A MAN from Chafford Hundred will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today, Wednesday 13 May, after being charged with a number of offences related to hacking and blackmail.

Akash Sondhi, 26, of Hedingham Road, has been charged with 47 offences in total, including 24 counts of unauthorised computer access with intent to commit other offences, 21 counts of blackmail and 2 counts of voyeurism.

The alleged offences, which primarily saw young girls blackmailed for intimate images over Snapchat, are believed to have taken place between 2015 and 2020.

Anyone with information about similar offences is asked to call our Cyber Crime Unit on 101.

You can also report any instances of fraud to Action Fraud.

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THREE men have been arrested after garden machinery was stolen from a home in Brentwood.

The arrests follow reports garden machinery was stolen from an address in Thorndon Park, Brentwood, on April 15.

The men were arrested after police stopped a vehicle in Lower Baddow Road, Woodham Mortimer, at around 2.20am yesterday (May 11).

A 23-year-old from Dagenham, a 24-year-old from Purfleet and a 26-year-old, of no fixed address, were taken into custody on suspicion of burglary and going equipped to steal.

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We seized a number of items including bolt cutters and crowbars found within the car.”

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ESSEX Police are investigating an attempted robbery of a man in Grays.

The 21-year-old man was approached by two men in Hangman’s Wood, near the Esso Garage on the Daneholes Roundabout, at 11.10pm on Thursday 7 May.

One of the men had a lock knife and demanded his wallet and mobile phone.

When the victim said he did not have any, he was slashed with the knife on his arm and stomach. He managed to get the knife off the first suspect and both men ran off.

He suffered minor injuries.

A police spokesperson said: “We have been carrying out enquiries and we believe there were people in the area who may have seen these two men.

“The first was described as white, about 5ft 9ins tall and of medium build. He had deep set eyes and short brown hair. He wore gloves, a black zip up tracksuit jacket with a reflective logo on the left side of the chest and matching tracksuit bottoms. His face was covered with a dark scarf.

“The second man was described as white, about 6ft tall and of medium build. He wore a black hooded jumper with a logo on the left side of the chest, jeans, black trainers and gloves. His face was covered with a black scarf.

Anyone with information is asked to call PC Manoj Patel in Grays CID on 101 quoting reference 42/65452/20.

You can also report online at https://www.essex.police.uk

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

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POLICE officers investigating an assault in South Ockendon earlier this year are releasing efits of two men they want to trace.

It was reported a man in his 30s had been assaulted by a group of people in Buckles Lane shortly before 4.20pm on 25 March.

He was left with a broken rib and needed seven stitches to a head.

Police need to trace the men pictured and speak to them in connection with the incident.

If you think you know who they are, where they are, or have any other information about the incident please call us on 101 quoting the crime reference number 42/46143/20 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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A MESSAGE FROM ESSEX POLICE

WE are raising awareness in Essex about a scam that involves companies approaching young people to become brand ambassadors.

We have been made aware of reports that teenagers are being approached by companies on social media sites asking them to help promote their clothing in exchange for discounts.

They will then ask the purchasers to cover expensive shipping costs for overpriced products – some that may never arrive.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Truss said: “We understand being asked to be an ambassador for any brand may be very appealing to many young people but this is a scam which will potentially involve you losing your money, data or both.

“We know many young people have aspirations to be influencers and this is something that we fully support, however, we would urge caution while online.

“Take Five while online and take steps to help Secure, Protect and Prevent. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

“There are many steps you can take to help combat fraud – by simply sharing these messages you are helping to educate others dearest to you.”

We received a report just this week that a 16-year-old girl from Saffron Walden was contacted online and rightly reported it.

On 20 April, another 16-year-old girl from Great Baddow fell victim of the scam before contacting Action Fraud.

We would urge people to contact Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime.

Please find information about online safety here: https://www.essex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/personal-fraud/online-shopping/.

You can also visit the Take Five website here: https://takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/

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ESSEX Police are appealing for witness following a robbery in Belhus Park, Aveley on Friday 15 May at around 3:30 pm.

A young man was approached by a group of five young men and got into a verbal altercation.

The group then assaulted the man who sustained a broken hand, and they stole a number of items including a small speaker.

If you have any information, please contact Grays CID on 101, quoting crime reference 42/69098/20.

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A MAN and three teenagers have been arrested following reports of a disturbance in Crammavill Street, Stifford Clays, yesterday afternoon.

Police were called at around 4.30pm on Sunday 17 May after residents saw a machete being brandished in the street.

Officers responded and, with the help of the British Transport Police, conducted a thorough search of the area.

Three members of the group, an 18-year-old man, a 17-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of affray.

All four arrested are believed to be from the Barking area. They remain in custody for questioning.

The police would like to thank anyone who has come forward with information so far but, if you have not yet spoken to our officers and witnessed the incident, or have relevant dash cam footage or CCTV, you can submit information through our website or call Grays Local Policing Team on 101. The incident number to quote is 868 of 17 May.

If you would prefer to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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SEVEN people in Thurrock have been served with domestic violence protection orders during a campaign by Essex Police to help prevent violence in the home.

Across Essex, between Wednesday, 15 April and Friday, 15 May 29 protection notices issued and 10 put before a court for breaching them.

The notices were issued to 28 men and one woman aged 23 and 50.

Six were issued in Grays and one in South Ockendon.

Chief Superintendent Andrew Mariner said: “Just this month, we’ve had 10 successful applications and five convictions for breaches of orders that are put in place to help safeguard people at risk of harm.

“This once again goes to show the hard work that’s ongoing in partnership with the courts to restrict abusers movements while protecting victims.

“It’s not just officers on patrol and responding to emergencies who are keeping communities safe – there are many specialist departments working around the clock to keep you safe, help you and catch criminals.

“These results show the hard work that’s ongoing between our frontline officers attending calls and our domestic abuse investigators.”

DVPOs can be issued to people if there has been insufficient evidence to charge suspects but we have concerns about the safety of the victims.

The notices can order the suspects to leave the premises where the incidents occurred, prevent them from entering the homes of the alleged victims and stop them from making any further contact with them, as well as further provisions.

Ch Supt Mariner added: “We 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 Next Chapter, Changing Pathways, Safer Places, Women’s Aid and Refuge.”

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OFFICERS from the Operational Support Group (OSG) have been out in Thurrock making arrests as they continue protecting and serving Essex.

They made seven arrests as targeted those posing a danger on our roads.

Two men – aged 29 and 46 – were arrested on suspicion of cannabis cultivation after a vehicle was stopped on the London-bound A13 near the junction for Wellington.

They then made three drug driving arrests.

A 40 year-old man was arrested in Broxburn Drive at around 7.30pm, a 23 year-old man was arrested when a vehicle was stopped on the A1306 at around 8.15pm, while a 30 year-old man was arrested on the A13 near the Five Bells Interchange also at 8.15pm.

All three have since been released under investigation.

Then, after seeing a vehicle driving erratically two men were arrested in Hamble Lane, South Ockendon at around 11.15pm.

A 27 year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and has been released under investigation while a 28 year-old man was arrested on suspicion of obstructing powers of a drug search.

He remains in custody.

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DETECTIVES investigating an allegation of rape in South Ockendon, are looking for witness who they believe may have vital information that could help with their investigation.

It was reported that between 11pm and midnight on Friday 8 May, a teenage girl was raped on Broxburn Drive.

A 26-year-old man from South Ockendon was arrested in connection and has been released on bail until Thursday 4 June.

Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Kennedy Emson said: “The victim is being supported by specialist officers as we continue to carry out our enquiries.

“We are treating this as an isolated incident and we do not believe there is any further risk to the community.

“We understand that a man was walking his dog in the area around this time and stopped to speak to a teenage girl and a man aged in his 20s.

“We are really keen to speak to this man, as we believe he could have vital information that could help with our investigation.

“The dog walker was described as being aged in his 50s, around 6ft tall and of a medium build. He also had a local accent.

“Anyone with information or can help identify the man described, please contact us on 101, quoting reference 42/66980/20.”

Information can also be given completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org

The post South Ockendon: Appeal for witnesses as police investigate rape appeared first on Your Thurrock.

The following news item is a general discussion on the subject of racism during the Coronavirus pandemic.

There are two items here. The first is a letter sent by the National Police Chiefs Council to the Heads of the Independent Advisory Groups across the country.

Message from National Police Chiefs Council

Reporting Hate Crime

WE hope this letter finds you well in these challenging times. We write in our capacity as the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and National Police Chiefs Council Leads on Hate Crime to you all, in your role as members of the Independent Advisory Group on Hate Crime.

Since the beginning of the lockdown, we have been struck by the numerous examples of how the current national emergency has brought out the best in so many of us: from the key workers across the emergency services going out every day to work tirelessly to keep us all safe, to the volunteers who have been supporting their local communities and the members of the public who have gone the extra mile to raise funds for good causes.

However, unfortunately there is a small minority in our society who during this time have targeted individuals and communities for abuse in relation to COVID-19. In the lead up to the lockdown we observed a significant increase in hate crimes and incidents targeting members of the Chinese and Southeast Asian communities, whilst our third sector partners TellMAMA and the Community Security Trust have raised concerns about the proliferation of far-right anti-Muslim and antisemitic online material in relation to the pandemic. Meanwhile, there are underlying concerns that many people may not be coming forward to report hate crimes and incidents, as they believe that police priorities currently lie elsewhere.

Therefore, we are writing to you all today to reaffirm that now, as ever, hate crimes and incidents will not be tolerated. As the APCC and NPCC Leads, we will do all we can to ensure that forces respond proactively to people coming forward to report hate crimes and incidents, and that the victims services that PCCs commission can provide them with the support that they need. We therefore urge you to encourage the individuals and communities that your organisations represent to come forward and report if they have been the victim of a hate crime or incident. Indeed, this will become all the more important going forward as lockdown restrictions are eased, and people from different communities come into regular contact with one another once more.

If there are concerns that you wish to raise with us in relation to hate crime, whether in relation to COVID-19 or otherwise, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

==============

By the Chair of Essex Independent Advisory Group

Neil Woodbridge

ACROSS Essex all the Local Independent Advisory Groups for the police are working really hard at the moment. Keeping a good look out for any issues the Police need to be aware of from their communities and being a critical friend whenever necessary.

I am pleased to say that as the chair of both Thurrock IAG and the Essex wide strategic group, we have been both informed and supportive of the polices current ‘4 E’ Coronavirus strategy .. Engage. Explain. Encourage. Enforce.

However, although there is much good news with the public largely obeying the rules and crime seemingly down, we are always vigilant about Hate Crime.

This is taken very seriously by Essex Police and we particularly wanted to reach out to our friends in any marginal communities to say please do report any issues you are having.

We are concerned to hear that some people who are Chinese or look Chinese to ignorant eyes may have been victims and we would really encourage them to report it. Our friends in the Police will deal with any issues sensitively but together we will not tolerate such crimes in our areas.”

You can report your concerns by; ringing 101, contacting a local Hate Incident Reporting Centre, contacting Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 or simply visiting the Essex Police Website and searching ‘Hate Crime’.

======================

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ESSEX Police are re-appealing for information to find Kevin Nketia, 15, who is missing from Grays.

Kevin has been missing since May 1 and police have carried out a number of enquiries to locate him without success.

A spokesperson said: “Our officers are concerned for his welfare and believe he may be travelling by train.

We received possible sightings of him in Stevenage and we’re working closely with Hertfordshire Police.

He also has links to Bedfordshire and Luton.

He is described as being 5ft 7ins with braided hair and was he last seen wearing a black parka jacket with a fur collar, blue Adidas tracksuit, and black Nike Airmax 95s trainers.

“If you’ve seen him or have any information about where he is please call us on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”.

The post Re-appeal for missing Grays teenage boy appeared first on Your Thurrock.

Funding available to help support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence

UP to £620,000 is available to help victims and survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Charities, groups and organisations working to support those who have experienced these awful crimes can apply for money via the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex.

However, groups must act quickly as the closing date for applications is Monday, June 1st.

Roger Hirst, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “We have just been told that the Ministry of Justice has secured £25 million as part of a £76 million Government package of support to charities which support vulnerable people. £20 million of that has been made available to PCCs across the country. In Essex w have been allocated up to £620,000 so if you think we can help your group, charity or organisation, get in touch with us now.”
The Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex is already working with services it already funds such as Synergy (Essex Rape Crisis Partnership), EVIE (Domestic Abuse partnership) which have seen an impact to their services during the Coronavirus pandemic.

But some of the allocated money has been ringfenced and will be open to services not currently funded by the PFCC who need financial support because of the impact COVID-19 has had on them.

The criteria for this ringfenced fund are:
You must be a registered charity, a charitable incorporated organisation, or a social enterprise, including companies limited by guarantee and community interest companies.

You provide support services which have the purpose of helping victims of crime who reside in Essex cope with the impacts of crime, and, as far as possible, recover from the harm they have experienced.

You have incurred cost since March 24th, 2020 due to COVID-19 in order to continue supporting victims of Domestic Abuse and/or Sexual Violence.
You anticipate additional cost (up until October 31st, 2020) due to COVID-19 in order to support victims and survivors of Domestic Abuse and/or Sexual Violence.To find out more go to https://bit.ly/FundingAvailable.

Applications must be received by June 1st, 2020.

Roger added: “Services who support some of our most vulnerable people have risen admirably to the challenges placed on them by the Coronavirus. I would like to thank everyone involved for all you are doing. If you think this money could help you, please get in touch via our website as soon as possible.”

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ESSEX Police are continuing to investigate an incident in which a man was threatened in Grays.

A man and a woman in a silver Lexus had gone to Lodge Lane at about 10.30pm on Sunday 17 May for a pre-arranged meeting.

When they arrived, a man got out of a white or silver car and into the Lexus.

He threatened the man inside the Lexus with an imitation firearm and stole a quantity of cash from him.

The female driver attempted to drive off, but the Lexus collided with a house.

The suspect got out and left the scene in the other car, which is thought to have been driven by a second man. The victims were not seriously hurt.

The suspect is described as a black man, aged in his early 20s and about 5ft 5ins and 5ft 6ins tall. He was wearing a white hoody.

A spokesperson said: “We are treating it as a targeted incident.

“We are continuing to carry out patrols and enquiries, and are looking to speak to anyone who was in the area but has yet to come forward.

Anyone with information or CCTV or dash cam footage is asked to call Grays CID on 101 quoting reference 42/70276/20 or report online at https://www.essex.police.uk

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

The post Update: Man threatened in Lodge Lane, Grays appeared first on Your Thurrock.

A GRAYS man is set to stand trial over an allegation of possession of an offensive weapon.

Paul Berry, aged 37, of Parsonage Road, Grays has been charged with the following.

On 01/06/2019 at Grays had with you, without good reason or lawful authority, in a public place namely London Road, Grays an article which had a blade or was sharply pointed, namely a kitchen knife.

Berry is set to return to Basildon magistrates court on June 1st, 2020.

He has pleaded not guilty.

The post Grays man charged with possession of kitchen knife appeared first on Your Thurrock.

AN AVELEY man has been charged with possessing six pounds worth of cannabis.

Freddie Squibb, aged 29, of High Street, Aveley has been charged with the following.

On 26 March 2019 at Aveley, had in your possession 3140 grams of cannabis a controlled drug of class B with intent to supply it to another in contravention of section 4(1) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

Squibb’s next court appearance is set for June 18th, 2020.

He has been remanded on unconditional bail.

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ALMOST 300 kilograms of Class A drugs, worth over £10 million, has been recovered in Essex in the biggest ever land-based seizure of drugs in the Eastern region.

The Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) recovered around 280 kilos of cocaine at an industrial address in Purfleet on Sunday (24 May).

They were supported by specialist resources from Kent Police and Essex Police as part of an ongoing investigation into serious and organised crime.

Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Parkes, from ERSOU, said: “This proactive operation has prevented a huge quantity of drugs from ever entering the communities in our region.

“Drugs blight our communities in all manner of ways, driving offending from burglary and anti-social behaviour through to knife crime and other serious violence.

“Our aim is to focus on the major players involved in drugs supply and remove their ability to profit off the misery of others.”

Two men in their 40s and one man in his 50s have now been charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and remanded into custody, pending a future court appearance.

Four other men arrested in connection to the seizure have been released on bail, pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector James Panter said: “The significant discovery of 280 kilograms of Class A drugs is a fantastic result for our team.

“This is testimony to the hard work and tenacity of our officers and partners as they continue to carry out operations to tackle organised crime, even during these challenging times.”

This is the latest in a number of significant seizures by ERSOU since the coronavirus lockdown was introduced.

Overall, more than 70 kilos of Class A drugs and seven firearms were seized in Bedfordshire last month.

During the lockdown, the National Crime Agency and other law enforcement agencies have seized more than 25 tonnes of Class A drugs and £15 million in cash.

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TWO men were arrested on suspicion of driving offences following patrols by our Operational Support Group (OSG) officers last night, Tuesday 26 May.

The officers first stopped a car in Chadwell St Mary just before 10.15pm. The driver, a 33-year-old man from Purfleet, was arrested on suspicion of drug driving.

He has since been released under investigation.

Later that evening, our OSG officers were in Stifford Clays when a pursuit with a Ford Fiesta occurred.

A man was later arrested in Harty Close.

John Carroll, 23 of North Street in Barking has been charged with drink driving, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance. He will appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 2 July.

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TWENTY-six people thought to be linked to trafficking from Vietnam to the UK have been arrested by police investigating the deaths of 39 Vietnamese in a lorry in 2019.

Thirteen people, including Moroccans and Vietnamese, were held in Brussels and 13 more in Paris, authorities say.

They are allegedly part of a gang involved in smuggling the group found dead in a lorry in Essex last October.

A UK report found the migrants all died from asphyxia and hypothermia.

Belgian prosecutors said the suspects had probably “transported up to several dozen people every day for several months”.

The smuggling network, they said, was suspected of having made the October 2019 trip possible.

The EU’s Agency for Criminal Justice Co-operation (Eurojust) said police had carried out cross-border raids on Tuesday morning in an operation that involved four nations – the UK, France, Belgium and Ireland – along with Europol.

A number of people had earlier been arrested in connection with the deaths, including several in Vietnam.

The post Twenty-six arrested over deaths of Vietnamese people in Grays appeared first on Your Thurrock.

THREE officers have been injured in the last 24 hours as the were protecting and serving Essex.

One officer was injured while arresting a man in West Thurrock yesterday afternoon.

He sustained cuts to his elbow, hand and knee.

A 28 year-old man was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure and assaulting an emergency worker and is currently in custody.

Then, yesterday evening, officers attended an address in Gypsy Lane, Little Dunmow following reports of a man acting aggressively and a caravan being damaged.

As officers were carrying out an arrest, one reported he was kicked to the head.

A 39 year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, assaulting an emergency worker, and using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm, and distress.

He has since been released under investigation.

In the early hours of this morning it was reported an officer had been struck to the head with a metal pole after attending an address in Park Lane, Southend.

A 29 year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of GBH and is currently in custody.

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan said: “Assaults on officers are unacceptable and we will take action against those responsible.

“No-one should expect to come to work to be abused or assaulted and police officers are no different.

“Police officers are human beings. They’re your neighbours, they’re the people you see in the supermarket and those you see in the park with their kids.

“When they’re assaulted it can have a huge impact on them and their families. And if they’re seriously injured, it could mean one less officer out there to catch criminals and keep you safe.

“Our officers are incredibly brave and dedicated and in the vast majority of cases are back on shift the very same day.

“We have a robust a thorough network of support in place to help officers both physically and mentally when they’re assaulted and work with the Police Federation to ensure officers have everything they need to recover from these incidents.”

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