Southend: Footage released of drug dealer arrest

When we say we work hard for our communities, we mean it.

Our officers aren’t sitting at a desk all day and they aren’t out looking for easy wins, they are on our streets targeting people causing the highest harm to our communities.

Over the summer, Inspector Mark Jones was on patrol in Southend, where we had a highly visible presence as part of a targeted operation to keep the area safe and catch people intent on committing crime.

Just a day before this footage was captured, Insp Jones had narrowly missed catching the Class A drug dealer, who fled downhill on a bike.

However, that victory proved to be short-lived when Insp Jones spotted the man the next day and again gave chase.

You can watch below to see how it turned out for the drug dealer.

The 18-year-old man was caught and admitted possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin and received an 18-month jail term, which was suspended for two years.

Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow, South Local Policing Area Commander, said:

“Last summer, we launched a joint operation with many of our partners in order to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in Southend.
“And as ever, our officers really stepped up to the plate and this footage is testament to that.
“Inspector Jones’ drive to catch this person, who was supplying drugs to vulnerable people in our community, is clear for all to see and I hope this sends a strong message to drug dealers that dealing, is not welcome in our county.”

We do not routinely release body worn footage of our officers at work, however we are doing so on this occasion in order to:

1. Encourage people to report crimes to us and demonstrate that we will deal with them. If anyone is concerned, always dial 999 in an emergency. For general non-urgent enquiries there is live chat, digital 101 and you can call us on 101.

2. Reassure all our communities that as we enter a new year, you can come out into your local shopping areas and support local business and do so in the confidence that your community is safe.

3. Deter other offenders who think they can escape justice. This is not the case. But if anyone has any concerns, they must report them and we will deal with them appropriately.