From your District Commander
 Chief Inspector Stuart Austin
August is traditionally one of our busiest periods in Tendring as tens of thousands of visitors come to enjoy our coast and, of course, the Clacton Airshow.
We’re working closely with Tendring District Council and other agencies, planning additional policing resources to ensure the event remains safe and enjoyable for everyone.
You’ll see my officers along the seafront and in the town centre so, if you’ve got something to tell us, do come and say hello.
Throughout August, we’ll continue to tackle anti-social behaviour and community concerns across the district, particularly the misuse of ebikes, electric scooters and off-road motorcycles.
We’ll continue with enforcement but, taking a broader approach, we’ve been working closely with schools, parents, housing providers and partner agencies to educate the young people involved about the risks and legal implications of their behaviour.
 In the past five weeks, my officers have recovered stolen motorbikes, seized multiple ebikes, dirt bikes and mopeds linked to criminality, arrested suspects for vehicle theft and recovered significant quantities of stolen property.
Where persistent anti-social behaviour and criminality are linked to council tenancies, we work with the council to explore all available interventions.
We’ve also been tackling street drinking, shop theft and other issues of concern to you. Through the force’s summer policing operation, we’re allocated extra officers which enable us to increase our patrols in hotspot locations, quickly respond to incidents and proactively target offenders.
All this operational work helps to ensure Tendring remains safe to live, work and visit.
Top news stories from around the county
Essex Police marine officers were out on patrol again as part of Operation Wave-Breaker, targeting dangerous and anti-social behaviour on the county’s waterways. A man in his 80s was reported for prosecution after allegedly riding a personal watercraft at 15 knots in a 4-knot zone on Brightlingsea Creek, while three other riders were also reported for speeding on the River Colne.
The weekend also saw officers support Blackwater Sailing Club’s annual Cadet Week, giving young people the chance to explore patrol boat Sentinel and learn about the Marine Unit’s work. Officers later patrolled the Essex coast and Thames Estuary, engaging with local boat users and promoting safe use of the waterways.
 Perry Stearns
Harwich: shoplifter banned for two years
Perry Stearns, 34, of no fixed address, has been banned from six shops in Harwich and Dovercourt for two years after admitting 10 shop theft offences at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 20 July. The thefts took place between 18 April and 8 July and targeted Tesco Express in Dovercourt, the Co-op on Harwich High Street, Home Bargains and Argos in Parkeston, and the Asda and Co-op in Harwich.
Following his arrest on 19 July, Stearns pleaded guilty and was given a Criminal Behaviour Order, a two-week prison sentence suspended for 12 months, and ordered to undertake drug rehabilitation treatment.
 Motorist banned for almost six years for drink-driving while disqualified
A motorist has been banned from driving for 71 months after he was arrested in Clacton for driving while drunk and disqualified and found in possession of cocaine.
William Cross, 37, appeared before Colchester magistrates on 13 July. He had previously pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified in Old Road on 16 May 2026. The court heard he was banned from driving until 15 August 2028.
Cross had also admitted driving with excess alcohol, with 96microgrammes in 100millilitres of breath – the legal limit is 35mcgs – driving without insurance and possession of cocaine.
Magistrates disqualified Cross from driving for 71 months, and gave him a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation activity, and an order was also made for the forfeiture and destruction of the cocaine.
 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
A shed alarm can add another layer of protection for tools, bikes and garden equipment. Many are simple to fit and can make a loud noise if the shed is opened or disturbed. This can draw attention and put off someone looking for an easy target.
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 - 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.
Next issue: September 2026.
Subscribe to the weekly edition of Dispatch which covers the latest news from across Essex Police. Out every Monday at 10am.
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