News 22 April to 28 April
 Officers visit Wickham Bishops Scouts
Our officers recently visited Wickham Bishops to spend time with the 1st Beacon Hill Scout Group.
We talked with the Scouts about how police officers help to keep people safe and took part in some fun, police‑themed activities to help explain what we do.
The children asked some brilliant questions and were keen to share their ideas with us.
Visits like this are important because they help children understand that the police are here to help, and that they can always speak to us if they need support.
A big thank you to the volunteers and Scouts for such a warm welcome - we had a lovely time.
 Van thief jailed within 48 hours
Close working with our partners over the border in London led to the swift arrest, charge and imprisonment of a van thief.
After stealing a vehicle from outside a shop in Maldon High Street on Tuesday 14 April, 29‑year‑old Anthony Lee was identified, pursued and jailed within 48 hours thanks to fast‑moving teamwork between Essex Police, the Metropolitan Police and the National Police Air Service.
Following the theft, Lee drove dangerously towards London, failing to stop for police and putting other road users and pedestrians at risk. A police helicopter tracked his movements as he abandoned the van and attempted to walk away, allowing officers on the ground to arrest him.
Lee was brought back to Essex, charged and later jailed for a year. He was also banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay compensation to the van’s owner.
 Life on the front line of response policing
When you call 999, response officers are usually the first to arrive – stepping straight into fast‑moving, high‑pressure situations. Police Constables Adam Blanch and Jordan Nicholls share what life on response is really like, and why empathy, communication and compassion matter just as much as making quick decisions.
From serious road traffic collisions and domestic incidents to safeguarding vulnerable people, they reflect on the emotional weight of the role, the resilience it takes, and the realities response officers face every day.
 £210,000 of stolen rural machinery recovered
Our Rural Engagement Team (RET) has recovered around £210,000 worth of stolen machinery after tracking data helped officers find it quickly.
Five John Deere Gators and a telehandler were stolen from a rural business in North Essex and later found in the Maldon area. Officers recovered the equipment on Tuesday 21 April, less than 12 hours after it was reported stolen.
The vehicles are commonly used by farmers and rural businesses. They were all found with only minor damage, helping to reduce the impact on the people affected.
 Knife crime down in Essex as hotspot patrols focus on prevention
Knife crime in Essex has fallen by more than 15% over the past year, following our continued focus on hotspot patrols and early intervention to prevent violence before it happens.
Over the last 12 months, 858 serious violence incidents involving knives were recorded, compared with 1,021 the previous year. This reduction reflects our targeted patrols in high‑risk locations, alongside our work with partners to identify and support young people who may be at risk of carrying knives.
Superintendent Neal Miller said every offence prevented is “potentially a life saved,” adding that while the progress is encouraging, we remain determined to do more to keep Essex communities safe.
 Crime prevention advice
When you’re out shopping, a few simple steps can help keep you and your belongings safe.
Try to stay aware of what’s happening around you, especially in busy shops where it’s easy to get distracted. Keep bags zipped up and close to your body, avoid using outer pockets for valuables, and don’t leave phones, wallets or handbags unattended on chairs or in trolleys. If possible, only take what you need with you and keep valuables out of sight.
Small changes like these can make you far less appealing to opportunistic thieves.
Be fraud smart
Why do criminals use gift cards in scams?
Once they have the gift card number and PIN, the money can be spent instantly. There’s no buyer protection, no refund and it’s extremely difficult to trace.
Protect yourself:
- Only buy gift cards for people you genuinely know
- Never share gift card numbers or PINs with anyone
- If something feels off, stop, pause and double‑check
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
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