Police will take part in a six days of action in a bid to disrupt criminal activity in Maldon and Chelmsford.

From today until Wednesday officers will be carrying our high visibility patrols and stopping vehicles.

Known as Operation Overwatch it aims to disrupt the work of organised crime groups.

The first operation took place in July and saw a total of 29 vehicles stopped, 14 of these were searched, and it resulted in the seizure of five cars.

Of the 97 people stopped, 39 of them were searched and 17 of these people were arrested.

Inspector Nikki Gander, from the Chelmsford Local Policing Team, said: “Following on from the success of Operation Overwatch this summer, we’re keen to dedicate more time to disrupting organised criminal activity – from county lines to car thefts – across Chelmsford and Maldon.

“We want to make it very clear – the lifestyle that criminals lead isn’t something to aspire to. Our message to young people involved in these gangs would be to seek help from us this week.

"This summer’s operation saw three teenagers referred to the Youth Offending Team, which just shows it’s not too late to leave this way of life.

“Your options don’t have to be a prison cell or an unthinkably sad scenario for your family and friends.

“If you, or someone you love, is involved in organised criminal activity, please visit one of our mobile police stations this week, speak to us on 101 or visit www.fearless.org.”

Officers will be conducting high-visibility patrols in key towns throughout the week, including Maldon’s Promenade area over the weekend, and will be happy to talk to anyone with concerns or queries about organised crime in their area.

Active Citizens, Special Constables, the Roads Policing Unit, the Dog Unit and the licensing team will be lending additional support throughout Operation Overwatch.

More details throughout the week can be found on the ‘Essex Police – Chelmsford and Maldon’ Facebook page, or you can follow officers’ coverage of the week by searching for #OpOverwatch on Twitter.