This video just shows how dedicated and serious Essex Police are about getting their vehicles out as quickly as possible to assist in safeguarding us.
Essex Police has started the role out of mobile data terminals to its officers.
The specially toughened computers allow officers out on the beat to get direct access to all the information that would be available to them at the police station.
This includes command and control systems, the Police National Computer and Automatic Number Plate Recognition. The system also allows access to live CCTV coverage across the county. Chief Inspector Paul Moor said the terminals gave officers all the information they needed at their immediate disposal and means officers can spend more time out of the office patrolling.
The specially toughened computers allow officers out on the beat to get direct access to all the information that would be available to them at the police station.
This includes command and control systems, the Police National Computer and Automatic Number Plate Recognition. The system also allows access to live CCTV coverage across the county. Chief Inspector Paul Moor said the terminals gave officers all the information they needed at their immediate disposal and means officers can spend more time out of the office patrolling.
Police in Essex have told car enthusiasts they are happy to support their hobby as long as they stay within the law.
Traffic officer Simon Wilshere said officers wanted to emphasise that having a keen interest in cars was not an offence and that the police had no problem with enthusiasts meeting up to admire each other’s vehicles. But he said that any cruisers who try to race on public roads or who drive in a dangerous manner can expect to lose their licence.
Traffic officer Simon Wilshere said officers wanted to emphasise that having a keen interest in cars was not an offence and that the police had no problem with enthusiasts meeting up to admire each other’s vehicles. But he said that any cruisers who try to race on public roads or who drive in a dangerous manner can expect to lose their licence.
Police staff in Essex have been out and about testing the security of people’s homes to make sure that householders have reduced their risk of being burgled as much as possible.
Crime Prevention Tactical Adviser Michael Armstrong and his colleagues have been looking in particular at residents’ front doors and side-gate access. They have found that only one third of homes have these two key access points properly secured and have been taking steps to make everyone aware of what they can do to safeguard their homes.
Crime Prevention Tactical Adviser Michael Armstrong and his colleagues have been looking in particular at residents’ front doors and side-gate access. They have found that only one third of homes have these two key access points properly secured and have been taking steps to make everyone aware of what they can do to safeguard their homes.
Police Community Support Officers have been out and about in Thurrock offering advice to motorists on how to reduce the chances of their cars being broken into during the run up to Christmas.
PCSO Scott Jones has been keeping an eye open for all the signs that thieves look for when choosing cars to break into. He has been letting people know about the need to not only remove sat-navs but also their cradles and the tell-tale marks they leave on windscreens.
And he has been warning about the risks of leaving items on display in cars that owners might not think are of any real value but can still be enough to grab a criminal’s attention.
PCSO Scott Jones has been keeping an eye open for all the signs that thieves look for when choosing cars to break into. He has been letting people know about the need to not only remove sat-navs but also their cradles and the tell-tale marks they leave on windscreens.
And he has been warning about the risks of leaving items on display in cars that owners might not think are of any real value but can still be enough to grab a criminal’s attention.
did you know
Entitled "Essex Police: Did You Know?", the film features officers, PCSOs and police staff from all across the force.
Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle said: "I'm very proud to lead the men and women of Essex Police, who work tirelessly to protect us day and night, every day of the year. Whilst much police work takes place very much in full view, other crucial work is necessarily conducted out of the public eye. All this police activity is essential to keeping us safe.
"Some people may be surprised by the sheer breadth and range of activities that the force undertakes, but the core message of the film is absolutely right. For us, it's just a typical day."
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Essex Nick Alston said: "I've been greatly impressed by the commitment and professionalism of the officers, PCSOs, police staff and Specials that I've met since becoming PCC. There are a lot of very dedicated people out there day and night, committed to protecting us and reducing crime in our county. This film brings that message home very clearly."
Chief Constable Jim Barker-McCardle said: "I'm very proud to lead the men and women of Essex Police, who work tirelessly to protect us day and night, every day of the year. Whilst much police work takes place very much in full view, other crucial work is necessarily conducted out of the public eye. All this police activity is essential to keeping us safe.
"Some people may be surprised by the sheer breadth and range of activities that the force undertakes, but the core message of the film is absolutely right. For us, it's just a typical day."
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Essex Nick Alston said: "I've been greatly impressed by the commitment and professionalism of the officers, PCSOs, police staff and Specials that I've met since becoming PCC. There are a lot of very dedicated people out there day and night, committed to protecting us and reducing crime in our county. This film brings that message home very clearly."
Unmarked lorry aims to improve driving standards
Two officers have been trained to drive the cab section of an HGV to crack down on truckers and car drivers who use a mobile phone behind the wheel and refuse to wear seatbelts.
The height of the unmarked lorry means officers have ideal vantage points looking into other trucks, cars and vans.
While one officer drives the grey Mercedes Actros, the other keeps watch from the passenger seat and uses a radio to pass information to other nearby officers patrolling on bike or by car who can stop the offending drivers.
The officers also deal with general policing matters and help with major operations as well as keeping watch for suspicious activity near bridges during their patrols on the A12.
The lorry has been owned by Essex Police for many years and is normally used to haul a large trailer which has been converted into a mobile control centre for use at major incidents or events.
Adam Pipe, Essex Police’s casualty reduction manager, said: “It is being used for road safety and general policing patrols and is especially useful for keeping an eye on lorry drivers and motorists who are not driving safely or are breaking the law by using phones and other devices or not wearing seat belts.
“It has been a real eye-opener to see the results of the HGV patrols because police in cars or motorbikes cannot see in the lofty cabs of lorries.
“We are extremely concerned at the way drivers are being distracted at the wheel, especially with the massive increase in the use of smart phone and iPads. There have also been reports of some lorry drivers watching TV or films while driving.
“We are determined that through patrols with the HGV we can reduce the dangers of commercial drivers taking liberties and putting innocent lives at risk.”
The height of the unmarked lorry means officers have ideal vantage points looking into other trucks, cars and vans.
While one officer drives the grey Mercedes Actros, the other keeps watch from the passenger seat and uses a radio to pass information to other nearby officers patrolling on bike or by car who can stop the offending drivers.
The officers also deal with general policing matters and help with major operations as well as keeping watch for suspicious activity near bridges during their patrols on the A12.
The lorry has been owned by Essex Police for many years and is normally used to haul a large trailer which has been converted into a mobile control centre for use at major incidents or events.
Adam Pipe, Essex Police’s casualty reduction manager, said: “It is being used for road safety and general policing patrols and is especially useful for keeping an eye on lorry drivers and motorists who are not driving safely or are breaking the law by using phones and other devices or not wearing seat belts.
“It has been a real eye-opener to see the results of the HGV patrols because police in cars or motorbikes cannot see in the lofty cabs of lorries.
“We are extremely concerned at the way drivers are being distracted at the wheel, especially with the massive increase in the use of smart phone and iPads. There have also been reports of some lorry drivers watching TV or films while driving.
“We are determined that through patrols with the HGV we can reduce the dangers of commercial drivers taking liberties and putting innocent lives at risk.”
Project Yali will tackle organised crime in ports
Lorry drivers are being urged to help combat terrorism, organised crime and smuggling through the ports of Tilbury and Purfleet as part of a new initiative launched in Essex.
Project Yali was launched by Essex Police on Friday, March 8, 2013 and works by encouraging lorry drivers and the wider port community to provide information about suspicious activity.
In a bustling port environment, lorry drivers and port workers are ideally placed to support authorities in the battle against international crime rings who import contraband, such as tobacco and alcohol, as well as those criminals engaged in people smuggling, drug dealing and terrorism.
The scale of the opportunities provided through Project Yali is easier to appreciate in the context of the volume of traffic that passes through the ports. In the first two months of this year alone there were more than 150,000 vehicle, HVG and tanker movements in and out of Port of Tilbury London and 40,000 at Purfleet.
In partnership with Border Force, Crimestoppers, Forth Ports, Port of Tilbury Police, Maritime Transport and London Container Terminal, Essex Police is targeting those working in the haulage community to ask for information and intelligence about criminal activity at Tilbury and Purfleet ports.
Through Project Yali, hauliers are being asked to call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or go online atwww.crimestoppers-uk.org with information about any suspicious activity.
Photo: Representatives from partner agencies supporting Project Yali
Within the next few days, 5,000 leaflets will be distributed and 1,000 posters put up around the docks at Tilbury and Purfleet to encourage lorry drivers and haulage companies to provide information. More leaflet drops will follow in the coming months while police and Border Force staff will talk to drivers visiting the ports about the project.
Detective Superintendent Paul Maghie, Head of the Counter Terrorism Division at Essex Police, said: "The volume of traffic using Tilbury and Purfleet ports on a daily basis is phenomenal and we believe that, by working more closely with our partners in the transport business, we can reduce the risk of terrorism and organised crime.
"With Essex Police and the local transport community working more closely together, sharing information and intelligence, we can better protect those not only working in the ports but in the wider communities we serve.”
The Project Yali model is based on similar nationwide projects Pegasus and Kraken, which focus on aviation and maritime crime, respectively.
Det Supt Maghie added: "We patrol the docks and have a high-visibility presence but we believe information and intelligence we receive from drivers could assist us hugely."
Ann Scott, Crimestoppers Eastern Regional Manager, commented: “We are delighted to be supporting this initiative and providing the haulage industry with a safe, alternative route to giving information about crime at the ports.
“Our charity takes information 100 per cent anonymously – we never ask for your name or take any personal details, we do not record calls or trace calls/IP addresses and those giving information will not have to give a statement to the police or go to court.”
She added: “It is our 25th anniversary this year and in that time we have never revealed anyone’s identity. You could even get a cash reward of up to £1,000 if information given via 0800 555 111 leads to a successful arrest and charge.
“Lorry drivers are the eyes and ears of the ports – Crimestoppers is empowering this community by giving them a voice to help fight crime without revealing their identity.”
Mark Kennedy, Assistant Director for Border Force at Tilbury, said: “This is about legitimate, honest businesses taking a stand against those whose illegal practices are putting lives in danger, aiding organised crime and profiting at the expense of the law-abiding majority. Those working in the transport industry are key to providing us with the information we need to take action – a short, anonymous call to Crimestoppers is all it takes.”
Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “We’ve all got to play our part in keeping our communities safe. I’m a great believer in involving those at the front line, in this case lorry drivers and port workers, directly in work with key agencies to identify any suspicious activity.
“Project Yali is designed to combat terrorism, organised crime and illegal immigration and it’s an important initiative that I would urge everyone to support.”
Perry Glading, Chief Operating Officer for Forth Ports, added: “With more than 6,000 truck movements a day through the port of Tilbury, we fully support Project Yali, which brings focus for all businesses associated with the port.”
Project Yali was launched by Essex Police on Friday, March 8, 2013 and works by encouraging lorry drivers and the wider port community to provide information about suspicious activity.
In a bustling port environment, lorry drivers and port workers are ideally placed to support authorities in the battle against international crime rings who import contraband, such as tobacco and alcohol, as well as those criminals engaged in people smuggling, drug dealing and terrorism.
The scale of the opportunities provided through Project Yali is easier to appreciate in the context of the volume of traffic that passes through the ports. In the first two months of this year alone there were more than 150,000 vehicle, HVG and tanker movements in and out of Port of Tilbury London and 40,000 at Purfleet.
In partnership with Border Force, Crimestoppers, Forth Ports, Port of Tilbury Police, Maritime Transport and London Container Terminal, Essex Police is targeting those working in the haulage community to ask for information and intelligence about criminal activity at Tilbury and Purfleet ports.
Through Project Yali, hauliers are being asked to call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or go online atwww.crimestoppers-uk.org with information about any suspicious activity.
Photo: Representatives from partner agencies supporting Project Yali
Within the next few days, 5,000 leaflets will be distributed and 1,000 posters put up around the docks at Tilbury and Purfleet to encourage lorry drivers and haulage companies to provide information. More leaflet drops will follow in the coming months while police and Border Force staff will talk to drivers visiting the ports about the project.
Detective Superintendent Paul Maghie, Head of the Counter Terrorism Division at Essex Police, said: "The volume of traffic using Tilbury and Purfleet ports on a daily basis is phenomenal and we believe that, by working more closely with our partners in the transport business, we can reduce the risk of terrorism and organised crime.
"With Essex Police and the local transport community working more closely together, sharing information and intelligence, we can better protect those not only working in the ports but in the wider communities we serve.”
The Project Yali model is based on similar nationwide projects Pegasus and Kraken, which focus on aviation and maritime crime, respectively.
Det Supt Maghie added: "We patrol the docks and have a high-visibility presence but we believe information and intelligence we receive from drivers could assist us hugely."
Ann Scott, Crimestoppers Eastern Regional Manager, commented: “We are delighted to be supporting this initiative and providing the haulage industry with a safe, alternative route to giving information about crime at the ports.
“Our charity takes information 100 per cent anonymously – we never ask for your name or take any personal details, we do not record calls or trace calls/IP addresses and those giving information will not have to give a statement to the police or go to court.”
She added: “It is our 25th anniversary this year and in that time we have never revealed anyone’s identity. You could even get a cash reward of up to £1,000 if information given via 0800 555 111 leads to a successful arrest and charge.
“Lorry drivers are the eyes and ears of the ports – Crimestoppers is empowering this community by giving them a voice to help fight crime without revealing their identity.”
Mark Kennedy, Assistant Director for Border Force at Tilbury, said: “This is about legitimate, honest businesses taking a stand against those whose illegal practices are putting lives in danger, aiding organised crime and profiting at the expense of the law-abiding majority. Those working in the transport industry are key to providing us with the information we need to take action – a short, anonymous call to Crimestoppers is all it takes.”
Nick Alston, Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, said: “We’ve all got to play our part in keeping our communities safe. I’m a great believer in involving those at the front line, in this case lorry drivers and port workers, directly in work with key agencies to identify any suspicious activity.
“Project Yali is designed to combat terrorism, organised crime and illegal immigration and it’s an important initiative that I would urge everyone to support.”
Perry Glading, Chief Operating Officer for Forth Ports, added: “With more than 6,000 truck movements a day through the port of Tilbury, we fully support Project Yali, which brings focus for all businesses associated with the port.”
Harlow man guilty of murder and child destruction jailed for minimum of 27 years
victim warns others about scam
Grays town team
The team of two police officers and four PCSOs was formed in February 2013 following concerns from members of the public about anti-social behaviour, drinking and shoplifting in the town centre.
Between their formation and June 2013, the team has made 69 arrests, issued 40 cannabis warnings and seized alcohol from street drinkers more than 270 times.
They regularly patrol the high street, shopping centres and surrounding areas and work closely with local neighbourhood officers to prevent and detect crime and disorder, gather intelligence and hold beat surgeries where residents can raise concerns.
The team also enforces a Designated Public Place Order in the town which gives police officers discretionary powers to stop a person drinking in a public place and confiscate alcohol.
You can find out more about the team and the work they do in the short web film above.
Members of the public who would like to talk to Grays Town Team can contact them on 07802 799193.
Between their formation and June 2013, the team has made 69 arrests, issued 40 cannabis warnings and seized alcohol from street drinkers more than 270 times.
They regularly patrol the high street, shopping centres and surrounding areas and work closely with local neighbourhood officers to prevent and detect crime and disorder, gather intelligence and hold beat surgeries where residents can raise concerns.
The team also enforces a Designated Public Place Order in the town which gives police officers discretionary powers to stop a person drinking in a public place and confiscate alcohol.
You can find out more about the team and the work they do in the short web film above.
Members of the public who would like to talk to Grays Town Team can contact them on 07802 799193.
A 24-year-old man found guilty murdering his heavily pregnant ex-girlfriend and causing the death of their baby girl has been jailed for a minimum of 27 years.
Above: Tony McLernon
Tony McLernon of North Grove, Harlow, was found guilty of both charges following a trial lasting just over two weeks.
The court heard how on June 26, 2012, he lured 20-year-old Eystna Blunnie to Howard Way in Harlow and then beat her, leaving her for dead in the middle of the road.
Both Eystna and the baby girl she was due to give birth to days later died in hospital.
McLernon had concocted a story that two men had been responsible for killing Eystna and he was unable to do anything to help her.
The jury took two hours to see through this defence and find him guilty of both murder and child destruction on Tuesday, March 5, 2013. He was sentenced to serve a minimum of 27 years at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday, March 6, 2013.
Above: Eystna Blunnie
Sentencing McLernon, Mr Justice Fulford, described him as a man who 'controls, dominates, degrades, bullies and attacks women'.
He said there was compelling evidence against McLernon who 'knew exactly what he was doing' when he subjected Eystna to a 'planned, deliberate and prolonged attacked'.
Mr Jusice Fulford added that McLernon had shown 'not the smallest indication of remorse' and that 'in essence this was a double murder'.
DCI Lucy Robinson, senior investigating officer, said: “On June 26, 2012, Eystna Blunnie was within days of giving birth and was looking forward to the imminent arrival of her baby daughter.
“She made arrangements to meet with Tony McLernon, her ex-partner and the father of her child, as she was desperate for him to be involved in the baby’s life.
“In the early hours of June 27, having met with McLernon, he severely beat Eystna and left her for dead in the street. His actions not only resulted in her death but also the death of their unborn baby girl.
“McLernon the sought to cover his tracks and concocted a web of lies to account for where he had been that evening and his knowledge of the murder. Throughout the thorough police investigation he has not sought to explain his actions, nor has he admitted his guilt or shown any remorse.
“He has deprived a family of the special time had with a new mother and baby, Eystna’s parents of their grandchild and Eystna the chance to be a mother to the baby she was so looking forward to having.
“Tony McLernon is a dangerous, violent man. He has subjected numerous ex-girlfriends to constant fear of being assaulted, and Eystna paid the ultimate price during his final violent outburst. What he has taken away from the Blunnie family can never be replaced, but I hope he never has the opportunity to put another family through the pain they continue to suffer.”
Eystna Blunnie ’s family released the following sentencing: “After a very long and heart-breaking eight months, finally we havereceived justice for Eystna and her then soon to be born daughter Rose.
"Eystna was a warm and loving girl with a unique personality with her whole life to look forward to and become whatever she wanted to be.
Photo: CCTV showing Eystna on her way to meet Tony McLernon
"Sadly Tony McLernon took away any chance we had of knowing the type of person Rose would have become. In our hearts we know she would have been loved, nurtured and given the best life that was possible.
"Kevin and Sue would like to thank many people including their extended family, friends, and people not necessarily known to them that have offered their support during this very traumatic time. They would especially like to thank the legal team involved, particularly Lyn and Jo, the family liaison officers, all of the officers involved in the investigation, the witnesses that came forward on our behalf and the jury that saw through McLernon’s lies and saw him for the evil person he really is.
"Our family would like now to be left to move on with their lives and remember Eystna and Rose in peace."
Above: Tony McLernon
Tony McLernon of North Grove, Harlow, was found guilty of both charges following a trial lasting just over two weeks.
The court heard how on June 26, 2012, he lured 20-year-old Eystna Blunnie to Howard Way in Harlow and then beat her, leaving her for dead in the middle of the road.
Both Eystna and the baby girl she was due to give birth to days later died in hospital.
McLernon had concocted a story that two men had been responsible for killing Eystna and he was unable to do anything to help her.
The jury took two hours to see through this defence and find him guilty of both murder and child destruction on Tuesday, March 5, 2013. He was sentenced to serve a minimum of 27 years at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday, March 6, 2013.
Above: Eystna Blunnie
Sentencing McLernon, Mr Justice Fulford, described him as a man who 'controls, dominates, degrades, bullies and attacks women'.
He said there was compelling evidence against McLernon who 'knew exactly what he was doing' when he subjected Eystna to a 'planned, deliberate and prolonged attacked'.
Mr Jusice Fulford added that McLernon had shown 'not the smallest indication of remorse' and that 'in essence this was a double murder'.
DCI Lucy Robinson, senior investigating officer, said: “On June 26, 2012, Eystna Blunnie was within days of giving birth and was looking forward to the imminent arrival of her baby daughter.
“She made arrangements to meet with Tony McLernon, her ex-partner and the father of her child, as she was desperate for him to be involved in the baby’s life.
“In the early hours of June 27, having met with McLernon, he severely beat Eystna and left her for dead in the street. His actions not only resulted in her death but also the death of their unborn baby girl.
“McLernon the sought to cover his tracks and concocted a web of lies to account for where he had been that evening and his knowledge of the murder. Throughout the thorough police investigation he has not sought to explain his actions, nor has he admitted his guilt or shown any remorse.
“He has deprived a family of the special time had with a new mother and baby, Eystna’s parents of their grandchild and Eystna the chance to be a mother to the baby she was so looking forward to having.
“Tony McLernon is a dangerous, violent man. He has subjected numerous ex-girlfriends to constant fear of being assaulted, and Eystna paid the ultimate price during his final violent outburst. What he has taken away from the Blunnie family can never be replaced, but I hope he never has the opportunity to put another family through the pain they continue to suffer.”
Eystna Blunnie ’s family released the following sentencing: “After a very long and heart-breaking eight months, finally we havereceived justice for Eystna and her then soon to be born daughter Rose.
"Eystna was a warm and loving girl with a unique personality with her whole life to look forward to and become whatever she wanted to be.
Photo: CCTV showing Eystna on her way to meet Tony McLernon
"Sadly Tony McLernon took away any chance we had of knowing the type of person Rose would have become. In our hearts we know she would have been loved, nurtured and given the best life that was possible.
"Kevin and Sue would like to thank many people including their extended family, friends, and people not necessarily known to them that have offered their support during this very traumatic time. They would especially like to thank the legal team involved, particularly Lyn and Jo, the family liaison officers, all of the officers involved in the investigation, the witnesses that came forward on our behalf and the jury that saw through McLernon’s lies and saw him for the evil person he really is.
"Our family would like now to be left to move on with their lives and remember Eystna and Rose in peace."