassure you that we are planning carefully to ensure everyone can enjoy the season safely.
I’m also pleased to share that we will be holding a Police Station Open Day on Saturday 30 May. These events are always popular and give us a great opportunity to meet you, have conversations, and showcase some of the excellent work our officers and staff are doing across the district. We would love to see you there.
It has been another busy month for our teams. We’ve taken action against cannabis grows, secured closure orders on properties linked to antisocial behaviour, and continued our work to improve driving standards across Tendring. Officers have also made several arrests and charges as part of their daily work to keep communities safe. We saw a rise in thefts from vehicles in Holland‑on‑Sea and Clacton, but thanks to swift work by our neighbourhood teams, a suspect was arrested, charged, and remanded into custody, and is now awaiting sentencing.
I also want to mention Vitoria Figueiredo Barreto, who at the time of writing remains missing. This has understandably caused concern, and I know the Brightlingsea community has really come together to support her family and friends, showing the very best of community spirit. Please continue to look for official updates as our enquiries progress.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support. Enjoy the spring sunshine, and if you are celebrating Easter, I hope you have a wonderful time with family and friends.
Chief Inspector Stuart Austin
A thorough and meticulous investigation by specialist officers and staff has seen Ashley Warren jailed over the death Esther Martin in a case which is the first of its kind.
Warren, 41, was convicted in February of owning an XL Bully which attacked and killed Esther in Jaywick in February 2024.
The incident took place just days after new legislation banning with ownership of XL Bullies and our investigation was the first its kind under that new legislation.
Esther, who was 68, was fatally attacked by Warren’s dog Bear, and another adult XL Bully, as she tried to separate some of their eight puppies which were fighting.
Our detectives established that 68 year-old Esther had health and mobility issues and didn’t have experience looking after the dogs on her own.
They were also able to show the jury at Warren’s trial that Bear was large and difficult to control and that he was struggling to look after the 10 dogs at his property in Hillman Avenue.
On the day of Esther’s death, Warren had left her to look after the animals while he travelled to London for the day.
A Tendring Police Community Support Officer who regularly chases down criminals is challenging some of the biggest myths about his role.
Over the past 12 months, the PCSO – who has asked we refer to him by his first name Dan – has pursued a prolific shoplifter, a moped rider who failed to stop for police, and most recently completed a lung busting 500 metre sprint to detain a man wanted on recall to prison.
As footage of some of that action is released, Dan takes aim at what he describes as “one of the greatest myths in modern policing”.
He said:
“I hope this is proof that it’s not all lost cats, school visits and neighbour disputes.
“Sometimes, it’s considerably livelier.
“Even though public engagement and intelligence building make up a huge part of a PCSO’s daily life, in reality we’re part mediator, part problem solver, part community guru.
“When it’s justified, we’re perfectly capable of getting hands on.
“PCSOs can, and very much do, step in when needed. It’s in the job description.”
A familiar face in Tendring for more than 20 years, Dan has built an in depth understanding of his communities and the people within them.
PCSOs know their districts well. They are often out on patrol, carrying out street meets, or arriving first at the scene of an incident.
Frequently, they provide a calm and reassuring presence during moments of crisis.
 Search for missing person Vitoria Figueiredo Barreto
We 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. Anyone with information is asked to call 999 or share it through our online portal.
We now believe Vitoria may have been seen at 3.33pm on 3 March, walking alone between Back Waterside Lane and Mill Street, about an hour after she was last seen in Hurst Green. We are keen to hear from anyone who was in that area around that time and may have seen her.
Searches are ongoing and we are also working with international partners to access Vitoria’s phone and banking data. We continue to follow up all sightings and remain determined to find Vitoria and support her family.
 Clacton Traffic Operation Leads to Multiple Offences Detected and a Burglary Arrest
On the morning of 27 March 2026, the Clacton Town Centre Policing Team carried out a planned traffic operation on Carnarvon Road. This activity was arranged in response to concerns raised by residents about vehicle‑related issues, including speeding and unsafe driving.
Throughout the operation, officers stopped vehicles to conduct necessary checks, offer advice, and deal with any identified offences.
The results were as follows:
- 94 vehicles stopped
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2 drivers given words of advice
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2 TORs (Traffic Offence Report) issued for mobile phone use while driving
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1 TOR issued for driving without a seatbelt
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1 vehicle seized for no insurance (the driver was also reported for driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence)
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1 male arrested for a dwelling burglary, after being identified as wanted
While road safety remains a priority for the team, operations like this also help officers identify individuals involved in wider criminality. This particular operation highlights the broader value of proactive policing, addressing community concerns while also removing a wanted burglary suspect from the streets.
The team will continue to respond to community feedback and carry out similar activity to keep Tendring safe.
 Inspiring Young People at the Lift Clacton Careers Event
On Wednesday 25 March, officers from the Clacton Neighbourhood Policing Team were delighted to attend the Careers Fair at Lift Clacton, Pathfields Road.
They were joined by a fantastic range of organisations, all coming together to inspire and support young people as they explore future career opportunities.
A great day for both students and exhibitors!
 Community Speed Checks Highlight Ongoing Safety Efforts
On Sunday 22 and Monday 23 March, our Police Community Support Officer carried out speed checks in Alresford, where 17 vehicles were found exceeding the 30mph limit, the highest recorded speed being 42mph.
The following day in Great Bentley, a further 20 vehicles were captured exceeding the 30mph limit, with a top speed of 51mph.
Thank you to the many drivers who continue to respect the speed limits and help keep our communities safe. Your cooperation makes a real difference.
 Freestyle Performance Arts Theatre School Opens in Harwich
On Sunday 29 March, PCSO Sue from the Harwich Neighbourhood Policing Team was delighted to attend the official opening of Freestyle Performance Arts Theatre School in Harwich.
She joined Cllr Bill Davidson, Chairman of Tendring District Council, to celebrate this exciting new addition to the community and to show support for a project that will offer new creative opportunities for local young people.
 📅 A Date for Your Diary — Join Us for the Clacton Police Station Open Day 2026!
Clacton Police Station is pleased to announce its annual Open Day, taking place on Saturday 30 May 2026 from 11am to 2pm at Beatrice Road, Clacton‑on‑Sea.
Now in its fourth year, this popular community event offers residents of all ages the chance to meet local policing teams, explore police vehicles, and enjoy a range of activities, including opportunities for children to try on police uniforms. Our specialist teams will also be on hand throughout the afternoon to demonstrate the equipment and techniques they use to protect Essex residents and catch criminals.
We will be joined by our emergency service partners and several charitable organisations we work closely with. Their involvement highlights the strong partnerships that help keep Tendring safe.
Whether you’re interested in policing, looking for a family day out, or simply want to connect with your local community, we hope you’ll join us for what promises to be an engaging and enjoyable day for all.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Sunday 5 April 10am to 11am
Poundland, 43-45 Pier Ave, Clacton on Sea CO15 1QE.
Wednesday 8 April 10.30am to 12pm
Coffee morning, St Andrews Church, St Andrews Close, Alresford, CO7 8BL.
Wednesday 8 April 10.30am to 11.30am
Manningtree library, High Street, Manningtree, CO11 1AD.
Thursday 9 April 10am to 11am
CVST Harwich Hub, 276 High Street, Dovercourt, CO12 3PD.
 Crime prevention advice
Opportunistic burglars often look for items they can quickly grab and easily get away with, such as jewellery left unsecured. Avoid hiding valuables in obvious places like cupboards or drawers, as these are often the first places burglars will check.
A good quality, fire rated safe provides extra protection for items that are sentimental or costly to replace. Choosing a safe that can be securely anchored in place adds another layer of protection and can help keep your most valuable possessions secure, even if someone gains access to your home.
Be fraud smart
Never send money or share financial details with someone you have never met in person.
Romance fraudsters are skilled storytellers. Once they believe they’ve gained your trust, they may often introduce a sudden crisis or dramatic story to pressure you into acting quickly.
If a request for money appears, end the conversation and report the profile. If you’ve already sent money or shared details, contact your bank immediately. Banks are experienced in dealing with fraud and can help protect you.
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
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