OFFICERS completed 244 hours of patrols across Essex and completed ten arrests, seven of these in the Castle Point district.

Essex Police officers from the Operational Policing Command conducted patrols with other officers and arrested suspects on suspicion of drink driving, shoplifting and drug offences.

In addition to this, the command stopped 38 vehicles, seized six vehicles for having no insurance, issued four community resolutions, and reported 21 traffic offences. 

Supt Phil Stinger said: “Our Operational Policing Command carried out some fantastic work yesterday and will continue to do so, especially over this busy half-term break.

“We work hard to balance responding to incidents as they are reported and proactively targeting crime in Essex.

“Yesterday, our officers were also able to build a picture of particular criminality in certain areas and consequently created 13 intelligence reports.

“These reports will now be tasked within the force and go towards preventing harmful crime within our communities. 

The Operational Policing Command also conducted work at Stansted Airport, carrying out patrols and responding to incidents. 

Superintendent Stinger added: “At Stansted Airport, we are expecting 160,000 members of the public departing and arriving this weekend.

“We are used to these high numbers and will continue to provide a strong response and keep the public safe.”