News 3 May to 9 June
 Off-duty detective tackles shop thief days after marathon challenge
An off-duty detective stepped in to stop a shoplifter in Southend after spotting suspicious behaviour outside a shop before starting a night shift.
Detective Sergeant Dan Thrale saw the man trying to leave the store carrying the stolen items and immediately intervened. A struggle followed, lasting around 12 minutes, before uniformed officers arrived to help. Jake Brookes, 35, of Oakleigh Avenue, Southend, was arrested and later charged with theft from a shop obstructing a police officer. What makes this even more remarkable is that just two days earlier, the detective had completed his 11th marathon of the year, leaving him exhausted but still ready to act when it mattered most.
Shoplifting has a real impact on businesses, staff and the wider community. It’s not a victimless crime and we will continue doing everything we can to protect businesses and keep our communities safe.
Community Speed Watch in Essex is marking 20 years of helping keep roads safer, thanks to dedicated local volunteers. Since launching in 2006, the scheme has grown into a county-wide effort with around 1,100 volunteers supporting more than 100 groups.
Run by residents, the scheme sees trained volunteers monitor traffic and share information with police, helping highlight speeding concerns and encourage safer driving. While police lead enforcement, Community Speed Watch plays an important role in education and awareness.
Over the past two decades, volunteers have made a real difference in their communities and continue to support the wider aim of reducing serious injuries and deaths on Essex roads.
A holidaymaker from St Osyth received some unexpected good news while abroad – his stolen van had been found by Essex Police.
The Mercedes Sprinter was taken from St Osyth but was quickly located in Waltham Abbey on 1 June. When officers found it, everything was still inside, including the tools the owner relies on for work.
Officers contacted the owner while he was on holiday in Mallorca, just after he had arrived. He was understandably relieved to hear his van had been recovered safely.
The van was located thanks to a tracking device and police enquiries. Incidents like this show how important simple security measures can be in helping us recover stolen vehicles quickly.
 Speed checks carried out across Tendring
Officers have been carrying out speed checks across Tendring after residents raised concerns about unsafe driving.
In May, a police community support officer carried out seven checks in Alresford, Elmstead, Great Bentley and Thorrington, speaking to and checking hundreds of drivers.
The results were largely positive, with most drivers keeping to safe speeds.
However, a small number were travelling too fast. The highest speed recorded was 49mph in a 30mph zone, and 97 drivers will now face action, which could include a fine, a course to improve their driving, or going to court.
The checks were carried out in areas local people highlighted, and officers say this feedback helps shape where they focus patrols to keep communities safe.
E-scooter and e-bike patrols in Clacton
We’ve heard your concerns about the illegal use of e-scooters in Clacton, and our officers will be carrying out patrols in the area.
We’ll be focusing on privately owned e-scooters being used in public places, as these aren’t allowed by law. Where needed, they may be seized.
We’ll also be checking e-bikes to make sure they meet legal standards and are being used correctly. Bikes that don’t may also be taken off the road.
If you’re concerned about this in your area, speak to our officers on patrol or report it through our website.
 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
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 thieves and keeps your belongings safe.
Be fraud smart
When booking a holiday or buying tickets, take a moment to check who you’re buying from. Scammers often advertise deals that look much cheaper than normal, use fake photos, or ask you to pay by bank transfer instead of through a secure website.
Always do a quick check online, read reviews, and try to contact the company to make sure it’s real. For tickets, only buy from official sellers or trusted sites, and use a credit card if you can for extra protection.
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut and stop. It’s better to pause and check than risk losing your money.
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
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