Essex Police - Braintree District

Our Marine Unit is urging people to stay safe on the water after rescuing a kitesurfer off Frinton.

Wearing the right safety gear and checking weather, wind and tide conditions before heading out on the water is vital, says Sergeant Alex Southgate.

“Keep an eye on conditions while you’re out,” he adds.

“If you’re riding a personal watercraft, then you also need to be familiar with all the controls and make sure you’re aware of local byelaws and speed limits, too.

“And always make sure you know what to do in an emergency. If you spot anyone in difficulty in the water at the seaside, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

Our marine officers spotted the man struggling about 100m from shore yesterday, 28 May, after the wind dropped and he couldn’t relaunch his kite. Thankfully, they quickly assisted him and got him and his equipment back to the safety of the beach.

The team were out patrolling the coastline between Bradwell and Harwich on an patrol, which focuses on tackling anti-social behaviour on the water, promoting water safety and keeping water-users safe.

They’ll be out again this weekend – do say hello if you see them!

For more on this story, click on the link in Comments.

Join us for this year’s Essex Community Goals charity football tournament! ⚽

We're inviting young people aged 12 and 13, who don't often get the chance to play football as part of a team, to take part in an exciting football tournament.

- On: Saturday 20 June 2026
- At: Essex Police College, St Margaret's Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6DT
- Teams: 7-a-side (max 10 players per team)
- Open to both single and mixed gender teams.
- Entry Fee: £25 per team

Registration closes on Monday 1 June and all teams must have an adult (18 years or older) who has agreed to take on the role of team manager for the tournament.

Charity football tournament Essex Community Goals is back this summer and there is still time for teams to sign up.

The 7-a-side competition gives 12 and 13-year-olds from a wide range of backgrounds and footballing abilities the opportunity to get active and interact with the police in a fun and informal setting.

It takes place from 8.30am on Saturday 20 June at the Essex Police College in Springfield, Chelmsford.

Last year, 180 young footballers representing 18 teams from all over the county enjoyed a day of football and sunshine.

Our organisers received great feedback from the players and coaches, with one team leader praising the ‘fantastic event’ and adding her team ‘had a brilliant time’, and that ‘the positive energy and sense of togetherness on the day were truly lovely to witness’.

Click on the link in the comments to register your team’s interest.

There is an entry fee of £25 per team, and teams can be either single or mixed gender. Squads can contain a maximum of 10 players.

The deadline for registration is Monday 1 June, so sign up soon to avoid missing out.

Have you seen Leonel, who's missing from the West Midlands? He may be in the Braintree area - call 999 if you can help.

| Have you seen Leonel, aged 16 from Sandwell?

Leonel was last seen at 15:00 on 01/05/26 and was wearing black trousers, black jacket and black trainers.

If you see Leonel, call 999, quoting log 5672-010526.

Stepping back in time!

Our officers have many tools at their disposal - what they don’t usually rely on is time travel.

But that’s exactly what it felt like when Road Safety Team officers located a Ford Orion at South Woodham Ferrers on Wednesday 13 May.

Proudly displayed in the window was a tax disc that expired in 2011.

Looking closer, the MOT expired in 2012.

While the tradition of displaying a tax disc has long since disappeared, vehicle tax hasn’t. Today, it’s held digitally, checked instantly, and, crucially, still a legal requirement.

Read what happened by clicking on the link in comments below.

Speeding is a critical factor in road safety, as even minor increases in speed drastically reduce reaction times, extend stopping distances and increase the force of any impact. Officers were out yesterday in Halstead and Witham and disappointingly 16 Traffic Offence Reports were issued and too many verbal warnings. The hot and dry weather conditions may appear that it feels safer to drive at speed - the hazards of pedestrians, bikes and other road users do not change! 44mph in a 30mph zone is dangerous and unacceptable.

Let’s Talk Fraud 🚨

Come and speak to our fraud prevention expert, Tammy, and learn how to keep yourself safe from scams.

✅ Get up to date with the latest fraud tactics
✅ Learn simple ways to protect yourself
✅ Ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have

📍 Where to find us:
Wednesday 20 May | 10:00–11:30am
Outside Nationwide Building Society
14 Bank Street, Braintree, CM7 1XE

Thursday 21 May | 9:00–10:30am
Outside Finchingfield Post Office
Bardfield Road, CM7 4LS

(Weather permitting)

🎁 We’ll also be giving away FREE fraud prevention packs, including:
Faraday pouches
Card defenders
Passport protectors
Purse bells
Kindly funded by Braintree District Council.

👉 Pop by and protect yourself from fraud!

A shop in Witham has been closed for three months after selling illegal to***co and vapes to children.

Working with Braintree District Council, Essex Trading Standards and Witham Town Council, our neighbourhood policing officers supported an investigation into Yellow Express in Newland Street following ongoing concerns.

On 22 April, a court granted a closure order.

In the lead-up, Essex Trading Standards officers seized large quantities of illicit to***co and non-compliant vapes, with evidence they were being sold to underage children.

Inspector Phil Jackson, of Braintree Neighbourhood Policing Team, says: “Our priority is keeping people safe and making sure our high streets are safe for people to shop and work.

“Ignoring a closure order is a criminal offence and we will not hesitate to enforce this.”

Selling illegal to***co and vapes harms communities and undermines legitimate businesses.

If you have concerns, please report them to Essex Trading Standards – info in Comments.

Read more on this story via the link in Comments.