News 22 April to 28 April
 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.
 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.
 £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.
Kirby Le Soken: Drink-driver more than four times the limit banned from driving for three years
A woman has been banned from driving for three years after she was caught drink driving in Kirby Le Soken.
Officers were called by a concerned member of the public on 5 March, who reported a possible drink driver.
A rural engagement officer found and stopped the car on Horsey Road. The driver, a-59-year-old woman, was seen with empty alcohol cans in the car and there was a strong smell of alcohol.
She failed a roadside breath test and later tests showed she was more than four times the legal limit. At court, she admitted drink driving and was given a three‑year driving ban. She was also ordered to attend treatment to help with alcohol misuse, complete rehabilitation work, carry out unpaid work, and pay court costs and a victim surcharge.
A shoplifter has been banned from entering any Co‑op store in Essex for 18 months after admitting a large number of thefts.
Kane Lewis, 35, stole more than £4,000 worth of goods between December 2025 and March 2026. The thefts took place at Co‑op stores in Colchester, Ingatestone, Manningtree, West Bergholt and Witham, as well as a BP garage in Colchester and Poplar Nurseries in Marks Tey.
He was arrested after an officer recognised him as being wanted for shoplifting.
A court gave him an 18‑month community order, which includes the store ban, support to help him with drug misuse, rehabilitation work, and an order to pay £300 back in compensation.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Thursday 30 April
10am to 11am
The Brooklands Community Shop, 12 Brooklands Gardens, Jaywick
10am to 11am
Walton Community forum, High Street, Walton on Naze
10am to 11am
Lidl Supermarket, A133, Clacton on Sea
 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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