Police in Essex make more than 90 arrests in 7 days

Over the last week, officers have carried out more than 3,600 hours of duties

Author: Roz Hutchings Published 20th Aug 2024

In a week of extra patrols by 700 officers on the streets across our county, police have managed to catch some of their most wanted suspects.

They include a 41-year-old man from Colchester who was arrested in Lawford on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and common assault. It's after an incident in Riverside Avenue, Lawford at about 10am on Saturday 17 August, where police also arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of common assault at the scene. Both are now bailed while enquiries continue.

Police also arrested a 30 year old from Haverhill in Suffolk, on suspicion of assault and intentional strangulation. It's in connection with an incident which happened in Saffron Walden, Essex on 7 August. He has been bailed while enquiries continue.

They also arrested a 35-year-old man from Chelmsford in the city on suspicion of blackmail and harassment, who has also been released on bail.

Officers also made arrests on the roads.

A man was stopped on the A12 between Hatfield Peverel and Witham. The 25 year old from Edgware was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and suspicion of immigration offences. Police then transferred him to immigration services run by the Home Office. He's since been released under investigation.

Chief Inspector Richard Baxter said: “Each of these arrests is the result of dozens of officer hours, pulling together intelligence and the fullest picture of an incident. It means we can carry out the warrants for their arrests, put officers on patrol in the right areas, and find the crucial evidence we need to seek charges from the Crown Prosecution Service. Dangerous offenders, some breaching court orders and others with warrants for their arrest, are now in custody or prison thanks to this work. This work goes on year-round – and we are back to work today keeping Essex safe.”

The week of action also saw weapons taken off our streets. 27 weapons were confiscated, 100 intelligence reports were made and officers attended more than 50 community events and public meetings.

Ch Insp Baxter added: “All our work contributes to helping people, keeping them safe and catching criminals. Those thousands of hours on patrol are more than a deterrent – our officers are gathering information and building a clearer picture of the issues that are affecting our residents. We recognise how quickly those issues can appear and how they can change. It’s only by doing this work every day and working with the public we can keep bringing crime down.”