Essex Police are warning residents in Clacton-on-Sea to stay alert following data showing fraud in the county rose to 9,604 offences in a single year, resulting in £68.5 million in financial losses. The figures, which represent a 6.1 per cent year-on-year increase, have prompted a coordinated response from the Multi Agency Approach to Fraud (MAAF).
Tammy Blest, a dedicated fraud prevention officer for Tendring, has been visiting local meeting spots to teach people how to spot fake prize-winning notices and emails claiming to be from the tax office. Essex County Council and partner agencies have also been using community feedback from a recent large-scale survey to find better ways to stop these crimes.
Common tricks currently being used include “quishing,” where scammers use fake QR codes to steal information, and fraudulent messages about computer software or passwords. Essex is ranked 9th in the country for the highest number of reported internet scams, and police say many residents are targeted by these attempts at least once a month.
In a separate operation at the Harwich International Port, 39-year-old Alan Pero, of Wolverhampton, pleaded guilty to drink-driving on 19 March 2026 shortly after arriving on a ferry. He was found to have 105 micrograms of alcohol in his breath—three times the legal limit of 35 micrograms—and has been released on bail ahead of sentencing in October.
The arrest happened while officers from the rural engagement team were carrying out regular checks at the docks to find stolen machinery and vehicles being moved in lorries and containers. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or scam attempts to Action Fraud or local authorities to help prevent further losses in the community.
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