News 15 November to 21 November
 Speeding patrols with Tiptree Heath Primary School
Officers were out on Tuesday in partnership with Tiptree Heath Primary School and the Essex Safer Roads team.
Responding to complaints about speeding outside of the school, we enabled the children to speak to those drivers who were stopped after exceeding the speed limit
In the time we were there, nine drivers were spoken to by the children who asked a number of searching questions.
This was an impactive and educational way to deal with the speeding issues and our
officers will be returning to the area to continue to enforce the speed limits in the future.
 Speeding driver stopped by officers in unmarked car
On Thursday 16 November, officers patrolling in one of our unmarked cars came across a Vauxhall Astra driving faster than the speed limit which then jumped a red light. Our officers stopped the car and driver who will be appearing at Magistrates Court soon.
Appeal after HGV and Renault Megane collide on A12
Roads policing officers are investigating a collision which took place on the A12 near Colchester.
The incident took place at 9.30am on Thursday 16 November, on the northbound carriageway between junctions 27 and 28.
A red articulated heavy goods vehicle had overtaken a grey Renault Megane and was attempting to manoeuvre back into the left-hand lane. As it was doing so, its rear corner of the trailer struck the Megane.
The HGV then continued in the right-hand lane.
The driver of the Megane sustained minor injuries.
We’re investigating the incident and we’re appealing for anyone who witnessed it or has dashcam footage of it.
You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.
Please cite crime incident 876 of 16 November.
 How the police saved Christmas
Last Wednesday was the night of the Colchester Christmas Lights switch on;
And our partners at the council had planned for an event not to be frowned upon.
Our officers were patrolling the town and all was good;
Until they walked a corner where a big green thing stood.
Stood there muttering "I MUST STOP THIS CHRISTMAS FROM COMING! BUT HOW?";
Our officers heard this and knew it was time to act NOW.
Approaching the green man in a red Santa suit;
The officers were prepared for a pretty big dispute.
As they got closer the man waved his arms while shouting "OH IM THE GRINCH";
Our officers entered into conversation without so much as a flinch.
As they heard of the Grinch's plan to ruin the great event;
The officers calmed him down and taught him all about advent.
The Grinch's mood began to lift;
And even began speaking about whom he can buy a gift.
Our officers continued to talk and offer support;
They made sure the Grinch wouldn't become subject of any reports.
They walked round to Colchester High Street;
Where this Christmas Grinch even offered to walk the beat.
The officers thanked him for his thoughtful suggestion;
And said we must ask you one simple question.
"Do you want to keep the people of Colchester safe?";
The Grinch thought for a moment and replied "NOT IN THOSE TROUSERS, THEY LOOK LIKE THE CHAFE."
Our officers continued to ensure the event was policed;
And due to their presence they managed to keep the peace.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Tuesday 28 November 10am to 11am
Tiptree library, Rectory Road, Tiptree, Colchester CO5 0SX
Tuesday 28 November 2pm to 3pm
West Mersea library, 13 High Street, West Mersea, Colchester
Wednesday 29 November 10am to 11am
Abberton & Lagenhoe Community Centre , Edward Marke Drive, Langenhoe,
Wednesday 29 November 11.30am to 12.30pm
West Mersea Methodist Church, 9 Mill Road, West Mersea,
Thursday 7 December 10.30am to 11.30am
One Colchester Hub 4-6 Long Wyre Street, CO1 1LH
Thursday 7 December 11am to 12pm
Prettygate Baptist Church, 25-27 Prettygate Rd,
Thursday 7 December 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Tiptree Tea Room, Museum and Jam Shop, Factory Hill, Tiptree, CO5 0RF
Saturday 9 December 6pm to 7pm
Outside Village Hall , 1A The Street, Salcott, Maldon CM9 8HL
 Moped Security
Thieves only need a matter of seconds to steal a moped, scooter or motorcycle - especially if they are left with poor security - but our tips will help reduce the chance of theft.
Lock, chain, cover
Reduce your risk of becoming a victim by taking steps to layer your security.
Lock
Use a disc lock to help secure the front brake disc, or a grip lock to secure the brake and throttle controls. You could also use a D lock on the front wheel to stop it being wheeled away.
Chain
Thieves often steal a bike by breaking the steering lock and wheeling it away. Use a chain lock through the back wheel (the front wheel can be removed). Secure your bike, with the lock taut to an immovable object such as a ground anchor or street furniture. This will stop thieves from cutting a lock trailing on the ground using an angle grinder. If this isn’t possible, thread the chain through your bike frame and back wheel.
Cover
Thieves often ‘shop’ for particular bike models. Using a cover instantly makes it less attractive to them. A cover also provides another time consuming obstacle for the thief.
Unfortunately security measures can’t guarantee your bike won’t be stolen but, by using multiple security measures, you can make it harder and less attractive for thieves.
Be fraud smart
Ten golden rules to prevent fraud
Remember these ten golden rules to help you prevent fraud and beat the scammers.
- Be suspicious of all ‘too good to be true’ offers and deals. There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes.
- Don’t agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to get independent or legal advice before making a decision.
- Don’t hand over money or sign anything until you’ve checked someone’s credentials and their company’s.
- Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment you’re not comfortable with.
- Never give banking or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it.
- Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links in an email.
- Don’t just rely on glowing testimonials. Find solid, independent evidence of a company’s success.
- Always get independent or legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment.
- If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help.
- Don’t be embarrassed about reporting a scam. Because the scammers are cunning and clever there’s no shame in being deceived. By reporting it, you'll make it more difficult for them to deceive others.
 I've heard that if I don't exceed the speed limit by a certain amount I won't be prosecuted- is this correct?
Guidance issued by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) suggests when enforcement action will be taken against speeding motorists – this is usually when the relevant speed limit is exceeded by 10% plus 2 mph. However, this is for guidance purposes only, a police officer has the discretion to act outside it. Some drivers wrongly interpret it to mean that they can legally exceed the speed limit – this is most definitely not the case.
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