LONG-TERM offender Kelly Martin, 46, of Oak Road, Grays, was ordered to carry out 120 hours unpaid community work after a recent appearance before Chelmsford magistrates.

Martin pleaded guilty to assaulting David Watts. She was ordered to pay £100 compensation and there was no order for costs as she has more than £1,700 outstanding in fines which are being deducted from her benefits.

Sigitas Alisauskas, 55 and a persistent shop thief and a Lithuanian of no fixed abode in the Thurrock district, was jailed for eight weeks. He admitted stealing powdered baby milk valued at £144 from Boots at Lakeside. He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £122.

A Stanford-le-Hope woman who had initially denied a charge of harassment, including a number of incidents involving Toyah Oughton, changed her plea when she appeared before Basildon Magistrates’ Court. Aimee Antonia Moss, 49, was ordered to carry out 40 hours of unpaid community work and ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge of £385. Bail conditions restricting her movements were cancelled.

Moss had pleaded not guilty to a second charge of dishonestly making a false representation by sending an invoice to a veterinary service for £782. The case was dismissed as the prosecution offered no evidence.

A South Ockendon man who appeared before Basildon Magistrates’ Court on successive days ended up in prison. On his first appearance Jamie Robert Bowles, 31, of Danbury Crescent, pleaded not guilty to a number of charges of assault and of threatening violence was sent for trial at Crown Court.

He did admit damaging a police prison cell door and urinating on it. He was fined £100 and ordered to pay compensation of £63.60 and costs and a surcharge totaling £137.

Twenty-four hours later he was back in court and admitted stealing a jacket from Superdry in Grays and a beard trimmer and aftershave from Boots. Magistrates jailed him for three weeks and he was ordered to pay a surcharge of £122.

Graham Edward Williams of Swale Close, Aveley, admitted breaching a community order as part of a suspended sentence and was fined £120.
Magistrates did not feel inclined to impose the suspended sentence because they felt Williams was likely to comply with its requirements during the remainder of its term.

Robert John Didham, 28, of Raphael Avenue, Tilbury, admitted harassing Toni Harrington. He was remanded on bail to return to court for sentencing after a report has been compiled on condition he does not contact her or enter Northview Avenue, Tilbury.

Kulvinder Singh, 34 of Handel Crescent, Tilbury, was not present in court to face charges of criminal damage and assault. He was ordered to appear for trial and granted bail on condition he does not contact his alleged victim, Brenda Bharj-Ghatora.

John ‘JJ’ Margetts, 32, of Whitmore avenue, Grays, pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to provide a specimen of blood after being suspected of a driving offence. He was granted unconditional bail pending his trial.

Terry Clarke, 50 of Anton Road, South Ockendon, admitted two charges of assault, one of harassment and criminal damage. Magistrates adjudged his offences to have been racially motivated and he was ordered to undertake 180 hours of unpaid community work and pay compensation of £100. In addition Clarke had to pay costs and a surcharge totalling £195.

A man who was convicted of a sex offence returned to face a court after being charged with breaching the conditions of his conviction. Steven John Sheppey, 33, of Corve Lane, South Ockendon, did not notify police of a change of address, nor of changes to his bank details. He admitted the offences and was ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid community service and told to pay costs and a surcharge totalling £195.

Steven Alfred Barclay, 36, of South Road, South Ockendon, admitted stealing number plates from a car in Brentwood. He was ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid community work and pay compensation of £20 in addition to costs and a victim surcharge totalling £235.

Kayleigh Amy Rosina Brown, 21, of Brooms Court, South Ockendon, admitted a breach of her community order by failing to attend an unpaid community work commitment. She was fined £30.

Dean Martin, 52, of Broxburn Drive, South Ockendon, admitted breaching a community order and was fined £40, with costs of £60.

Ben Robin Plumb, 22, of Gumley Close, Grays, admitted breaching a community order and was fined £80, with costs of £60.

Mark William Lawrence Jackson, 23, of Kelvin Road, Tilbury. admitted two charges of assaulting a police officer, possession of cannabis, failing to meet bail conditions and two charges of criminal damage. He was released on conditional bail to await a pre-sentencing report.

David William Kerr, 54, of Centurian Way, Purfleet, admitted criminal damage to a wall but not guilty to using threatening behaviour. He was released on conditional bail and will be tried at Basildon in June.

A couple of days later Kerr was back before magistrates facing further charges of using threatening behaviour and failing to provide a specimen after being suspected of drink driving. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded on bail to reappear on 24 April. He admitted a charge of failing driving without insurance and possession of cannabis.

Tony Thompson, 29, of Elgar Gardens, Tilbury, returned to Basildon Magistrates’ Court to amend the terms of a previous sentence because of medical grounds. He was fined £60 after admitting an assault on a police officer in the course of his duties.

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By Eric White

OVER the Bank Holiday weekend, Essex Police spoke to 1595 residents or visitors to the county about appropriate journeys or social distancing and only had to issue eight penalty notices, ACC Andy Prophet announced yesterday.

He added: “Engage explain, encourage before enforce. Keep it up Essex. Thank you.”

“Well done Essex for continuing to follow Social Distancing rules. The
Essex Police doing the right thing. Thank you.”

Lockdown rules state police can issue a fixed penalty notice of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days.

They can also issue a fixed penalty notice of £120 for second time offenders, doubling on each further repeat offence.

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By Eric White

ESSEX Police have said a man has been charged in connection with two knifepoint robberies in Whitmore Way, Basildon on Sunday 12 April.

They took place at the Murco service station and Cellar Plus.

He appeared in court today and the hearing was adjourned until next month.

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By Eric White

WEAPONS and drugs were recovered by Essex Police during a week of action focused on tackling knife crime and serious violence.

According to the Essex Police website, officers across the county carried out patrols, looked for weapons hidden by criminals, and carried out stop checks and stop and searches.

It was part of Operation Sceptre, our ongoing work to identify anyone who is intent on committing violent crime, particularly knife crime.

Forty people were arrested on suspicion of various offences, including 18 arrests for knife, violent or drugs related crimes.

The arrests included:

– Twelve people were charged during an during an operation to dismantle an organised crime group involved in drug dealing. Raids were carried out under the Misuse of Drugs Act in Harlow at addresses in Elizabeth Way, Ash Tree Hill, Little Grove Field, Northbanks, Brocklesmead, Moorfield, Barley Croft, Arkwright, Spring Hills, and Ash Tree Field. The warrants were a culmination of an extensive investigation into the sale of Class A and B drugs in the Harlow area between 2018 and 2020.

– A 14-year-old boy was arrested in connection with a robbery and two attempted robberies in Harlow on March 25. One of the victims was a doctor on their way to work. A second boy, a 14-year-old from Hoddesdon, has since also been arrested in connection with the investigation.

– A man has been charged with drugs offences after officers seized suspected drugs and a large quantity of cash from a house in Ipswich Road, Colchester.

– Suspected drugs, a large amount of cash and a hammer were seized after car was stopped in Lexden Road, Colchester. Three people were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences.

– Officers stopped a Vauxhall Astra on the A12 near Marks Tey and carried out a drugs swipe test on the driver, who tested positive. His passenger was searched and found to have about 50 wraps of suspected class A drugs. A crackpipe was also found in the car. Both men were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences.

– A BMW was stopped in Broxbourne Drive, South Ockendon, and suspected drugs were found inside. The driver, a 24-year-old man from South Ockendon, was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply.

The week of action took place between Monday 23 March and Sunday 29 March.

Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Basford said: “These results from just one week are a snapshot of the work we do every day to protect our communities and tackle serious violent crime.

“That includes taking weapons off the street, targeting offenders and protecting vulnerable people who are exploited and groomed by criminals.

“But enforcement is only one part of the solution to tackling the issue.

“We work closely with our criminal justice and council partners, other organisations and charities, to help tackle the root causes.

“This includes education, providing opportunities to make positive changes, and supporting those at risk of being exploited.

“It really is a community effort and we all have a part to play.”

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A MAN HAS been charged with stealing staff wages at B and Q in Thurrock.

Mr Michael Oluwalana, aged 32, of Station Road, Upminster has been charged with the following.

On 18/05/2019 at Grays stole staff wages, to the value of £1195.03 belonging to B&Q Retail.

Adjourned to 15/05/2020 in Courtroom 70, Chelmsford Magistrates Court.

In order to comply with government guidelines on social distancing we are postponing all non-urgent work. Your case will be adjourned (and your bail will be extended on the same terms and conditions as you have now). T

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By Eric White

ESSEX Police have said a man has been arrested in London today, Thursday 16 April, on suspicion of an immigration offence.

The 42-year-old, from Tottenham, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to facilitate the entry of non-EU citizens into the UK.

It is connected to the police’s ongoing investigation into the deaths of 39 Vietnamese nationals, who were sadly discovered in a lorry container in Grays on 23 October 2019.

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THURROCK Council have teamed up with the police to help vulnerable members of the borough during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under Operation Valour, officers from the specialist Operation Raptor team are working alongside Community Policing
Team colleagues and Thurrock Borough Council to help those most in need during these challenging times including the homeless community and those with substance dependencies.

As part of the drive to protect the vulnerable, officers are increasing their patrols and visits to areas known to be frequented by members of the homeless community to help ensure their safety. As well as checking on their welfare, they are directly linking them to housing staff at Thurrock Borough Council to ensure they complete
housing applications to get them off of the streets and into a place of safety.

The Raptor team, who specialise in tackling drug and gang-related crime, are also supporting habitual drug users who are struggling with the challenges of the current restrictions.

They are working with the team at Inclusion Visions, the adult substance misuse treatment and support service across Thurrock, and carrying out welfare visits to ensure individuals in need receive the right level of
support and treatment to keep them safe.

Acting Sergeant Jonathan Kemp of the West Operation Raptor team said: “The current restrictions on our movements are difficult for all of us not least those who are homeless and therefore at greater risk of
catching the virus.

“It is also a difficult time for those struggling with substance misuse issues who may not be able to get out to access their usual support services or friends and family who help them through.

“We have joined up with our partners at Thurrock Council and Inclusion Visions Thurrock to ensure we are supporting vulnerable members of our community.

“We are working hard to ensure homeless people are off the streets and safe and we are also ensuring that people are signposted to where they can get the right help.

“We are committed to protecting and serving all of the communities of Essex but also helping people to stay home and save lives.”

As part of Operation Valour, targeted patrols are also being carried out around pharmacies and GP practices.

The patrols aim to prevent burglaries and thefts caused by the rising cost of Class A drugs.

Acting PS Kemp added: “We are realistic about the fact that some drug users may not wish to seek help and are continuing to consume Class A drugs.

“However as these drugs are becoming increasingly harder to come by, ruthless drug dealers are increasing the cost and this in turn could fuel a rise in acquisitive crime.

“We will not let that happen and are committed to continuing to prevent and detect all types of crime across the county and arresting those who think they can break the law and prey on the misery of others.”

If you have concerns about crime in your community call Essex Police on 999 in an emergency, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously.

If you live in Thurrock, are aged 18 and over and are experiencing problems with alcohol or drugs please contact Inclusion Visions Thurrock on 0300 303 1018 or visit their website www.visions.inclusionthurrock.org/

Inclusion Visions is provided by Inclusion, part of Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

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14 FIXED Penalty notices were issued by Essex Police by those who refused to follow restrictions over the course of the bank holiday weekend, despite officers making multiple attempts to persuade them to stay home and stay safe.

Officers, including Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, were on patrol throughout the county as they continued to help people, keep everyone safe and catch criminals.

No arrests were made in Essex despite the 14 fixed penalty notices.

Essex Police Chief Constable said: “We are ready to uphold the law and will do so when it is proportionate and necessary, but our priority remains the same.

“We will engage with people, we will explain why it’s so important that they follow the social restrictions put in place and then we will encourage them to keep doing the right thing.

“I would like to thank every person in Essex who stayed at home this Easter weekend, you helped to protect the NHS and you helped to save lives.

“When my officers are not on duty, they are at home and they are doing the same as you. We are all in this together and together we will get through this.”

In the run up to the bank holiday, Mr Harrington headed to Epping Forest and also to Southend where he joined PC Mesher and PC Martin from the Community Policing Team to patrol the seaside town and encourage those who weren’t, to follow government direction and advice.

“Southend seafront is a popular bank-holiday destination for locals and visitors alike, even more so when the weather is as nice as it was over the Easter weekend” said the Chief Constable.

“However this weekend Essex was united in one goal; to help protect the NHS and save lives by staying at home.

“This was not just reflected in Southend but I’m proud to say, throughout Essex.”

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ESSEX Trading Standards have sent out a warning regarding supermarket scam emails containing fake vouchers purported to help with buying food during the lockdown.

Essex Trading Standards released the following message on social media yesterday (16th April):

“Please be aware of these scam emails circulating to be from various supermarkets.

“The scammers cloak the email in the branding of a popular supermarket chain and inform the recipient that they have received a money off voucher to assist with purchases during the quarantine.

“The email then directs the recipient to click a link so that they may claim the coupon. Rather than being a kind offer from some of Britain’s most popular chains, it is a fraudulent email which aims to steal the credit card details of the recipient.

“Look out for the telltale signs that the voucher offer is a scam, such as poor spelling and grammar; however, this is not always the case, and many look identical to official supermarket emails.

“Never click the links or input your card details.

“If an offer sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.

“Report all scams to us via 0808 223 1133.”

The post Essex Trading Standards warn Thurrock of supermarket scam emails appeared first on Your Thurrock.

A MAN has been charged with an immigration offence.

Gazmir Nuzi, 42, of Barclay Road, Tottenham, was arrested in London yesterday (Thursday 16 April).

He has now been charged with conspiracy to facilitate the commission of a breach of UK immigration law by a non-EU person.

He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today (Friday 17 April).

The charge is in connection with our ongoing investigation into the deaths of 39 Vietnamese nationals who, sadly, were discovered in a lorry container in Grays on 23 October 2019.

The post Grays 39: Man has been charged with immigration offence appeared first on Your Thurrock.

ESSEX Police are looking for former prisoner last known to be living in Tilbury.

24-year-old Shaquan Brooks (pictured above), also known as Shacks, is wanted on a recall to prison after breaching his licence conditions.

He was last known to be living in Tilbury and has links to Grays, Southend and Dagenham.

He is described as being 6ft 1ins tall, has dark brown cropped hair and is of a slim build.

If you have information about where he might be, please contact the Raptor Team at Grays Police Station on 101.
Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers.

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A GRAYS man has been charged with depositing 93 tyres on a busy Thurrock road.

Dan Guguian, aged 52, of London Road, Grays has been charged with the following.

On 06/03/2019 at Thurrock deposited controlled waste, namely 93 large lorry tyres from a HGV Scania in or on land, namely A1306 Eastbound Layby, without the authority of a current environmental permit issued under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

Guguain was remanded on unconditional bail until 08/07/2020 at 11:00 in Courtroom 03, Southend Magistrates Court.

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By Eric White

TWO vehicles were seized for no valid insurance while cannabis was found in another vehicle in a busy night for the Thurrock Community Policing team last night (Friday 17th April).

They posted the following update on social media this morning:

“Thurrock Community Policing Team has a busy night on Friday 17th April, the proactive C shift team were out attending incidents and #KeepingYouSafe.

“During the night 2 vehicles were seized for having no valid insurance, and the drivers were processed for driving without a licence.

“They assisted Grays LPT (Local Policing team) with a vehicle stop, where a search resulted in cannabis being found.

“Officers spotted a vehicle that was driving erratically, and the vehicle failed to stop for police and a pursuit ensued resulting in the driver being arrested.

“Responded to an alarm activation at lakeside retail park where there was evidence of an attempt break in.”

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By Eric White

AS part of Stalking Awareness week, Essex Police are reminding victims of the help available.

Stalking will still persist despite lockdown. The behaviours of people may change but that does not reduce the risk.

For help, visit www.setdab.org, which is the Southend, Essex and Thurrock domestic abuse partnership website, providing advice and information on services for those affected by domestic abuse.

Alternatively, please call Changing Pathways 01268 729707.

Earlier this month, it was reported the National Domestic Abuse helpline had seen a 25% increase in calls and online requests for help since the lockdown, the charity Refuge says.

It received hundreds more calls last week compared to two weeks earlier, the charity which runs the helpline said.

Campaigners have warned the restrictions could heighten domestic tensions and cut off escape routes.

The charity said pressure on other services and awareness campaigns could have also led to the increase.

Police are emphasising that women and men facing abuse at home during the lockdown should still report their experiences to police and seek support from domestic abuse services.

Refuge says the helpline is still running 24 hours, seven days a week, with staff operating from home.

24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline can be contacted on 0808 2000 247.

Their website is www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

One effect of being locked down with your abuser could be that not only are people more vulnerable to domestic abuse – but also possibly less likely to be able to make an emergency phone call.

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline therefore offers the option of contacting them through its website, with a quick exit button which ensures no record of the attempt is left on the phone.

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ESSEX Trading Standards have sent out a warning to residents after receiving reports from people in the community saying they have had a number of calls from someone purporting to be from “The Corona Charity Fund”.

Essex Trading Standards said: “The caller makes claims regarding the expected death count at the peak of the virus spread, and gives information on how bad the current situation is.

“The individual asks for a donation to help in the fight against coronavirus.

“The alarmist information is not correct, and there is no such charity.

“If you receive such a call, HANG UP! Do not share any personal details with them, especially any banking details.

“Please report all scams to us via 0808 223 1133.”

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A EUROPEAN Arrest Warrant has been executed in Ireland today, Monday 20 April, in connection with the Essex Police investigation into the deaths of 39
Vietnamese nationals who were sadly found in a lorry trailer in Grays last October.

The Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges against a 40-year-old man from County Armagh in Northern Ireland, and he will appear at #Dublin’s High Court tomorrow, Tuesday 21 April.

He has been charged with 39 offences of manslaughter, as well as immigration offences.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Smith, head of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said:

“Our investigation into these matters is ongoing, and we would urge members of the public and the media not to speculate as everyone involved has the right to a fair judicial process.

“This investigation is one of the largest in Essex Police history and we are working tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to the 23 October 2019 for the sake of the victims and their loved ones.

“We have worked closely with the National Crime Agency and Crown Prosecution Service as well as police and prosecutors in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Germany and Vietnam.

“We are immensely grateful for the ongoing support for the investigation, and the victims and their families continue to be at the forefront of our thoughts.”

Last week, 25-year-old Maurice Robinson from Craigavon in Northern Ireland pleaded guilty to 39 counts of manslaughter at the Old Bailey. He had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration and acquiring criminal property at the same court on Monday 25 November.

Robinson will be sentenced at a later date.

Four other men will stand trial at the Old Bailey in connection with this investigation on Monday 5 October.

A 22-year-old man from Northern Ireland has been granted leave to appeal his extradition to the UK under the terms of a European Arrest Warrant issued by the force and the Crown Prosecution Service.

The EAW meant he faced 39 charges of manslaughter, and a charge of conspiracy to traffic people, as well as conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. A further hearing will be held in Dublin on Thursday 7 May.

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TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm following an incident in Grays last night (20 April)

Essex Police said: “We were called just before 6.30pm on Monday 20 April to reports of an altercation between a number of men, who we believe are known to one another.

“We understand that the assault may have started in Manor Road before moving into Grove Road.

“The victim, aged in his 30s, was taken to hospital with injuries to his head and hands.

“A 34-year-old local man and a 35-year-old from Tilbury remain in custody for questioning.

“Our enquiries are ongoing.”

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POLICE Community Support Officers in Stanford-Le-Hope yesterday had to disperse two men “who had travelled from Wales to spend time with relatives as they were bored.”

Jacqueline Middleton, Police Community Support Officer for Stanford, Corringham and Fobbing, posted the message on her twitter page yesterday (Monday 20 April): “Along with PCSO Coombes, just dispersed two males in Runnymede Road Park, #Stanford Le Hope who had travelled from Wales, (Yes! Wales!!!) to spend time with relatives as they were BORED. Advice given. #StayHomeStaySafeSaveLives”

Images below are from PCSO’s Twitter page.

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ESSEX Dog Watch have told Thurrock residents to be careful and keep their dogs safe after being informed of a scam going on involving the removal of dogs purportedly on the basis of quarantine.

On their Facebook page, Essex Dog Watch said: “We have been informed that police are making people aware there is a scam going round regarding dog owners.

“Men are knocking on the doors of dog owners saying they need to remove any dogs on the premises to quarantine due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

“Please do not open your doors to strangers and do not hand your dogs over to anyone.”

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DOMESTIC abuse teams in Essex are continuing to help keep people safe while disrupting abusers – with some recent successes.

At Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Friday 17 April, Colchester and Clacton Domestic Abuse Investigations Team secured a five year stalking protection order against a Chelmsford man who is currently on remand ahead of a sentencing hearing for stalking, breaching a non-molestation order and wasting police time.

The order will start once he has served his sentence and he is prohibited from contacting the victim directly or indirectly, he cannot contact specific people known to her or enter her street and he is prohibited from making reference to her online.

The order also means he cannot engage in any form of surveillance of her and he cannot create any profiles on social media and online dating using particular aliases.

There are other restrictions on his use of phones and computers and he faces further sanctions if he is to breach any of the requirements.

On Thursday 16 April, a Special Constable made his first arrested by detaining a man in Stansted.

Justin Baker, 35, of Hudgell Road, Stansted, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Saturday 18 April where he was fined and ordered to complete unpaid work after admitting breaching a restraining order.

In a month period from Tuesday 17 March, they secured 30 Domestic Violence Protection Orders through the courts to further help protect victims and to deter abusers.

They have also prosecuted five men for breaching DVPOs, with one man receiving time in prison.

Their Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding teams continue to safeguard victims of domestic abuse throughout the current situation.

This month so far they have safeguarded over 320 victims, these include victims who have reported incidents to police and victims whose partners are being released from prison.

Chief Superintendent Andrew Mariner said: “There has been more spotlight on domestic abuse with people spending more time indoors with their families, partners and children during these unprecedented times.

“You may have seen plenty of images of our officers on patrol in your communities but what you may not have seen is specialist domestic abuse teams working hard behind the scenes to protect and safeguard victims and to restrict abusers – be it locking them in prison to securing orders against them.

“Our control call handlers have been dealing with domestic related 999 calls and they are also trained in responding to silent calls. If you call us and then hold 55, an operator will know you are in danger and they will be able to respond accordingly.

“We know that for many people, this particular time can be difficult for you and I want you to know that we are here to help, just like the many partners, charities and organisations that support domestic abuse victims and survivors. Please do not suffer in silence.”

COMPASS is a single point of access funded by Essex County Council in partnership with the Office of Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner to support victims of domestic abuse across Southend, Essex and Thurrock.

There is plenty of advice for victims and their loved ones by visiting https://www.essexcompass.org.uk/.

They continue to urge people in the community to be vigilant and to report any information to us on 101 or online by visit www.essex.police.uk.

Please always call 999 in an emergency and remember, please hold 55 if you cannot talk to a call handler. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

There are many other charities who can help you including Changing Pathways, Safer Places, Women’s Aid and Refuge.

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