Arrests made as Essex police step up patrols

Around 21 people were arrested on Thursday 9 May as officers from Essex police continue to crack down on anti-social behaviour, dangerous driving and violent crime.

More than 400 officer hours went into this police work, which included city centre patrols with our community partners, weapons sweeps, enforcing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), bike marking events, and static traffic stop sites to ensure drivers are following the rules of the road.

Among the arrests were a man breaching his court bail conditions in Southend, another man in Southend stopped and arrested on suspicion of drink driving, and a man wanted in connection with drugs offences in Chelmsford.

There were three arrests for outstanding shoplifters as well, with two arrested in the Epping Forest district and another in the Tendring district.

Officers stopped 207 vehicles as part of our roads policing, seizing 12 cars for driving without insurance and reported people for 40 traffic offence reports.

While sweeping public spaces four weapons were found that have now been seized and will be destroyed. In Harlow, a 17-year-old has been charged with possession of a bladed article and two more people were found in possession of knives when they were stopped and searched.

Superintendent Phil Stinger said: “This day of action highlights the importance of our knife arches at detecting and deterring crime.

“We will use all the powers and tools at our disposal to take knives off our streets and make Essex a safer place for everyone.”

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