Essex Police - Rochford District

Two men have been charged as part of an investigation into the sale of drugs in the south of the county.

The pair was arrested in St Marks Field and St Clare Meadow, Rochford on Monday (15 July).

It’s part of an investigation by our Op Raptor team into drug related deaths in the Basildon area.

The men have now been charged.

Read more on our website, link in the comments.

Keeping Our Community Safe!

Our dedicated policing teams have been out and about, patrolling the areas that matter most to YOU. Whether it is your neighborhood, local parks, or busy town centers, we’ve got you covered!

Here’s just some of the things we’ve been up to over the past week:

Neighborhood Patrols: Ensuring your streets are safe and sound.
Park Walks: Making sure our open spaces are family-friendly and fun.
Town Center Presence: Keeping our shopping areas safe and secure.

We are not just here to respond to incidents but to prevent them too. Our visible presence aims to deter crime and provide reassurance to all our residents. Your safety is our top priority!

You can also stay up to date with what we are doing in your area by signing up to Dispatch - Rochford edition.

Your ‘one-stop-shop' for local police news, advice and more – direct from the source.

Sign up today for your free weekly e-newsletter by searching ‘Essex Police Dispatch’.

Keep Your Ride Safe: Tips to Prevent Vehicle Theft

We want to share some essential tips to help you prevent vehicle theft. Our vehicles are more than just a mode of transport; they’re a crucial part of our daily lives. Let's work together to keep them safe and secure!

1. Always lock it
Fuelling up or popping back into your house to get something are perfect examples of how easy it is to turn your back for a moment and forget your vehicle is unsecured. So, get into the habit of locking your vehicle even if you’re only going to be away from it for a moment.

If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked.

2. Close windows and the sunroof to prevent ‘fishing’
Leaving windows and the sunroof open invites fishing for items through the gap by hand or with, say, a bent coat hanger, which could also be used to unlock a door for them to get in. Thieves can be ingenious. Don’t give them the opportunity.

3. Secure your number plates with tamper-resistant screws
The easiest way to change the identity of a stolen vehicle or avoid speeding tickets and parking tickets is to fit stolen number plates. Using security screws to attach your vehicle’s number plates makes it harder for thieves to get your number.

4. Fit locking, anti-tamper wheel nuts to secure alloy wheels
Stolen wheels are valuable, either as parts or for their scrap value. Using locking wheel nuts reduces the risk of your vehicle’s wheels being stolen.

5. Secure anything that’s on the outside of your vehicle
Anything left on roof-racks, tailgate racks, holiday top boxes or in tool chests are easily stolen when the vehicle is parked. The use of cable locks, padlocks and self-locking tools chests, which are secured to the vehicle, makes them more secure, but still, don’t leave things in them if you can avoid it.

6. Take it with you or hide it
Your mobile phone, coins for the car park, sunglasses, packs of medication or other items that can earn quick cash are irresistible to the opportunist thief. Remember, the cost of replacing a window is often much more than that of what’s stolen. And it should go without saying that wallets, handbags, purses and credit cards should never be left in an unattended vehicle.

7. Hide electrical items and leave no clues
Leaving Sat Nav mounts, suction cup marks on windows or cables on view gives it away that you may have left a Sat Nav, smartphone or other device in your car. Even if they can’t see the Sat Nav or iPad they might still break in to see if it’s stored in the car, out of sight.

8. Tool theft from vans
Vans are often targeted by thieves for the tools stored inside. If you have to leave tools in a van overnight, it's a good idea to mark them clearly with your name / company name and address using paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray. Alternatively, you can use a variety of other property marking systems. Items that are clearly marked are less desirable and more difficult to sell on.

By following these simple steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of vehicle theft. Let's keep our community safe and our cars where they belong – with us!

Remember, if you see something suspicious, don’t hesitate to contact Essex Police. Your vigilance can make a huge difference!

You can read more about crime prevention advice here: http://esxpol.uk/vKvsB

You can also stay up to date with what we are doing in your area by signing up to Dispatch - Rochford edition.

Your ‘one-stop-shop' for local police news, advice and more – direct from the source.

Sign up today for your free weekly e-newsletter by searching ‘Essex Police Dispatch’.

A man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent after an assault in Rayleigh.

We were called to reports of the assault at about 12.10am on Friday 12 July at an address in Tyrell Road.

The victim reported being physically assaulted and injured with a knife before managing to leave the property.

Read more on our website, link in the comments.

We are listening to your concerns, and as a result, our policing teams have been conducting both uniformed, and non-uniformed plain clothed patrols, right across the district.

We have been out on foot patrols, day, and night, keeping a watchful eye on your properties, but also making use of our vehicles to conduct stop checks on cars, ensuring they are in the control of people authorised to be.

If you need to let us know about anything effecting you, you can let us know here: http://esxpol.uk/uIidN

This week, thanks to our partners at the Co-op, Spa Road, Hockley, we have been able to engage with many of our residents at their store and provide crime prevention advice.

If you missed us, you could obtain advice here: http://esxpol.uk/OVvEG

You can also stay up to date with what we are doing in your area by signing up to Dispatch - Rochford edition.

Your ‘one-stop-shop' for local police news, advice and more – direct from the source.

Sign up today for your free weekly e-newsletter by searching ‘Essex Police Dispatch’.

If you’re visiting the coast this summer, look out for our marine officers who will be looking out for you if you’re on or in the water.

Do stop and say hello if you see them – they’re keen to share their knowledge about how to keep yourself and fellow water-users safe.

As the school summer holidays approach, we know more people will be heading to the coast to relax and have fun.

Whether that’s swimming, kayaking or paddle-boarding or hiring a boat or a personal watercraft (PWC), our Marine Unit will be helping to keep you safe.

And the two Maldon District Council-funded PWCs they use are a valuable asset for policing our shallow coastal areas and rivers.

Sergeant Alex Southgate says: “Areas close to the shore are subject to speed limits which help to make sure the Essex coastline is a safe place for everyone.

“We focus our patrols along the coast in areas known for suffering repeat water-based anti-social behaviour, such as speeding on personal watercraft.

“We engage with water-users to raise awareness of our PWC Code of Conduct and why council byelaws are in place - to keep them, other water-users and a multitude of wildlife safe from harm.

“Ultimately, we just want visitors to enjoy themselves and what our beautiful coastline has to offer.”

For more about the Marine Unit’s work, our PWC Code of Conduct, and how to report dangerous activity or anti-social behaviour on the water, click on the links in Comments.

Always call 999 in an emergency. But, when you are on the coast, do consider whether you need the police, coastguard, fire or ambulance service.

If you think you might have been scammed. Immediately report it to the website, by clicking on the name of the seller and the three dots on the profile, choosing the ‘Report’ option.

Auction and online marketplaces are a great way to get a good deal. While most items are genuine, criminals are known to use these sites to ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ high value items.
, check the seller or buyer’s review history and feedback from other reviewers.

Using a verified payment method to complete a purchase will help make getting a refund if needed easier. If a seller insists on receiving payments through a cash app or cryptocurrency this a potential red flag, to do some more research into the sale.

We want to grow our cadet programme in but we need your help. We’re looking for local people, over the age of 18, who can guide and inspire our cadets.

Sadly, despite our patrols and best efforts, we have seen two vehicles stolen overnight, between the late evening of Tuesday 16 and the morning of Wednesday 17 July.

A Black Ford Ranger, registration number HT21 7JX was taken from Rayleigh, Incident reference number EP-20240717-0146.

Whilst a Grey Ford Puma, registration number ET23 VWW was taken from Hullbridge, Incident reference number EP-20240717-0266.

If you have seen either vehicle, please contact us by visiting: http://esxpol.uk/ZGMPY or call us on 101.

Please quote the respective incident number when making contact.

If you have any concerns about the security of your vehicle, please consider viewing our advice page here: http://esxpol.uk/03eCu

Let's Talk

On Friday 19 July, between 10am to 12pm, Officers from your Community Policing Team will be on hand outside of Co-op Food, 45 Spa Rd, Hockley SS5 4BE, to listen to your concerns about crime or antisocial behaviour, where you live or work.

We can discuss solutions to the problems you raise, and where needed, work with our local partners to resolve ongoing issues. And if it's something we already know about, we can talk about what we’re doing to address it.

It’s important that you talk to us about the things that are causing you concern in your community. If we have a better understanding of what’s happening, we can work to fix it.

So come and talk to us and get to know those who are looking after your community.

If you can’t make it this time, remember you can contact us using the digital 101 service on our website.

If you would like more information about the event, please get in touch by using the ‘contact us’ tab.

Please note that the event may be cancelled at short notice due to operational demands. If this happens, we will let you know as soon as we can by posting on the district’s local police page.

Over the weekend, our patrols have continued, and our Community Policing Team have been working to reduce antisocial behaviour.

We have included our rural areas and held a ‘Let’s Talk’ street meet in Fambridge.

In addition, we have been attending our open spaces, and engaging with our park users, whilst being a visible deterrent.

If you see us, be sure to stop and have a chat, or if you would rather inform us of anything online, you can do so here: http://esxpol.uk/S3Lzz

You can also stay up to date with what we are doing in your area by signing up to Dispatch - Rochford edition.

Your ‘one-stop-shop' for local police news, advice and more – direct from the source.

Sign up today for your free weekly e-newsletter by searching ‘Essex Police Dispatch’.

Let’s Talk

Today, Tuesday 16 July, between 5pm to 6pm, Officers from your Community Policing Team will be on hand in Cagefield Road, Rochford SS4 2BE, to listen to your concerns about crime or antisocial behaviour, where you live or work.

We can discuss solutions to the problems you raise, and where needed, work with our local partners to resolve ongoing issues. And if it's something we already know about, we can talk about what we’re doing to address it.

It’s important that you talk to us about the things that are causing you concern in your community. If we have a better understanding of what’s happening, we can work to fix it.

So come and talk to us and get to know those who are looking after your community.
If you would like more information about the event, please get in touch by using the ‘contact us’ tab.

Please note that the event may be cancelled at short notice due to operational demands. If this happens, we will let you know as soon as we can by posting on the district’s local police page.

APS 74677 Skingsley & PC 82362 Heron of our Local Policing Team took time out to make a visit to Our Lady of Ransom Pre School, Rayleigh.

It was an opportunity for the children to speak to the officers, try on some uniform, and get in the police car.

We also spoke about how we can help them if they are in trouble, and the children being very inquisitive, asked lots of questions and were a lot of fun.

They are a credit to their parents and families.

Thank you for your warm welcome!

Let’s talk

On Wednesday 17 July, Officers from your Community Policing Team will be on hand at four separate locations to listen to your concerns about crime or antisocial behaviour, where you live or work.

Between 12:30pm to 1:30pm, they will be in Winbrook Road, Rayleigh SS6 7PA.

Between 1:45pm to 2:45pm they will be in The Mill Arts & Events Centre, Rayleigh SS6 7ED.

Between 2:00pm to 3:00pm they will be in Avondale Road, Rayleigh SS6 8NL.

Between 2:30pm to 3:30pm they will be in Costa, Cherry Orchard Way, Rochford SS4 1PN.

We can discuss solutions to the problems you raise, and where needed, work with our local partners to resolve ongoing issues. And if it's something we already know about, we can talk about what we’re doing to address it.

It’s important that you talk to us about the things that are causing you concern in your community. If we have a better understanding of what’s happening, we can work to fix it.
So come and talk to us and get to know those who are looking after your community.

If you would like more information about the event, please get in touch by using the ‘contact us’ tab.

Please note that the event may be cancelled at short notice due to operational demands. If this happens, we will let you know as soon as we can by posting on the district’s local police page.

Let’s Talk

On Monday 15 July, between 10:00am – 11:00am, Officers from your Community Policing Team will be on hand at Hullbridge Parish Council, 98 Ferry Rd, Hullbridge, SS5 6EX, to listen to your concerns about crime or antisocial behaviour, where you live or work.

We can discuss solutions to the problems you raise, and where needed, work with our local partners to resolve ongoing issues. And if it's something we already know about, we can talk about what we’re doing to address it.

It’s important that you talk to us about the things that are causing you concern in your community. If we have a better understanding of what’s happening, we can work to fix it.

So come and talk to us and get to know those who are looking after your community.

If you would like more information about the event, please get in touch by using the ‘contact us’ tab.

Please note that the event may be cancelled at short notice due to operational demands. If this happens, we will let you know as soon as we can by posting on the district’s local police page.

Your views count

We are supporting our PFCC and partners at Essex County Council, who need to hear your views to help them identify the impacts of crime and anti-social behaviour in the county.

As we work together, it will also help us greatly to hear what you have to say.

You can complete the survey here:
http://esxpol.uk/slUxb

We are listening to your concerns, and as a result, our local policing teams have been conducting both uniformed, and non-uniformed plain clothed patrols, right across the district, giving focus to our village areas.

We have been out on foot patrols, day, and night, keeping a watchful eye on your properties, but also making use of our vehicles to conduct stop checks on cars, ensuring they are in the control of people authorised to be.

If you need to let us know about anything effecting you, you can let us know here: http://esxpol.uk/vkZX7

Let’s Talk

On Sunday 14 July, between 12:00pm to 1:00pm, Officers from your Community Policing Team will be on hand in St Thomas Road, Fambridge SS4 3LZ, to listen to your concerns about crime or antisocial behaviour, where you live or work.

We can discuss solutions to the problems you raise, and where needed, work with our local partners to resolve ongoing issues. And if it's something we already know about, we can talk about what we’re doing to address it.

It’s important that you talk to us about the things that are causing you concern in your community. If we have a better understanding of what’s happening, we can work to fix it.
So come and talk to us and get to know those who are looking after your community.

If you would like more information about the event, please get in touch by using the ‘contact us’ tab.

Please note that the event may be cancelled at short notice due to operational demands. If this happens, we will let you know as soon as we can by posting on the district’s local police page.

The family of missing man Stephen Taylor have spoken of the “indescribable stress” which his disappearance has caused and have urged him to please make contact as soon as he can.

Stephen, from , was last seen three months ago on 13 April.

We’ve been working hard to find him, including officers searching significant areas, working with transport police and train operators to monitor the rail network and pursuing all opportunities available to us to around his personal electronic devices.

Stephen’s brother Stuart Taylor said: “We want to express just how much we are missing Stephen and the upset it is causing.

“Stephen is vulnerable, and we’re extremely concerned for his welfare. We are just so desperate to have him home with us. It’s not getting any easier for us as a family for each day that passes and the emotional stress that his disappearance is causing is indescribable.

“As you can imagine, we are going through a very stressful, emotional and worrying time. We are so agonisingly desperate to find Stephen and are grateful for the work of Essex Police to find him.”

Please read more about our investigation into Stephen's disappearance below, link in the comments.

Whilst patrolling our open spaces, working to keep our communities safe, and engaging with our wonderful residents, PCSO Bowen from our Community Policing Team met this little adorable furry friend and owner.

We work to build bonds in our communities, and you can find out more about the things we are doing to keep you safe via our dispatch newsletter, accessible via the link in the comments.

Our marine officers educate visitors to the coast about the local water byelaws and our PWC Code of Conduct because their overall concern is for your safety.

Operation Wave-Breaker runs from April until the start of September each year along the coastline to help keep water-users safe.

So far this season, our Marine Unit has mounted an extra 413 hours of high-visibility patrols in anti-social behaviour hotspots, engaging with personal watercraft (PWC) riders, powerboat drivers and sailors.

Sergeant Alex Southgate says that, despite the dreary start, ‘as June got warmer, we started to see more people heading to the coast and getting out on the water’.

He adds: “We want people to enjoy the many attractions that the Essex coast has to offer so we are keen to engage with people.

“We educate them about the local water byelaws for our area and our PWC Code of Conduct because our overall concern is for their safety.

“However, we won’t hesitate to report for prosecution water-users who put their own safety, and that of others, at risk by ignoring the designated speed limits.”

For more about the Marine Unit’s work, our PWC Code of Conduct, and how to report dangerous activity or anti-social behaviour on the water, click on the links in Comments.

Always call 999 in an emergency. But, when you are on the coast, do consider whether you need the police, coastguard, fire or ambulance service.

It is important for us to take the opportunity to engage with our residents and have the chance to hear your views.

As such, this week we have been spending time patrolling, including our rural areas, and we have been catching up with residents in Rowan Walk, Canewdon, to listen to concerns about crime or antisocial behaviour.

Thanks to those who took the time to speak with us, it was good to meet and for us to gain a better understanding of what’s happening, so we can work to fix it.

The Rural Engagement Team were delighted to attend the Paglesham Clay Pigeon Shoot alongside our Essex Police Fi****ms Licencing Team last week.

The event was about understanding each other better, giving advice on shotgun law and security and answering any rural related questions from the shooters.

The Rural Engagement Team lead the force on rural matters, including wildlife crime. We work closely with rural businesses, farmers and residents to tackle issues in rural communities. Attending country sporting events is very important and helps us spread our message and awareness of the team.

Your Community Policing Team have been continuing their work towards reducing antisocial behaviour, which has involved attending our open spaces, being a visible deterring presence and engaging with our park users.

Stay up to date with what we are doing in your area by signing up to Dispatch - Rochford edition.

Your ‘one-stop-shop' for local police news, advice and more – direct from the source.
Sign up today for your free weekly e-newsletter by searching ‘Essex Police Dispatch’.

Over the weekend, our patrols have continued, and our Community Policing Team have worked together with Rochford Parish Council.

We have been looking out for our communities, attending our open spaces and engaging with our park users, being a visible deterrent with a view to reducing any issues of antisocial behaviour.

If you see us, be sure to stop and have a chat, or if you would rather inform us of anything online, you can do so here: http://esxpol.uk/byBNJ

Let’s Talk

On Tuesday 9 July, Officers from your Community Policing Team will be on hand at two locations to listen to your concerns about crime or antisocial behaviour, where you live or work.

Between 12pm & 2pm, we will be available inside The Megacentre, 7 Brook Rd, Rayleigh, SS6 7UT and between 2:30pm and 4:30pm we will be inside Asda Rayleigh, Rawreth Ln, Rayleigh SS6 9RN.

We can discuss solutions to the problems you raise, and where needed, work with our local partners to resolve ongoing issues. And if it's something we already know about, we can talk about what we’re doing to address it.

It’s important that you talk to us about the things that are causing you concern in your community. If we have a better understanding of what’s happening, we can work to fix it.

So come and talk to us and get to know those who are looking after your community.

Please be aware that the event may be cancelled at short notice if our officers are needed somewhere else. This will usually be because someone needs our help. If this happens, we will let you know as soon as we can by posting on our page.

Visit our website and enter your postcode or address into the 'Find your area' search bar to find more community police events being held near you.

On Monday 8 July, between 10:00am – 11:00am, Officers from your Community Policing Team will be on hand at Gossip, 14 High Street, Great Wakering SS3 0EQ, to listen to your concerns about crime or antisocial behaviour, where you live or work.

We can discuss solutions to the problems you raise, and where needed, work with our local partners to resolve ongoing issues. And if it's something we already know about, we can talk about what we’re doing to address it.

It’s important that you talk to us about the things that are causing you concern in your community. If we have a better understanding of what’s happening, we can work to fix it.

So come and talk to us and get to know those who are looking after your community.

If you would like more information about the event, please get in touch by using the ‘contact us’ tab.

Please note that the event may be cancelled at short notice due to operational demands. If this happens, we will let you know as soon as we can by posting on the district’s local police page.

Let’s Talk

On Sunday 7 July, between 6:30pm to 7:30pm, Officers from your Community Policing Team will be on hand in Rowan Walk, Canewdon SS4 3PD, to listen to your concerns about crime or antisocial behaviour, where you live or work.

We can discuss solutions to the problems you raise, and where needed, work with our local partners to resolve ongoing issues. And if it's something we already know about, we can talk about what we’re doing to address it.

It’s important that you talk to us about the things that are causing you concern in your community. If we have a better understanding of what’s happening, we can work to fix it.
So come and talk to us and get to know those who are looking after your community.

If you would like more information about the event, please get in touch by using the ‘contact us’ tab.

Please note that the event may be cancelled at short notice due to operational demands. If this happens, we will let you know as soon as we can by posting on the district’s local police page.