A 15-year-old boy accused of rape is among several arrested in Essex during a police operation to enhance community safety.
Officers arrested a 39-year-old man from Walton-on-the-Naze who was wanted for sexual assault of a child. The Operational Support Group found and arrested him. He was questioned, then released on bail, and enquiries are still happening.
A man, age 25, from Colchester was also arrested on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm and controlling and coercive behavior. He further faces three counts of criminal damage, following reports of damage to a victim’s property in January. He is still in custody.
Police arrested six more people across Essex. One man got arrested for suspected shoplifting in Chelmsford, and another man was arrested for theft at Stansted Airport. A man in Loughton got arrested for suspected strangulation. Police completed three knife sweeps and found a weapon.
Officers stopped over 120 vehicles during the operation and seized nine cars from uninsured drivers. Community Policing Teams attended three local events and talked to residents to learn about their crime concerns where they live.
Superintendent Phil Stinger spoke about the operation, stating that arresting suspects requires a force-wide effort. He added that talking to communities is very important too, as hearing their concerns helps. Proactive policing and prevention are also key, and public support is the best way to keep everyone safe.