From your District Commander
 Chief Inspector Martin Richards
Community engagement and visible neighbourhood policing remain a key focus across Uttlesford and I attended several events last month to hear your views.
I undertook my annual Chief Inspector’s Tour, in Great Dunmow and Saffron Walden, with local councillors and council staff, with tours of each town, allowing me to see, first-hand, challenges that need addressing.
And two 999 Days brought together our neighbourhood officers and colleagues in our Rural Engagement Team with Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and local partners.
These events help us to remain focused on issues that matter most to residents by providing an opportunity to discuss local concerns and share updates on our operational activity.
Anti-social behaviour continues to be a priority, as of course, does hare coursing, where we are working closely with our rural engagement officers to identify, disrupt and deter offenders.
We have been engaging with local farmers and residents, offering crime prevention advice and explaining what information to report to us if you spot hare coursers in action.
Officers are patrolling hotspot hare coursing locations identified by our communities, while targeted patrols are also focusing on e-scooters and car cruising.
And we’re working with local councils to remind people privately-owned e-scooters are illegal to ride on public roads and land and cannot be insured.
So, a huge thank you to everyone who engages with us, provides information or reports crime and anti-social behaviour. You play a vital role in helping us tackle local issues and improve community safety.
Top news stories from around the district
Football in Essex isn’t just about the beautiful game – it’s about community, safety and making sure everyone enjoys the matchday experience.
That’s where our dedicated football officers (DFOs) PC Niki Howard and PC Keith Baker come in.
Their job’s about building trust and working closely with supporters, clubs and partners to ensure football is safe and welcoming for everyone.
Specific legislation applies to teams from the fifth tier upwards in the English football pyramid and this includes each having a DFO.
So, with Colchester United in EFL League Two and Southend United in the National League this season, the pair will be kept busy, providing a visible and reassuring presence at home and away fixtures.
 Clacton Air Show welcomed thousands from across Essex
The annual Clacton Air Show once again passed off safely with a fantastic atmosphere over the two days, with tens of thousands of people coming together to enjoy the flying displays and celebrate this landmark event.
Police officers and police community support officers from the Tendring Neighbourhood Policing Team, along with colleagues from Roads Policing and Operational Policing Command were on duty across the two days. Officers from the Essex Marine Unit patrolled the coastline to help ensure people were safe in the water and Project Servator officers, alongside colleagues from City of London Police, also kept an eye out for anything unusual on land.
Felsted: Investigation following serious collision on A120
We were called to reports of a collision involving a lorry travelling towards Braintree and a car travelling towards Stansted Airport at around 6.45am on Saturday 22 August. Thankfully no-one was seriously injured in the collision, but there has been substantial damage caused to the central reservation barrier. The driver of the car was taken to hospital for further assessment.
Both carriageways were closed for a number of hours while emergency services worked at the scene. National Highways partially re-opened the road in both directions, but there is still traffic disruption as they carry out essential permanent repairs. We are currently investigating the collision.
 Oliver Smith
Saffron Walden: Family tribute to man who brought 'endless light and laughter'
A family has paid tribute to a father-of-three who died in a collision in Saffron Walden last month and said: ‘he brought endless light and laughter to our lives’.
Officers were called to reports of a single vehicle collision in Cambridge Road, Littlebury, in the early hours of Wednesday 29 July.
Sadly, the driver of the car, 40-year-old Oliver Smith, died at the scene.
Paying tribute his family said:
"We are heartbroken by the sudden passing of Oliver Smith following a road traffic collision on July 29th.
"Oliver brought endless light and laughter to our lives."
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Our officers are out meeting residents across the district.
These events are your chance to:
- Speak directly to your neighbourhood team
- Raise concerns
- Hear about the work happening in your area
Keep an eye on our channels for upcoming dates near you or visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
Crime prevention advice
 Always lock your vehicle and close windows
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
PIN, Passwords and one-time security codes
Your bank will never ask for your full PIN.
Banks already have your details and will not ask you to share them, even to “verify” your account. If anyone asks for this information, it’s a clear sign of a scam and you should end the contact straight away.
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
Next issue: October 2026.
Subscribe to the weekly edition of Dispatch which covers the latest news from across Essex Police. Out every Monday at 10am.
|
