A HARLOW woman has been charged with being in possession a machete in a public place.

Stephanie Messenger, aged 27, of Long Ley, Harlow has been charged with the following.

On 11/05/2017 at Harlow without lawful excuse, damaged a Silver van to the value of £300 intending to destroy or damage such property or being reckless as to whether such property would be destroyed or damaged

On 11/05/2017 at Harlow had with you, without good reason or lawful authority, in a public place Long Ley, Harlow, an article which had a blade or was sharply pointed, namely a machete.

TWO class A drug dealers have been locked up for a total of more than six years following another successful result by the West Operation Raptor team.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how officers from the team were patrolling in the Longfields area of Harlow on Thursday January 12 this year when they noticed a number of individuals leaving a property known to be linked to the supply of drugs.

After one man who left the house ran off when approached by officers, they went into the property and carried out a search.

Inside they found 25-year-old Ajaun Riley and 25-year-old Ishmail Kelly preparing small blue wraps of drugs on a bed. A one-year-old child was present in the room at the time.

The pair and the room were search and officers found 96 wraps of Crack Cocaine and 24 wraps of heroin. Kelly also £345 cash in his pocket.

A search of the house also uncovered: various mobile phones; scales and bags used to weigh and package drugs; more than £1,600 in cash; and a CS gas canister.

Riley of Hood Close, Croydon admitted two counts of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court. He was jailed for two years eight months.

Ishmail, 25, from Camberwell in South London was found guilty following a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court of two counts of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply. He was jailed for three years six months.

Following the sentencing Sgt James Paget of the West Operation Raptor team said: “Given the amount of Class A drugs found in the property along with Kelly and Riley, it was clearly being used as a base for their dealing operation.

“They were found in a bedroom packaging drugs ready to be sold on the streets with little to no regard for the child present.

“Thankfully we have now removed them from the community which they are blighting and they are now safely behind bars.”

An 18-year-old woman from South East London, an 18-year-old man and a 22-year-old man, all arrested at the time, have not been charged.

During the month of May officers across the West of Essex made 21 arrests, recovered £48,400 of criminal cash, charged eight people with drug-related offences, searched five properties, seized £40,000 worth of cocaine and 165 cannabis plants.

Det Insp James Freeman said: “Across the West of Essex our teams are continuing to achieve significant results, disrupting drug-dealing and gang-related crime and are continuing to make the streets safer.

“I would urge the community to continue to support us by making sure they tell us about drug or gang related crime in their area. These results show that we do and will take action.”

If you have information about drug or gang-related crime in your community contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Essex Police set up Operation Raptor teams in the North, South and West of the county to tackle drug and gang-related crime.

Update

Police investigating an assault in Southern Way, Harlow have arrested a third person.

A man in his 40s had been walking with a friend towards Staple Tye at around 9.30pm on Friday, June 23 when they got into an argument with a group of people.

He was then assaulted, suffering a stab wound to his chest.

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

A 15 year-old boy was this morning arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

He is currently in custody.

Two other boys, aged 13 and 15, have already been arrested on suspicion of assault and remain in custody.

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ESSEX Police are appealing for information following an assault in Southern Way, Harlow at around 9.30pm on Friday, June 23.

The victim, a man in his 40s, had been walking towards Staple Tye when they got into an argument with a group of people which was described to police as being mainly boys.

The victim was then assaulted and suffered a stab wound to his chest.

He has been taken to hospital and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Officers attended the area and arrested two boys, aged 13 and 15, on suspicion of assault.

They are currently in custody.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 quoting incident 1282 of 23/06 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A WOMAN from Little Brays has been fined over £300 for dumping rubbish near a fire door of a dance school in Harlow.

Jessica Rowley, aged 23, of Little Brays, Harlow was found guilty at Chelmsford magistrates court in her absence of the following.

On or about 31/01/2017 at Dance School in Little Brays, Harlow threw down, dropped or otherwise deposited litter, namely several bags of household waste and left it in by the rear fire exit doors of a dance shool in Little Brays, Harlow.

Rowley was fined a total of £330.

ESSEX Police are appealing for information following an armed robbery at a shop in Harlow.

Three men, wearing gloves and balaclavas and armed with scaffolding poles and what is believed to have been a sword, went into the Co-op in Maunds Hatch at around 11pm on Sunday, June 25.

They forced staff to open a safe and made off with a four-figure sum of cash.

No-one was injured.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 quoting incident 1186 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

POLICE Officers are appealing for information about the driver of a white van.

They believe this person assisted an injured woman near Wedhey, Harlow, at around 11pm last night (Thursday, June 29).

The good Samaritan is thought to have taken the woman to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, but she has since left.

It is believed the woman has information relevant to an ongoing investigation and detectives want to speak to her urgently.

If you have information about the whereabouts of the driver, who is believed to be a man, or saw something which may help us locate him, please contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

1330 hrs

DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses following an incident in Harlow which saw a man left with life-threatening head injuries.

Police and paramedics were called to Tumbler Road in Harlow at 11.30pm on Monday July 3 following reports that a man had suffered an injury to his head.

The man, who is aged in his 30s, was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge after suffering a suspected fractured skull. His injuries are life threatening and he remains in a critical condition.

Detectives investigating the incident believe the man may have been assaulted and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Investigating officer Det Con Richard Canning of Harlow CID said: “We are still trying to establish the circumstances of what led to this man suffering serious head injuries.

“However we do believe he was assaulted and some people were seen running away from the scene.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may witnessed the incident who can help us establish exactly what happened.”

Witnesses or anyone with information can contact Harlow CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

1100 hrs

Can you help us? We are appealing for witnesses following an incident in Harlow which saw a man left with life-threatening head injuries.

Police and paramedics were called to Stile Croft in Harlow at 11.30pm on Monday July 3 following reports that a man had suffered an injury to his head.

The man, who is aged in his 30s, was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge after suffering a suspected fractured skull. His injuries are life threatening and he remains in a critical condition.

Detectives investigating the incident believe the man may have been assaulted and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Witnesses or anyone with information can contact Harlow CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymousl on 0800 555 111.

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0945 hrs

AN area of Longfield has been cordoned off by the police.

YH understands that a man has sustained a serious head injury and has been transferred by air ambulance to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge.

A specific area has been cordoned off. Both uniform and plain clothes police are on the scene.

Longfield links up Tumbler Road with Tillwicks Road, Bush Fair.

ESSEX Police are appealing for information to help find two men they want to speak to in connection with a theft of a car in Harlow.

Bradley Meadows, 21, is described as white, 5ft 9ins tall, slim, with short brown hair.

He has tattoos on his left arm saying “Loyalty make you family” and “blood makes you related”, and a skull tattoo on his right hand.

Shane Cable, 21, is described as white, 5ft 8ins tall, slim, with short light brown hair.

On his left arm he has a tattoo saying “MUM”, another saying “When we’re just living to die”, and one of a female figure.

On his left hand he has a tattoo of a clock in the shape of a rose and on his right hand he has a tattoo saying “Why are we scared of death”.

Both men have links to Harlow, Romford, Dagenham, and Kent.

Anyone who recognises the men or has any information regarding their whereabouts is asked to contact DI Natalie Rooney at Harlow CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

THE Essex Police Command team are holding a public event on 13th July 2017 between 12:00 – 14:00 at The Royal British Legion, Radburn Pavilion, Latton Common Road, Harlow CM18 7GY.

This ceremony is to recognise the good work performed by local officers within the Harlow Policing District.

Please come and join us for this event and feel free to bring a friend, it is a chance for you to see the good work being done in your local community.

There will also be a light buffet.

ESSEX Police are appealing for information following a crash on the M11 between junctions seven and eight.

Officers were called at around 8.25pm on Sunday, July 8 to a two vehicle collision.

Two people are being treated for serious injuries.

A 33 year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of drink driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Anyone with any information about the crash or has any dashcam footage, is asked to contact Sergeant Mark Ammon at the Chigwell Roads Policing Unit on 101.

2030 hrs

SEVERAL officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) are in the Fern Hill Lane area of Harlow.

Several officers are in plain clothes and in uniform are also in Gibbs Croft.

There is also a dog unit and a vehicle from Essex Police.

Officers are conducting door to door enquiries.

YH has asked Essex Police for details.

More follows.

ESSEX Police joined forces with Halfords on Saturday in order to promote a key crime prevention measure in car thefts.

For a few hours on Saturday afternoon, Halfords and the police put new anti-theft screws on the number plates of cars.

There were plenty of takers who kept, Sgt Wright and PCSO Cartwright very busy.

INDEPENDENT crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers in Essex received a record number of reports from the public over the last 12 months, achieving the highest percentage increase across the country.

From April 2016 to March 2017, the Crimestoppers’ UK Contact Centre handled over 4,200 Essex-related reports, a 44% increase on the previous 12 months, compared to the charity’s national average increase of 24%.

Crimestoppers encourages people to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or using our non-traceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

Chair of Crimestoppers in Essex, Stuart Rawlins, said: “This is a huge increase and we are very proud that Essex has successfully increased the number of people reporting crime anonymously. These figures show that the Crimestoppers’ message is getting through to people who want to make a difference in their local communities.

“We know that very often it is residents living in those very areas where crimes are committed who hold the key to what is happening, yet they are too scared or worried to take action and talk directly to the police. Because Crimestoppers gives them the chance to report information completely anonymously, and without fear of being identified in any way, they are now coming forward and we are seeing the results.

“Just one small piece of information that could appear insignificant may be the key to enabling the police to complete their investigations and lead to an arrest and charge being made.”

Key Crimestoppers’ initiatives in the county over the past 18 months have included a powerful domestic abuse campaign; the introduction of a pocket-sized marketing card which explains how the organisation works; an Ambassadors programme designed to work with partner organisations to reach particular groups; and smaller, targeted projects in selected crime hotspots.

Crimestoppers’ Regional Manager, Liam Duffy, said: “This news is extremely encouraging and demonstrates the importance of the role Crimestoppers is playing in the fight against crime. The Essex team has worked very hard to promote ongoing campaigns and the results are there for everyone to see.

“What we need to do now is maintain that impetus to achieve even greater success through partnership programmes with relevant organisations and continue to build awareness of Crimestoppers among the public throughout 2017.”

The figures show that the highest number of reports to Crimestoppers were for drugs offences and driving offences – including drink driving; while others categories showing an increase in reporting included information around wanted individuals, alleged assault or harassment, theft and possession of a weapon.

The number of online reports has also increased, with nearly half of all information now received via the Crimestoppers’ secure online form as opposed to over the phone.

The charity is keen to underline its independence and Stuart Rawlins added: “We are not part of the police and we are not BBC Crimewatch. Calls cannot be recorded or traced, no-one will be asked for their name or any personal details and they will not have to give a statement or go to court.”

Crimestoppers is not an emergency service and in the event of an emergency, you should always ring 999.

A HARLOW man has pled guilty to stealing over £5,000.

Daniel Pell, aged 32, of No Fixed Abode pled guilty at Chelmsford magistrates court to the following.

Between 19/04/2017 and 27/05/2017 at Harlow, stole money to the value of £5350 belonging to a.n.other.
Contrary to section 1(1) and 7 of the Theft Act 1968.

Pell will be sentenced on August 9th at Chelmsford Crown Court.

POLICE investigating the theft of a motorbike are releasing CCTV images of two people they want to speak to.

A red Lexmoto was taken in Bush Fair at around 11.30pm on February 18.

The vehicle was later found abandoned but so badly damaged it could not be fixed.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Pc Ahmad Shabbir at Harlow police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

OFFENDERS involved in knife crime will be the subject of targeted operations throughout this week, as officers from Essex Police take part in this summer’s nationwide Operation Sceptre.

Between Monday, July 17 and Saturday, July 22, activity in Essex will target and disrupt offenders who carry and use knives and other bladed weapons.

Operation Sceptre – which is led by the Metropolitan Police – is aimed at those who carry and use knives, with the added objective of cracking down on the supply, access and importation of weapons.

It is part of our ongoing work with partners to tackle gang crime and associated gang activity, as well as other violent crime, including domestic abuse.

Officers and Special Constables from local policing teams, the Operational Support Group and Operation Raptor teams, will be executing warrants, carrying out roadside checks and high-visibility patrols.

Where appropriate, they will be using intelligence-led stop and search powers.

They will also be working with Trading Standards teams to raise awareness among shop owners about the importance of challenging underage customers and selling knives and bladed objects within the law.

Assistant Chief Constable, Andy Prophet, said: “Carrying a knife or bladed item means that you could be on the receiving end of up to a four year sentence.

“Essex Police takes a zero tolerance approach to the carrying of knives, and will go to every length possible to bring to justice those who commit knife crime.

“This week is a targeted extension of our day to day policing in the fight against knife crime.

“There is no place for knife crime on the streets of our county and if you do carry a knife illegally, rest assured my officers will be doing everything in their power to catch you and see justice served.

“Our commitment to tackling these offences will not stop once this week of activity has finished. Knife crime is one of our key priorities as a force and officers are working everyday to tackle this issue head on.

“Unfortunately there has been a rise in knife crime across the county, which reflects a broader national trend.

“I would like to emphasise that the public have a major role to play in assisting our work tackling this crime.

“Often, members of the community will know who is carrying knives, and we urge them to share this information with us. We understand this might be an intimidating prospect, but we remind people it can be done anonymously via Crimestoppers.

“By helping us to remove a knife from the streets, you could really make a difference to your community’s safety, and even save a life.”
Information about knife crime can be shared with Essex Police via 101, or where there is the immediate prospect of a violent incident, 999 should always be called.

Crimestoppers can be reached anonymously on 0800 555111.

A MAN has claimed he was sprayed with chemicals after a vicious road rage incident in Harlow.

The two men came out of their cars in the Longfield part of Tumbler Road at 0950 hrs this morning (Tuesday).

A heated argument ensued, after which they exchanged blows in the middle of the road.

One male chased the other to the side of the road, where the fight continued.

At that point, something seemed to take one of the males by surprise and he began to wipe his eyes.

They returned to the middle of the road, where one continued to threaten the other with what looked like an iron bar.

This male then made off towards Manor Hatch.

The male that remained said that he had “been squirted in the eyes with peroxide”.

YH has contacted Essex Police and am awaiting a response.

ESSEX Police are appealing for witnesses following a report of an aggravated burglary in Glebelands, Harlow that occurred shortly after 11.15pm on Tuesday, July 18.

Two suspects, unknown, have forced entry to the property armed with a gun and a knife. They were wearing ski masks and have stolen £500 from a woman inside the property.

Police are treating this as an isolated incident and there is currently no risk to the wider public.

Witnesses or anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Dc Dawn Shearing at Harlow CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ESSEX Police are investigating reports a man was assaulted in Longfield, Harlow, shortly before 10am on July 8.

Officers received reports two drivers got out of their cars and were involved in an altercation.

One of the men, a 42-year-old from Hertfordshire, was sprayed with an unknown substance. His injuries were not serious.

The other man left the scene in a red Audi.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact police at Harlow on 101.

TWO fairground workers have appeared in court charged with the manslaughter of a seven-year-old girl in Harlow Town Park in 2016

Summer Grant, seven, died from multiple injuries an inflatable castle swept down the park.

Shelby Thurston, 25, and 28-year-old William Thurston, of Whitecross Road, Wilburton, near Ely, Cambridgeshire, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday July 19th today charged with manslaughter and a health and safety offence.

No pleas were taken during the two-minute hearing and the pair were bailed to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday, August 16.