ESSEX Police has welcomed 12 new recruits into our local teams who are on your streets looking out for you right now.
They’ve joined Essex Police through a slightly different route – being recruited via Police Now, a training scheme for graduates with leadership potential to become inspirational neighbourhood police officers and detectives who will help to transform communities.
Over the summer, while still doing their initial training, they joined our local teams during some of our busiest periods. Now that training is complete, they are back out on the streets protecting and serving Essex by helping people, keeping you safe and catching criminals.
Meet the team:
*Picture was taken in summer 2020 when our Police Now recruits were living and training together in a ‘bubble’ at their summer academy.
Left column, front to back: PC Stella Kirkpatrick, Brentwood; PC Sukhdev Tiwana, Loughton; PC Abbie Walker, Chelmsford; PC Kai Ishaq, Tendring; PC Howlett, Rayleigh; PC Adam Messenger, Basildon.
Right column, front to back: PC Katie Gardner, Basildon; PC Donadeo, Colchester; PC Rosie Eastman, South Ockendon; PC Michael Miles, Harlow; PC Aston Joseph, Braintree; PC Jonny Silverman, Southend.
Next month, they will join our community policing teams, working with councils, schools, hospitals, local charities and voluntary groups to identify local problems, then developing innovative ideas & techniques to tackle the challenges, to help make your communities safer places to live & work in and to visit.
Hear what they have to say about their new roles and making a difference: “I want to be as proactive as possible in the detection and prevention of crimes, particularly those which impact and take advantage of the most vulnerable in our society, and I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to improve how we protect them.” PC Adam Messenger, Basildon Community Policing Team
“I can’t wait to get to know my team and gain more knowledge and expertise from them. Besides that, I am just excited to see how they deal with current issues within our community. “Also, I want to build my own relationships with community members so I can put all the legislative knowledge that we learnt into practice!” PC Katherine Gardner, Basildon Community Policing Team
“It’s been really good so far. After only a week in the job I got my first warrant approved for a raid on a cannabis factory so I was excited to hit the ground running and execute it.” PC Aston Joseph, Braintree Community Policing Team
“I’m most looking forward to being visible in the community and meeting members of the public as a police officer, particularly those who are most vulnerable in our society. I can’t wait to put the skills I’ve learnt so far in my training to the test!” PC Stella Kirkpatrick, Brentwood Community Policing Team
“I want to start to make a difference in my community.” PC Abbie Walker, Chelmsford Community Policing Team
“I want to become a face people in our community can look to for support and safety, as well as be in a position which enables me to take serious steps towards removing crime from the streets.” PC Michael Miles, Harlow Community Policing Team
“I am most looking forward to getting to know and engaging with my local community and helping to make a positive long-term difference.” PC Sukhdev Tiwana, Loughton Community Policing Team
“Every day I start work, I’m excited to put on the uniform and make a difference to people’s lives.” PC Jonny Silverman, Southend Community Policing Team
“I want to get to know my community so I can give my input and help make a difference.” PC Rosie Eastman, South Ockendon Community Policing Team
“I’m really looking forward to working in Harwich, helping the community and building relationships with the public.” PC Kai Ishaq, Tendring Community Policing Team
We’re recruiting People from all walks of life are applying to join Essex Police and everyone is welcome if you share our values and want to protect and serve our communities. If you think you fit the bill, visit www.essex.police.uk/fitthebill to see what careers we have to offer.
A MAN has been charged with possessing a Stanley knife in the town centre.
Henry Wong, aged 26, of No Fixed Abode was charged with the following.
On 23/08/2020 at Harlow had with you, without good reason or lawful authority, in a public place Board Walk, Harlow, an article which had a blade or was sharply pointed, namely Folding Stanley knife.
Wong was remanded on unconditional bail until 25/11/2020 at 10:15 in Courtroom 01, Colchester Magistrates Court.
A MAN has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and a number of other offences after a serious road traffic collision on Southern Way in Harlow.
Remigiusz Goraus, aged 45, of Churchfield, Harlow pleaded guilty to the following at Chelmsford magistrates court.
On Friday October 2nd, 2020 at Harlow caused serious injury to another by driving a car, namely Mercedes , dangerously on a road namely Southern Way.
Contrary to Section 1 of the Road Traffic Act, 1988.
On 02/10/2020 at Harlow when suspected of having driven a vehicle and having been required to provide a specimen of blood for a laboratory test pursuant to section 7 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 in the course of an investigation into whether you had committed an offence under section 3A, 4, 5 or 5A thereof, failed without reasonable excuse to do so
On 03/10/2020 at Harlow, with intent to cause another harassment, alarm or distress, used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour, thereby causing that person or another harassment, alarm or distress.
On 03/10/2020 at Harlow, with intent to cause another harassment, alarm or distress, used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour or disorderly behaviour, thereby causing that person or another harassment, alarm or distress.
Goraus has been sent for trial at Chelmsford Crown Court on December 3rd 2020.
He has been bailed on condition that he surrendered his passport and ID card to Harlow police station plus he must report to Harlow police station every Saturday.
A HARLOW man has been jailed for driving whilst under the influence of drugs on two occasions under a month.
George Smith, aged 42, of Moorfield, Harlow pleaded guilty at Chelmsford magistrates to the following.
On 05/04/2020 at Harlow drove a motor vehicle, namely Ford Focus on a road, namely Southern Way, when the proportion of a controlled drug, namely Cocaine, in your blood, namely greater than 32 micrograms of drug per litre of blood, exceeded the specified limit.
On 08/05/2020 at Harlow drove a motor vehicle, namely Ford Focus on a road, namely A414 Eastwick Road, when the proportion of a controlled drug, namely Benzoylecgonine(BZE ), in your blood, namely greater than 200 micrograms of drug per litre of blood, exceeded the specified limit.
Smith was jailed for four months.
He was also disqualified from driving for two years.
THE OWNER of a gym in Harlow has appeared in court regarding an alleged breach of coronavirus regulations.
Michelle Meade-Wyatt, aged 45, of Faraway House, High Hills Lane, Liverpool appeared from custody on Friday November 6th at Southend magistrates court.
She was was charged with the following.
On 05/11/2020 at Harlow, being the owner of premises at Ripped Gym, Wych Elm, Harlow, failed to close restricted business / service not permitted to remain open in England – coronavirus. Contrary to regulations 16(1) and 20(1)(a) and (2) of the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No. 4) Regulations 2020.
On 05/11/2020 at Harlow without lawful excuse, destroyed magazines to the value of £6.00 belonging to Essex Police intending to destroy or damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged
Meade-Wyatt has been remanded on unconditional bail until her next appearance at Southend magistrates court on December 7th, 2020.
ESSEX Police has told YH that there is no evidence of arson or foul play in relation to the fire that extensively damaged a Harlow factory.
The location of the fire was Akhter House, in Perry Road, Harlow.
It caught fire in the early hours of Wednesday morning (Nov 11th). It took fire officers close to two days before the fire was completely out.
The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service issued a statement on their website that “An investigation to find the cause of the fire will take place”.
When we asked Essex Police: “Will you be investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire at Akhter House, Perry Road, Harlow?”
An Essex Police spokesperson relied: “There is no information to suggest the fire was suspicious”.
Akhter Computers founded in 1979 by Prof Humayun Mughal, designs and assembles hardware including personal computers, notebooks, fileservers and storage systems. Akhter also develops software and provides, design, installation and maintenance services.
THE OWNERS of Ripped Gym in Harlow were arrested at an anti-lockdown protest in Liverpool at the weekend.
Merseyside Police reported that 27 people were arrested on Saturday for public order offences and breaches of Coronavirus legislation in Liverpool City Centre.
A number of films on social media showed Ripped Gym owners Damien Wyatt and Michelle Meade Wyatt being arrested by police.
They appear to be in a “dispersal zone” (see below). Films show Mr Wyatt being arrested and restrained by a number of police officers.
It appears the arrest was being filmed by Mrs Wyatt but soon after she is also arrested and placed in a police van.
Entries on the Ripped Gym Facebook page, indicated that they were later released.
Earlier this month, Mrs Wyatt appeared before Southend magistrates charged with breaching Coronavirus legislation.
She was granted unconditional bail. At the time, she gave a Liverpool address.
Demonstrators were asked not to attend at the city centre in order to help curb the spread of coronavirus.
Merseyside Police had already issued a dispersal zone in the city centre and south Liverpool ahead of the protests.
A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said: “The order has been brought in following a gathering last weekend (Nov 7th) which was in contravention of the Coronavirus legislation.
“This order has been authorised in order to protect lives, prevent the spread of Coronavirus and keep people safe.”
Following the day’s event, Merseyside Police issued a statement.
Merseyside Police Superintendent Diane Pownall said: “Working with our partners, our job is to keep everybody safe and I want to take this opportunity to thank the people who are doing all they can to help protect us all, including our frontline officers and emergency services and NHS staff.
“The rules apply to everybody and it is unfair – and unlawful – when people choose to ignore them for their own selfish and misguided reasons. This is dangerous and irresponsible behaviour which could endanger the people of Liverpool who are working to ensure we can leave lockdown safely.
“We have spent considerable time engaging with the public to explain the current regulations and I know the vast majority of the public will support us as we continue to take action against those who choose to deliberately break the law.”
YH has contacted Merseyside Police for more details of the Wyatt’s arrest.
HARLOW Council has served a prohibition notice on the Tip Top Car Wash in Elizabeth Way.
The car wash was operating during the current coronavirus national restrictions. Council officers, supported by Essex Police, issued the notice on Saturday (14 November). .
Car washes must stay closed under the current national restrictions. The notice means the business faces fines if it reopens while the restrictions remain in force.
The council continues to work with businesses in the town to advise and guide them on the restrictions in place during lockdown. The majority of businesses in the town continue to comply the rules.
Serving a prohibition notice is a necessary step in enforcing a breach of the health protection (coronavirus restrictions) regulations if a business does not follow the council’s advice.
A list of businesses which can and cannot operate at this time can be read at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/closing-certain-businesses-and-venues-in-england
If residents are concerned that a business in Harlow is not following government guidelines and restrictions these can be report by email to env.health@harlow.gov.uk
A PUB in Harlow has had its licence revoked following concerns about its links to alleged drug activity.
The White Horse in Old Road was one of 18 addresses in Harlow that were raided on Thursday 8 October.
The operation resulted in 19 arrests. Seven people have so far been charged with drugs-related offences.
Essex Police’s licensing team applied to Harlow Council for a summary review of the pub’s premises licence. The council’s licensing sub-committee suspended The White Horse’s licence on Tuesday 13 October and removed the designated premises supervisor from the licence.
A full review hearing took place on 4 November, where the sub-committee revoked the premises licence, after considering the evidence put before them.
This included representations from Essex Police and the premises licence holder.
Councillor Shannon Jezzard, chair of Harlow Council’s Licensing Committee, said: “Due to the seriousness of the investigation, a sub-committee moved quickly to remove the designated premises supervisor and suspend the premises licence until a full hearing could be held.
“That hearing has now taken place and the sub-committee supported the police’s application and revoked the premises licence.
“We will continue to work in partnership with Essex Police to prevent crime and disorder associated with any licensed premises in our town.”
Essex Police licensing officer Ronan McManus said: “The police investigation has shown evidence the pub is linked to potential criminal activity, for which a number of people have been charged with offences, or remain on bail while we continue our enquiries.
“License holders have a responsibility to ensure their premises meet the licensing objectives, which includes the prevention of crime and disorder.
“It’s for this reason that we applied to Harlow Council for a review of The White Horse’s alcohol licence.
“Keeping people safe and tackling crime remain our paramount priorities and we’d like to thank councillors for their support in this matter.”
POLICE chiefs in England and Wales have temporarily suspended £10,000 fixed penalties for breaches of Covid rules on gatherings of more than 30 people.
But the Home Office said it anticipated the fines would resume from Wednesday.
The NPCC said it advised forces on Friday to temporarily issue a court summons to rulebreakers instead.
It comes amid concerns over a potential disparity between the amount being paid by some upfront, compared to those who challenge the fixed penalty in court.
The Home Office said it was working with police forces on the issue.
It is expected that police forces will resume issuing the fines for organisers of large gatherings “where appropriate” from Wednesday, the department said.
In a statement, a government spokesman said: “It is right that we have a strong deterrent. We are working with forces to ensure people are fully aware of their options when faced with a fixed penalty notice (FPN).
“If someone chooses not to pay their FPN, the matter may be considered by a court and the individual could be subject to a criminal conviction.”
A spokesman for the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said it had advised all forces to “temporarily” issue a court summons to rulebreakers, rather than issuing a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of £10,000 – for offences relating to gatherings of more than 30 people under Covid regulations.
“We gave this advice because of a potential disparity between those who opt to pay the FPN and those who see their case reach the court where the FPN would be means tested against personal income,” the spokesman said.
“We are working with government to urgently address this matter, and once rectified, we intend to advise that forces resume issuing £10,000 FPNs wherever appropriate.”
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson has asked ministers for “urgent clarity” over the NPCC’s latest advice, and accused the government of failing to provide the police with “workable Covid legislation”.
In a letter to the policing minister Kit Malthouse, Labour’s Mr Jamieson said: “I feel thoroughly embarrassed that I have been personally supporting the government’s actions, which, at best, are questionable.”
Meanwhile, Nottinghamshire’s Labour police and crime commissioner, Paddy Tipping, said he was “surprised at the guidance from the NPCC”, having received a written commendation from Home Secretary Priti Patel for being the first force to issue a super-fine.
Explaining the decision at a meeting of the West Midlands strategic policing and crime board on Tuesday, the force’s chief constable David Thompson called it “unfortunate” while adding alleged rule-breakers would get a court summons instead.
West Midlands Police has already issued 13 of the fines, reserved for the most serious social-distancing breaches.
Mr Thompson, who is also a vice-chairman of the NPCC and its lead on finance matters, said: “It is unhelpful this issue has arisen, but actually there is still legislation.
“The point I would make to the public is we will carry on enforcing this area of the law. “The difference is it won’t be a ticket, it will be through a summons.”
TWELVE people arrested following a series of drug raids across Harlow have answered bail.
A total of 19 people were arrested on Thursday 8 October in dawn raids across the town.
Seven individuals were charged in relation to possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply. They have been remanded in custody with a trial date set for October 18th, 2021.
An Essex Police spokesperson said: “Twelve people have been bailed until 21 and 22 December”.
OFFICERS from Harlow Police have continued patrolling in different areas of the community since the move to Tier Two restrictions for Essex. The first weekend went well with the majority of people abiding by the new restrictions. We will be continuing these patrols as well as our day to day business in Harlow. Now that we have entered another period of Lockdown. We know this will be tough for some people and we appreciate the sacrifice everyone’s been making to help keep us all safe.
Our approach will continue to be, engaging with the public, encouraging people to do the right thing and, explaining the regulations.
We are very grateful to those of you who have reported issues. We cannot deal with these issues without your help and will do our best to respond where possible. Prosecution will be a last resort when all else has failed. #ProtectingandservingHarlow.
Over the past month we have continued to tackle crime throughout Harlow and in the Town Centre.
Officers from our Town Centre Team arrested a male for possession of class A drugs with intent to supply and have been working with members of the Council Community Safety Team, carrying out High Visibility foot patrols to target violent crime and provide reassurance to the public. They also responded to a young male that had his phone stolen. Suspect quickly located in the town centre and arrested after a stop and search.
Elsewhere in the town we have been experiencing reports of car’s being stolen, when delivery drivers are leaving their vehicle’s unattended. This could be an opportunist theft, or they are being targeted. Please look out for suspicious people or vehicles. If you do deliveries yourself or know somebody that does. Please make them aware and encourage them to be careful not to leave their keys in the ignition or the car running, making themselves a target.
As well as the thefts of vehicles, we are still receiving reports of thefts of Catalytic converters across Essex and here in Harlow we have had our fair share. Vehicles which have a high ground clearance, Vans, 4×4, Pickups and people Carriers are particularly vulnerable. Thefts from vehicles also seem to be on the rise, mainly tools left inside vans overnight. We would ask everybody to be vigilant and report any people or vehicles acting suspiciously.
Our Police Community Support officers have been out in Harlow helping with local initiatives. By preparing children’s lunches for the half term period. Speaking to our young people at the ‘Eat Healthy, Stay Active Camp’ run by ‘Changing lives community services’. Even getting involved in cooking demonstrations.
Halloween passed without too many issues. Generally, very few people went out door to door Trick or Treating and those that did, were all well behaved. One exception was a young male found to be carrying a collection of Fireworks when stop searched. These were subsequently seized for destruction.
The return to lock down has seen the majority of people following the restrictions and complying with the current government guidelines. The Policing of these restrictions remains the same with enforcement being the last resort once all other options have been exhausted. The Ripped Gym in Harlow were an example of this recently whereby the management and members of the Gym were given advice and guidance not to ignore the restrictions. They chose not to comply. This resulted in the subsequent arrest of the manager for failing to provide details when issued with a £1000 fine and about 10 people who were using the gym at the time were given £200 fines.
A protest was held on the following Sunday by members, showing their support for the Gym by working out, outside the premises. This was a peaceful protest and the Gym has since posted on social media that they will be closed until December.
This week has seen officers out on foot patrol in Harlow Town centre, working with the staff from the Council Community Safety Team. They have been carrying out searches in relation to Operation Sceptre, which is a knife crime initiative. They have had some success in finding knives and potential weapons that have been hidden in and around the Town centre. This is good news following a stabbing that occurred not far from the Town centre over the weekend. The offender was arrested soon after the offence, but we still strive to do everything we can to reduce the risks from knife crime and ensure Harlow remains a safe place.
Crime Prevention:
As stated in our last newsletter the nights are getting darker earlier, Houses are more likely to be targeted and burgled. They will see that houses/properties are in darkness and see this as an opportunity to try and break into your house, before you return home from work.
There are things that you can do/use around your house to secure, protect and prevent your property being broken into. One of the things you can do is using timers on lights. This will give the perception of someone being in your house before you are getting home from work.
As you begin your Christmas shopping, criminals start their shopping season as well.
Your guide to pickpockets and distraction theft.
The observers
These include people loitering in public places who appear to be checking out passers-by, paying particular interest to their handbags, shopping bags and where they might place their wallet or purse.
This also is a tactic used near cashpoints where one person will stand close and distract you while another is watching you input your pin number.
The opportunists
Pickpockets also operate in shops and department stores, where people are more likely to be standing still, distracted and so paying less attention to their belongings, making them an easier target.
Be more aware of your surroundings in busy shops and shopping centres because they’re ideal places for pickpockets, as it’s easier for them to brush past people, take items and blend into the crowd.
Team tactics
Pickpockets don’t always operate alone, they may work in teams to distract the target while someone unseen removes the items and blends back into the crowd. Another member might step in as an enforcer in the event of an altercation.
Crowding in
Thieves vary their tactics based on the location and the density of the crowd. One tactic is where a group of them push up against a victim in a crowded shop or street then quickly reach into the victim’s pocket and steal their wallet, phone or purse.
Dirty tricks
Remember, pickpockets are very skilled at what they do. They know all the tricks and are extremely light-fingered with most of their thefts only taking a second or two. One of their tactics is ‘hugger mugging’ where a thief will appear to be over-friendly for no particular reason and hug you while pickpocketing you. Another ploy is for the thief to stumble into you and place their hands on you to steady themselves, whilst removing your wallet or phone!
The point of distraction
Pickpocket teams are adept at creating distractions. This could be anything from a game to a loud shout, all designed to avert your attention while an unseen accomplice steals your valuables. So do try not to be easily distracted. Waving a sheet of paper in your face while asking directions means they can use the other hand to steal your stuff.
Are you a prime target?
Do’s
• Do keep purses and bags closed and secure at all times.
• Do carry bags in front of you or diagonally across your chest.
• Do return cards to your purse or wallet quickly and zip it up or button it.
• Do use a purse that’s difficult to open. One that zips or snaps shut is best, and keep it closed. Invest in some purse bells as well.
• Do use a money belt if you’re carrying a significant quantity of cash.
• Do conceal your wallet in a buttoned or zipped pocket where it doesn’t bulge.
• Do keep a list, separate from your wallet and phone, of contact numbers of family in case your phone is stolen.
• Do keep a photocopy of your airline tickets, passport, credit cards and any other documents that would be impossible or inconvenient to replace if stolen.
Don’ts
• Don’t hang stuff on the back of a chair.
• Don’t leave anything on the back of a pushchair.
• Don’t place your belongings out of sight on the table or floor.
Remember, having a zipped bag doesn’t mean you’re totally safe. Thieves have been known to walk behind victims while slowly unzipping bags. Yes, they can be that bold. So, never underestimate a pickpocket.
If you have any information about these types of crime you can report anonymously via crime stoppers, contact police through 101 or make us aware via e-mail HarlowCPT@essex.police.uk
PFCC funding bid wins more money to help break the cycle of domestic abuse
JUST over £219,000 will be coming to Essex to help break the cycle of domestic abuse following a successful bid for funds from the Home Office by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex.
The money, part of the Home Office’s Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Fund, means there will be more help available to support those at risk of domestic abuse.
It will pay for: Training for 200 frontline practitioners working across Essex to help them address controlling and coercive behaviour within families Specialist clinical supervision skills training for 40 managers
The funding also means we can run 25 Domestic Violence Prevention Programmes specifically for minority groups and people living in rural areas.
Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “Protecting our most vulnerable people from harm and breaking the cycle of domestic abuse are really important priorities right now. This money will make a huge difference to the service and support we can provide. “Only by working together can we help people be safe. The Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership is making great progress in helping survivors and educating perpetrators to change their behaviour.”
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Essex County Council, said: “This funding is good news for Essex and will enable us to help protect more individuals and families from the physical and psychological harm of domestic abuse, both during and after the coronavirus pandemic.”
Essex Police’s Chief Superintendent Andy Mariner said: “We understand it can be difficult for victims of domestic abuse to seek help and this funding will provide even more support for them, as well as support for offenders to help them change their behaviour. “Every day our specialist officers are protecting vulnerable people and their families and taking robust action against abusers. “We also work really closely with local authorities, support agencies and other partners to help victims rebuild their lives free of the physical and emotional effects of domestic abuse. “If you or a loved one are affected by these issues, I’d urge you to please report it or tell someone so we can help you.”
To find out more about the support and services on offer visit www.setdab.org
For help and support you can also go to https://www.essexcompass.org.uk/ or call the Essex Domestic Abuse Helpline 0330 333 7 444
HOW many people dying on the roads in Essex every year do you think is acceptable? …….. 5? 20? 42? (42 is the actual number of people that died on our roads last year).
What if some of them were your family, your friends, neighbours, colleagues?
When you think of it like this, isn’t one person killed one too many?
Human beings make mistakes, but is it right that, sometimes, even a small mistake means that someone will not be going home?
Today, the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) is launching Vision Zero.
Vision Zero is their ambition to have ZERO road deaths and serious injuries on roads in the Essex, Southend and Thurrock council areas by 2040.
Councillor Lesley Wagland, Chairman of the SERP Governance Board said:
“I completely support Vision Zero, and am urging all leaders of councils, emergency services and businesses, together with the people of Essex, to prevent these unacceptable and avoidable tragedies.
“As our roads get ever busier, we must not lose sight of what really matters – people’s safety. “I know all our partners are totally committed to achieving
Vision Zero, but it will only succeed if everyone who uses the roads in Essex is prepared to share this vision and work with us to achieve it.”
We are looking forward to working with anyone and everyone who shares our vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on Essex roads.
If you’d like to know more or want to contribute please contact us at saferessexroads
We all recognise the enormity of this challenge.
To get to zero by 2040, we need to halve the current number of deaths and serious injuries by 2030 which we know will involve many changes and will require the commitment of all communities and organisations, as well as each individual road user.
We feel that the passion behind Vision Zero is captured by the impact of this film from The Transport Accident Commission Victoria (Australia) Towards Zero
We hope you will find it as inspiring as we did.
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Comments
Novoman
Suggest Vision Zero partner up with the road Safety Charity BRAKE could make an effective partnership. Also, although it’s frequently the ‘nut’ behind the wheel that might cause accidents many deaths happen because of poor road design and layout, confusing lane markings that cause drivers to needlessly switch lanes, a plethora of road furniture that’s often duplicated and or redundant(posts, signage etc), poor signage, poor lighting and haphazard speed limits that seem to make no sense. Eg dual carriageways 40 mph and nearby single carriageway 60 mph (as at J7 Hastingwood ) Additionally the speed limit on many small country roads is 60 mph creating the possibility of 120 mph head on collisions. Some roundabouts are incredibly badly designed. And so on. Many accidents could be avoided by good design, unfortunately we have a piecemeal approach based on the whims of remote designers who clearly have no local knowledge and who seem not to have visited sites. We also have a system that only and only sometimes changes after one or more fatalities instead of being alert to near misses. Change is needed. Let’s hope you can make a difference.
FIVE people were arrested and 12 given fines as officers shut down an unlicensed music event in North Weald which was a clear and blatant breach of the Government’s COVID-19 regulations.
Police had received intelligence about an event planned in the CM16 postcode and put in place a dispersal order covering parts of Epping, Theydon Bois, Thornwood, North Weald Bassett, and Epping Green.
Officers attended a location in High Road at around 11pm last night (Saturday 21 November) following reports of a large number of people there.
They found an unlicensed music event taking place in an abandoned farm building and took action to break it up and disperse those there.
Five people – men aged between 19 and 27 from Kent and London – were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Coronavirus Act, 12 others were fined, and sound equipment and a generator was seized.
The event was shut down by the early hours of Sunday morning and officers stayed in the area to maintain a visible presence and deter people from coming back.
Superintendent Richard Melton said: “This was a clear and blatant breach of the Government’s COVID-19 regulations and posed a risk to the health of those attending through the spread of the virus.
“As well as the risk of spreading COVID-19, going to unlicensed music events risks your welfare through the drug taking and violence we know takes place and you could be targeted by criminals we know go to them.
“Our approach has always been to engage with people, explain the regulations, and encourage them to do the right thing.
“If that’s not successful, and it’s necessary and appropriate to do so, we’ll then take enforcement action.
“I appreciate these are challenging times for everyone but we all have a personal responsibility to keep each other safe.
“Where our officers have attend and deal with blatant breaches like this, it takes them away from being able to tackle other issues and affects our ability to respond to other incidents.
“Most people in Essex continue to do the right thing and I want to thank you for that. Following the regulations means we can do what we do best – help people, keep people safe, and catch criminals.”
