TWO people have been caught thanks to a police crackdown on crime.

Operation Overwatch saw more than 15 arrests in the Chelmsford and Maldon.

The week of action, which took place between October 28 and November 3, is used regularly by Chelmsford and Maldon’s Community Policing Team to disrupt the movements of gangs, drug supply, provide a presence in crime hotspots, and safeguard vulnerable people who are prone to exploitation.

A 21-year-old man from Heybridge was arrested in the town’s Oak Tree Meadow Park on November 1.

He has been released on bail until Monday November 18 after being arrested on suspicion of being in breach of a community notice, breaching a child protection order, abduction, and assault with intent to resist arrest.

A 14-year-old boy from Heybridge has been charged with criminal damage to a vehicle, assault on an emergency worker, common assault and breach of bail following an arrest on November 2.

He will appear at Chelmsford Youth Court on Tuesday 3 December.

Throughout the week, officers across the district conducted 40 stop searches carried out 72 hours of foot patrols in known hotspots for drug activity.

They also used automatic number plate recognition technology to trace the movements of vehicles of interest.

Acting Inspector Barry Booth said: “Overwatch came at a time where the force was facing the unimaginable tragedy in Grays, so for our officers to get these results, and continue to protect people across Chelmsford and Maldon is absolutely crucial.

“Overwatch couldn’t happen without the intelligence we receive every day from members of the public in our district.

“Thank you for continuing to pick up the phone, to drop us an email, or speak to our officers when you see them on the street.

“Every bit of information helps us to add to what we’re working on behind the scenes, and it means that we can disrupt people who are causing harm, and bringing crime to, your local community.”