Essex Police make over 25 arrests in major crackdown

The crackdown targeted criminal activity across Essex, including in Southend, Castle Point, Rochford, and Basildon.

Officers from roads policing, the Operational Support Group, and intelligence teams worked together over two nights using proactive stops and automatic number plate recognition to identify suspects.

In Southend, a pursuit led to a car crashing into a shop.

Andrew Stevens, 20, of Gainsborough Avenue, Canvey Island, later pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, driving without a license or insurance, and possession of a Class A drug.

Sergeant Dean Young, who led the operation, said: "The team are continuing to disrupt criminal activity.

"We’re making arrests, taking illegal vehicles off the roads, stopping dangerous drivers, and seizing drugs and weapons before they do damage on the streets."

There have been over 25 arrests (Image: Essex Police)

The arrests were made for a range of offences including car theft, possession of drugs with intent to supply, dangerous driving, and handling stolen goods.

Officers stopped 204 vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, and mopeds.

A total of 80 traffic offence tickets were issued, and 36 vehicles were seized.

The operation also focused on exploitation and road safety within the gig economy, in partnership with the Home Office.

Checks were carried out on takeaway delivery riders to ensure they held the correct licences, insurance, and legal right to work.

Sgt Young said: "As well as our enforcement work, we’re speaking with delivery riders and making sure people in the gig economy are working legally and aren’t victims of exploitation.

"Our checks only take a couple of minutes, and the drivers can get straight back to work."

A total of 94 immigration checks were carried out, resulting in seven arrests for immigration offences, mostly involving individuals who had overstayed their visas.

The operation was supported by the Eastern Region Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Unit.