A police operation to crack down on organised crime in Maldon and Chelmsford has seen more than a dozen arrests.

Officers carried out traffic stops, prison searches and increased patrols as part of Operation Overwatch throughout last week.

The patrols which included the Promenade Park area of Maldon saw officers arrest 17 suspects, identify 36 vehicles suspected of criminal activity and a total 46 people stopped, and 35 were searched.

Chief Inspector Gerry Parker, district commander for Maldon and Chelmsford, said: “Our officers continue to show the people of Chelmsford and Maldon that we are serious about taking organised crime off our streets.

"Whether it’s tracking cars that may be linked to county lines, to removing offensive weapons from those who may use them to cause harm, or preventing the supply or possession of Class A drugs.

“We know a lot of the people involved in organised crime in this area, and I want them to know that we won’t stop disrupting their way of life and the illegal ways in which they make their money.

“We are keen to speak to any young people who feel a pressure to join this avoidable life of crime, or feel stuck in it.

"It’s never too late to get out and our officers can help guide the way and provide the support you need.”

During the operation, two men were charged with possession of cannabis, a 17-year-old from Chelmsford was charged with burglary following the alleged theft of two bikes from an address in Victoria Road, Chelmsford and another man was stopped by officers for allegedly driving under the influence of excess drugs.

Joseph Lamb, 32, of no fixed address will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on November 14.