News 20 May to 26 May
Officers uncovered a large cannabis farm inside a former bank in Clacton after forcing entry early in the morning.
The building had been turned into a professional grow, with ten rooms set up for cultivating plants, along with makeshift ventilation and unsafe wiring. In total, 960 cannabis plants were found and removed.
A 22-year-old man was arrested at the scene after officers found him hiding in the loft. He remains in custody for questioning.
We know drug activity can bring wider harm to communities, including anti-social behaviour and violence. We’re continuing to target organised crime and stop illegal operations like this.
If you notice anything unusual in your area, such as strong smells, covered windows or people coming and going at odd times, please report it so we can act.
 Driver admits drink-driving while disqualified
A motorist arrested in Clacton for driving while drunk and disqualified and found in possession of cocaine has admitted it in court.
William Cross, 37, appeared before Chelmsford magistrates on 19 May, where he pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified in Old Road three days earlier. The court heard he had previously been banned from driving until 15 August 2028.
He also admitted driving with excess alcohol, with 96 microgrammes in 100 millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35 mcgs – driving without insurance and possession of cocaine.
Magistrates released him on conditional bail, which includes not sitting in the front seat of any motor vehicle, until his next hearing on July 13, where he is due to be sentenced.
Two men have been warned and fined after fly-tipping waste in a rural lane near Harwich. Officers responded to repeated reports of rubbish being dumped and, working with Tendring District Council, identified those responsible.
One man, aged 58, visited the location around 50 times between February and April, leaving items including a mattress, clothing and other waste on both private and public land. A second man, aged 40, also dumped materials in the same area and was found to be advertising as a waste collector without a valid licence.
Both have been issued with community protection warnings lasting two years, requiring them to stop this behaviour or face further action, which could include prosecution
We are encouraging the public to use their Live Chat service as demand increases over the summer. Available 24/7, Live Chat connects people directly with a trained call handler who can quickly assess what help is needed and provide support.
Residents are asked to “Stop, Think and Choose” the right way to make contact - using Live Chat or 101 for non-emergencies, and leaving 999 lines free for those in immediate danger.
The service is already seeing around 700 chats per week and helps ensure emergency calls are answered more quickly.
Live Chat can be used to discreetly report concerns, including dangerous driving, helping keep communities safe.
 Tackling concerns together with NHS partners
We joined our partners from the NHS at the Patient Health and Education Event at The Baptist Church on Pier Avenue, where we spoke with local people about issues that matter to them.
We listened to concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour, shared advice on how to stay safe, and talked about the proactive work we are doing to deter crime and support our communities.
Thank you to the organisers for inviting us along, and to everyone who took the time to speak with us.
Two more men charged in ongoing sexual offences investigation
Two more men have been charged as part of an investigation into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences.
A 35-year-old man and a 24-year-old man both from Danbury, were arrested on Thursday 21 May and have since been charged with multiple offences including rape and sexual assault, following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service.
This investigation has already seen two other men charged who are due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 5 June and will remain in custody until then.
 Back of the net! Essex Community Goals returns this June
Essex Community Goals is returning this June, giving young people the chance to get active and connect with police in a fun, informal setting.
The 7-a-side tournament is open to 12 and 13-year-olds of all abilities and will take place at the Essex Police Sports Association ground in Springfield, Chelmsford.
Teams from across the county are invited to take part, with the event designed to build confidence, encourage teamwork and promote positive relationships.
All players will receive a medal, goody bag and lunch on the day. Teams have until Monday 1 June to sign up, with profits from the tournament going to a local charity supporting people with kidney cancer.
 National award for PD Kaiser and handler PC Martin Swain
A police dog and his handler from Essex have been recognised with a national award for their outstanding work.
PC Martin Swain and PD Kaiser received the National Police Chiefs’ Council Police Dogs General Patrol Dog Award, recognising the best operational police dog work across the country.
Kaiser, a five-year-old German Shepherd, has supported a number of incidents, including tracking suspects and helping detain offenders in challenging situations, sometimes putting himself at risk.
The pair were nominated following a year of exceptional work, with PC Swain also highlighting the wider Dog Section for their role in supporting and training Kaiser.
 Spreading road safety message at pre-launch of new Scalextric model
Essex Police officers have been sharing road safety advice at a national motoring event.
Officers from the Roads Policing Unit attended the Slot Car Festival at the British Motor Museum, where a new Scalextric model based on a former Essex Police vehicle was unveiled. Visitors could also see the original 1992 police car alongside a modern police vehicle, showing how things have changed over time.
As well as the display, officers spoke with families and visitors about the “Fatal 5” causes of serious collisions, including speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone at the wheel, and careless or dangerous driving.
The event gave officers the chance to speak with people directly and encourage safer driving.
 Road Safety Team opens time portal - and a can of worms - for classic car owner
Essex Police officers seized a classic car after finding it was not meeting current road laws.
The vehicle, a Ford Orion last produced in 1993, was stopped in South Woodham Ferrers and was still displaying a tax disc that expired in 2011. Checks showed it had no valid MOT since 2012 and was registered as off the road, despite being used.
Officers confirmed the car was also not insured and it was seized.
Police are reminding drivers that, regardless of a vehicle’s age, legal requirements still apply, including having valid insurance, MOT where required, and up-to-date vehicle tax.
 Polly the parrot found in dangerously overloaded van
A dangerously overloaded van has been taken off the road after officers found it carrying an unsafe load, including a caged parrot.
The vehicle was stopped on the A12 after officers spotted items protruding from the rear. Checks revealed unsecured railway sleepers, loose items and a live parrot in the back, with the van found to be nearly three tonnes over its legal weight limit.
The driver was issued with £800 in fines.
Officers are reminding drivers of the importance of loading vehicles safely, securing items properly and staying within weight limits to reduce the risk of serious collisions and keep all road users safe.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Let’s Talk events are informal drop‑in sessions where you can chat with local police officers about what matters to you. Whether it's neighbourhood concerns, local priorities or questions about policing in your area.
There’s no need to book and no pressure to stay, you can just stop by for a quick conversation.
To find a Let’s Talk event happening near you, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
 Crime prevention advice
The packaging from new TVs, gaming consoles or computers can act as an advertisement for what’s inside your home.
Leaving large boxes beside your bin or at the side of the pavement can unintentionally draw attention. Break packaging down and place it inside your recycling bin or take it to a recycling centre. This small change helps reduce the risk of your property being singled out.
Be fraud smart
Be cautious of emails that look like adverts or competitions.
Always check the web address (URL) before clicking on any links.
Some scam emails pretend to be from well-known shops and claim you’ve won a prize, but they’re not genuine. They often use familiar logos and images to make them look real.
If you’re unsure, don’t click on links or share your details. It’s always safer to pause and go direct to their website first.
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
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