29th July – 4th August
Eight people remanded following court appearance after seafront disorder
Eight people who were charged in connection with incidents of disorder in Southend on Tuesday 30 July, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 3 August.
They were charged with a variety of offences including violent disorder, wounding with intent and possession of weapons.
All eight have now been remanded into custody to appear at Basildon Crown Court on Monday 2 September.
Superintendent Leigh Norris said: “We’re continuing to carry out high visibility patrols in Southend where we’ve been engaging with the public – traders, visitors, and residents alike.”
“We’d welcome the chance to stop and have a chat. So, if you’re having a walk along the beach, having an ice-cream or walking the dog, please stop us. It’s great to see everyone having a good time and enjoying themselves.”
“But, if there is anyone who isn’t going to abide by the law and try and to cause trouble, we’re here, ready to respond quickly and robustly.”
Forty-four people arrested for shoplifting across Essex
Essex Police Officers have secured a total of 69 charges of shop theft and two of assaulting a retail worker against a total of 26 people in the past fortnight.
They made a total of 44 arrests for shop theft in Essex between 15 and 28 July 2024. Twelve people have been bailed to allow further investigations to be carried out, two people cautioned and no further action will be taken against four of those arrested.
Ten people were arrested across the Southend district; nine in each of the Chelmsford and Thurrock districts; six in each of the Colchester and Tendring districts; three in Harlow; and one in Basildon.
Officers have made 99 arrests for shop theft in the past four weeks. Between 1 January and 28 July 2024, that figure rises to 819.
“Be aware of disinformation online” senior officer says
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Mariner said: “We know incidents elsewhere in the country over the last week have caused concern and gained a lot of attention and there is a lot of disinformation being circulated on social media. Don’t believe everything you see and interrogate the details posted – who’s it come from? What are their motives? Can they be trusted?”
“Details about some incidents and events that we’ve seen over the last week, including locations, have simply been wrong. Please don’t share these because it only increases concerns and stokes division. We want people to come to Essex and enjoy everything we have to offer this summer. But our message is clear and simple – if you’re planning to come to Essex to cause trouble, don’t bother. We’ll be ready and waiting for you and you will be arrested.”
“Our officers are part of your communities and we’re stronger together so please look after and support each other.”
Crime Prevention Advice
Watch the lights flash on your car when locking it as people have been known to stand nearby and use a signal blocker to stop your car from locking properly.
For more advice on securing your property, protecting your belongings and preventing becoming a victim of crime visit Essex Police crime prevention advice pages.
When and how to contact the Police
There are now more ways of reporting non-emergency crime and anti-social behaviour through the digital 101 service on the Essex Police website.
You can also use the service to contact your local policing team, report something you have seen or heard, or request information.
There is also a 24-hour Live Chat service, where you can send direct messages to a digital 101 operator plus a 24-hour 101 service which people can call if they feel it is more appropriate to speak to an operator or don’t have access to the internet.
Always call 999 if a serious offence is in progress or has just been committed, someone is in immediate danger or harm, property is in danger or being damaged, or a serious disruption to the public is likely.
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can use the textphone service 18000 or text on 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.
British Sign Language (BSL) users can use a video relay service where an interpreter will help you report the crime.
If you’re in danger but you can’t talk on the phone, you should still call 999, then follow these instructions depending on whether you’re calling from a mobile or a landline.
For more information and updates from Essex Police visit www.essex.police.uk.
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