From your District Commander
 Chief Inspector Stuart Austin
I write this just after Clacton Air Show, which, once again, passed off safely and without incident.
A huge amount of work goes into security planning for the event. I’d like to acknowledge the part played not just by Essex Police but the organisers, Tendring District Council, the military and other partners in ensuring visitor safety.
Throughout August, we continued our focus on theft and vehicle crime, as well as the dangerous use of e-bikes, e-scooters and off-road motorcycles.
Working closely with specialist colleagues and partners, we identified offenders, seized vehicles linked to criminality and recovered a significant amount of suspected stolen property and vehicles across Tendring.
This work is often less visible than other policing operations but it makes a real difference in preventing crime, protecting victims and reducing the impact that theft and vehicle crime can have on our communities.
Personally, I have spent time in our communities. A highlight was a public meeting of Holland Residents’ Association, where we discussed concerns around anti-social behaviour, vehicle crime and community safety.
Such meetings are an invaluable opportunity to listen, answer questions and strengthen the relationships that are so important to effective neighbourhood policing.
This month sees the formal opening of Dovercourt Police Station, which will reinforce our presence in Harwich and the surrounding area.
Thank you to everyone who continues to engage with us. Your feedback helps shape our priorities and ensures we remain focused on the policing issues that matter most to our communities.
Top news stories from around the district
 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.
 Targeting anti-social use of e-scooters and motorcycles
Tendring Neighbourhood Policing Team joined forces with the Roads Safety Team for a day of action targeting the anti-social and illegal use of e-scooters, e-bikes and motorcycles across the town.
The operation resulted in:
- 17 Traffic Offence Reports being issued
- 27 vehicles and e-scooters being seized
- One driver being arrested after failing a roadside drug test
- One driver being arrested after failing a roadside drug test and being found to have no driving licence or insurance
During the two-day operation, officers attempted to stop an Aprilia motorbike after concerns about its use. The rider failed to stop and was safely pursued before coming to a halt.
The rider was arrested on suspicion of driving while disqualified, theft of a motor vehicle, failing to stop for police, dangerous driving and driving without insurance.
A man has appeared in court charged with seven child sexual offences.
Richard David, 66, of Bovingdon Road, Fulham, is charged with five counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault by touching.
The charges relate to offences against two girls between 1998 and 2004 in the St Osyth area.
He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 19 August and is next due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 16 September.
If you have any information connected to this information please contact us quoting the case reference 42/MR/17015/25.
Two-year-old child seriously injured in collision
Roads policing officers investigating a serious collision involving a young child in Clacton on Thursday 13 August are urgently appealing for witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage to contact them.
We were called to reports of a collision involving an electric bike and a two-year-old pedestrian in Pathfields Road at about 9pm.
The child sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital by air ambulance.
The electric bike involved in the collision is described as having a scrambler design with red handlebars.
The rider failed to stop at the scene and was described as wearing a grey hoodie top and a balaclava.
Officers stopped several witnesses at the scene and are pursuing several lines of enquiry.
Motorcyclist charged after pursuit
The incident took place on Thursday 30 July in St John’s Road when a police motorcyclist was patrolling as part of a crackdown on anti-social driving.
The police motorcyclist began the pursuit shortly after 1.30pm, when the motorbike rider failed to stop.
A pursuit which reached speeds of 100mph was safely ended when the motorbike rider pulled over. A man was then arrested.
We’ve now charged Jack Housman, 20, of Station Road, Clacton, with failing to stop, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and driving whilst disqualified.
He is due to appear in Colchester Magistrates’ Court on 9 September.
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.
 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
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.
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