From your District Commander
 Chief Inspector Stuart Austin
Residents continue to raise the illegal and anti-social use of e-bikes, e-scooters and other vehicles with me.
I completely understand.
When these vehicles are ridden dangerously or used to intimidate people, it has a real impact on how safe you feel in your own neighbourhoods.
I am really pleased with the progress my teams have made. Since 30 July, my officers and roads policing colleagues have seized 88 illegal e-scooters and e-bikes across Tendring.
But it’s not just about taking them off the road. It’s disrupting wider criminality and providing visible reassurance in places where you have told us you want action. However, I know there is still more to do.
I continue to work closely with partners, councillors and community leaders through Tendring Community Safety Partnership, Clacton's Pride in Place programme and our district tasking meetings.
These discussions are important because many of the issues that influence how safe people feel, including anti-social behaviour, street drinking, lighting, CCTV, housing and the wider town-centre environment, require a coordinated response from several organisations.
As we move into autumn, we remain focused on tackling anti-social behaviour, vehicle-related crime, domestic abuse and repeat victimisation.
We are targeting the people, places and persistent issues that cause the greatest harm, using targeted patrols, problem-solving and enforcement where appropriate.
And we continue to work with our partners to improve confidence and deliver lasting solutions that make a real difference for all our communities across Tendring.
 Adapted e-scooters safety warning as 88 illegal e-scooters and e-bikes seized
Two e-scooters modified so riders could carry a child have been seized by officers during our ongoing work to tackle the illegal and anti-social use of e-scooters and e-bikes across Tendring.
One of the modified e-scooters was being ridden with a child passenger at the time it was seized last month, while the second was not.
Both were being used unlawfully and raised significant safety concerns due to the risks posed to riders and any child passengers, says Inspector Grant Fryatt, of Tendring Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Inspector Fryatt says: "The adapted e-scooter we seized last month was particularly concerning because it involved a young child being carried on a vehicle that was already being used unlawfully.
"These vehicles can pose a real danger when used irresponsibly, both to those riding them and to other members of the public. I know the frustration this behaviour causes and the impact it has on people simply trying to go about their daily lives.
"We are taking a targeted approach and will relentlessly pursue those who ride in an anti-social manner or deliberately use face coverings to conceal their identity while committing crime. We will continue to seize as many of these vehicles as possible from those involved."
 New Rural IAG launched
The views of rural communities across Essex are being represented at the new Essex Police Rural Independent Advisory Group.
Fourteen people from various rural backgrounds, including farmers, business organisations, landowners and the National Farmers’ Union, agreed terms of reference for the new IAG at their first meeting on 30 September.
It is thought to be the first IAG in the country to focus on crimes which specifically affect farmers and rural communities, such as theft of agricultural vehicles and machinery, hare coursing and poaching, livestock worrying, offences targeting stables and large-scale fly-tipping.
Top news stories from around the county
Sixty-eight new officers have taken their oaths and are ready to keep you safe and protect Essex’s neighbourhoods.
In front of their friends and family, the Police, Fire, Crime Commissioner for Essex Roger Hirst, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Jennifer Tolhurst, the High Sheriff Susannah Dutton, Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, the new officers passed out at a ceremony at Essex Police HQ in Chelmsford.
LFR arrests hit 200
“Reaching 200 arrests represents a significant milestone in our use of Live Facial Recognition. That’s 200 suspects brought into custody, 200 investigations progressed and, potentially, 200 victims a step closer to getting justice – all thanks to this technology," says Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings.
Commendations for bridge rescue trio
A schoolteacher, a trainee accountant and a trainee tax advisor have been awarded commendations by the Chief Constable for preventing a potential tragedy.
Nicole Presland and brothers Dan and Ben Thompson stepped in to help a distressed and vulnerable woman on a bridge that crosses the A12 in January this year.
 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
Lock Sheds and Garages
Sheds and garages often hold valuable items like bikes, tools and gardening equipment. These are popular targets for thieves, especially during winter when nights are longer.
Stolen tools can even be used to break into homes. Make sure outbuildings are fitted with strong locks and keep them secured whenever they’re not in use.
Be fraud smart
Never enter personal information after following a link
Never enter personal information after following a link.
Instead, open a new browser window and go directly to the organisation’s official website.
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
Next issue: November 2026.
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