A 46-year-old man has been arrested as part of a police operation to disrupt criminal activity across Essex. 

Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology, stop checks and mobile patrols were used to identify vehicles whose drivers were suspected of committing motoring offences or who may have been involved in crime.

The man, of Hemel Hempstead, was arrested on suspicion of theft and breaching bail conditions after police stopped a car at juction 29 of the M25 near Brentwood at 7.35pm last night. 

He is currently in custody for questioning. 

A 15-year-old driver was also arrested after he failed to stop for police when officers on patrol in Tilbury spotted the teenager, from Gillingham, driving a Mitsubishi 4x4 in Biggin Lane at about 8.30pm last night.

They attempted to stop the vehicle but it drove off.

He was arrested about 15 minutes later on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop when directed and driving without insurance and is currently in custody awaiting questioning.

In another example, a man was arrested and charged following an incident in Maple Road, Canvey.

Jeffery Jerome, 48, a carpenter of Thorney Bay Road, Canvey, was charged with driving with excess alcohol and is due to appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court on July 30.