 District Commander Chief Inspector Colin Cox
Welcome from District Commander, Colin Cox
"Hello and welcome to issue 29 of Dispatch from Essex Police in the Colchester district.
"I am District Commander Collin Cox and I am delighted to share with you some of the latest news and updates from our district.
"Colchester is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and culture. It is also a safe and peaceful place to live, work and visit. However, we are not complacent and we are always working hard to keep it that way. That is why we have set our priorities as follows:
- Anti-social behaviour: We know that anti-social behaviour can have a negative impact on the quality of life of our residents and visitors. We are committed to tackling this issue by working closely with our partners and communities to identify and address the root causes of anti-social behaviour. We will also use our powers and take action against those who persistently cause nuisance and harm to others.
- Violence in all its forms. We will continue to support victims of violence and bring offenders to justice. We will also work with our partners and communities to prevent violence from happening in the first place by raising awareness, educating and engaging with people, especially young people, about the consequences and alternatives to violence.
- Road safety: We want everyone who uses our roads to be safe and responsible. We will enforce the law and take action against those who endanger themselves and others by speeding, drink-driving, using mobile phones or not wearing seatbelts. We will also work with our partners and communities to improve road infrastructure, promote road safety campaigns and provide education and training for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
"These are our main priorities, but they are not the only ones. We will also respond to any emerging issues or challenges that may arise in our district. We will keep you informed of our progress and achievements through this newsletter, which will be published quarterly. We hope you find it useful and informative.
"Thank you for your support and cooperation. Together, we can make Colchester a safer and better place for everyone.
"I hope you enjoy this Colchester district edition of Dispatch.
- Colin."
News 27 September to 3 October
 OpenGate tech deployed to help tackle knife crime
Officers have been utilising the innovative OpenGate technology in Colchester, as we continue our work to tackle knife crime.
The weapons detection technology was deployed in Head Street, Colchester Town Railway Station, and the bus station.
In total 275 people passed through it with only a handful of people refusing.
Where someone refuses to go through, we engage with them to talk about the technology and the issue of carrying weapons. This often leads to really productive and educational conversations.
Responding to your anti-social behaviour concerns
Officers were on patrol in the area of St Marys car park over the weekend after concerns were raised with us about people acting antisocially there.
We understand that when people act antisocially it can be intimidating and sometimes feel scary. It can cause issues for communities and stop you from wanting to go somewhere.
We will always try and respond to reports of antisocial behaviour where we can, but ultimately, we want to prevent it from happening in the first place. By working with our partners, like Colchester City Council, and patrolling places we’ve been told anti-social behaviour happens, we hope to deter this kind of behaviour.
For more information about antisocial behaviour, advice on what you can do and how to report it to us, please visit our website.
 Justice secured for three victims of burglary
Justice has been secured for the victims of three burglaries following extensive investigations led by several teams across Essex Police.
Danny Middleton, 31, and Kieran Tansey, 22, were left with no choice but to admit their guilt after homes were targeted in Witham and Colchester.
Appearing at Ipswich Crown Court on Friday 22 September, Tansey was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment.
Middleton was sentenced to three years and two weeks imprisonment.
A/DI Dan Smith, of Braintree CID, said:
“We are all too aware of the lasting impact burglary has on victims.
“The upset and trauma of these offences is not quickly forgotten, which is why tackling domestic burglary is an absolute priority for us.
“Middleton showed little regard for the welfare of his victims and he will rightly spend a lengthy spell behind bars.”
Three victims abused by a man as children have thanked their investigating officer at Essex Police and support workers from partner agencies after he was jailed.
They said that their “faith in human nature has been restored” and that “for the first time, I feel I can start my life again”.
They also “urge anyone who has been sexually abused to report it, have faith in the police and the judicial system”.
Their statements come after 67-year-old Robert West appeared at Ipswich Crown Court, convicted of seven counts of non-recent sexual offences.
On Wednesday 20 September, he was sentenced to 21 years’ imprisonment.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Thursday 5 October 10.30am to 11.30am
Community 360, Long Wyre street, Colchester
Thursday 5 October 11:30am to 12:30pm
Cessac Community Cafe, Community Centre Fallowfield Road CO2 9ND
Friday 6 October 10:00am to 11:00am
Layer del la Haye village hall, New cut, CO2 0EH
Saturday 7 October 10:00am to 11:00am
Prettygate Baptist Church Prettygate Road CO3 4EQ
Monday 9 October 1:00pm to 2:00pm
High Street , Dedham beside war Memorial.
Monday 9 October 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Rowhedge Village Hall CO5 7HX
Tuesday 10 October 10:00am to 11:00am
Harpers café , Boxted , CO4 5RE
Tuesday 10 October 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Salcot village hall, 1A The street, CM9 8HL
Wednesday 11 October 10:00am to 11:00am
Coffee Hog ,48A William Harris Way, CO2 8WJ
 Make your mark
Burglaries in Essex have fallen by half in Essex in the last three years. Investigating burglaries, protecting our rural and urban communities and catching criminals is what we do at Essex Police. However there are simple things we can all do to make our homes and businesses even safer.
Ownership over property can sometimes be difficult to determine. By marking or registering your valuables, should the worst happen, and your items are stolen, when they are recovered there can be no dispute over who owns them.
Be fraud smart
Several million cases of fraud and of computer misuse are reported to the police every year. It's staggering, but even more staggering is that so many of those crimes could have been prevented by making a few small changes in online behaviour.
To avoid becoming a victim of online crime you don’t need to be a computer expert. Developing a few good online habits drastically reduces your chances of becoming a victim of cyber crime, makes you less vulnerable and lets you use the web safely.
Visit Cyber Aware for step-by-step instructions on keeping your devices up-to-date with the latest security updates, and for more online security advice.
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