News 6 December to 12 December
 Colchester: Extra officers on patrol to keep people safe during party season
Operation Sled will see officers who specialise in preventing sexual offending providing a highly visible presence into the early hours of the morning in the most popular areas of the city to reassure the public and protect anyone who appears vulnerable.
In 2022, the team’s proactive approach saw sexual offences fall by more than 30% during the period of the operation. Over the past 12 months, sexual offences in the district are down by 13.8%.
These officers are in addition to the members of the local and community policing teams who will be on duty and attending incidents as usual.
If Its too good to be true...... Counterfeit perfume
Pc Faraday and Pc Noone were patrolling the city centre recently and had just helped escorting some primary school children from Mercury Theatre Panto to the St James’ primary school. They were walking back through the city and spotted a suspicious male trying to sell something to a female member of the Public.
Both were subjected to stop, and searches and the female was found in possession of drugs (dealt with separately) and the male was found in possession of a number of counterfeit fragrances which he was trying to sell to the female.
They seized the counterfeit goods from the male, and he was reported to trading standards .
The items including the packaging were clearly fake. The polythene they were wrapped in was loose and ill-fitting, the printing on the boxes were dull and many of the words were not level/straight. The bottles themselves were clearly used and damaged, The fragrances were very poor imitations that smelt nothing like the original.
We want to highlight the fact that not only are these of very poor quality and in the past they have been found to contain Human Urine and dangerous chemicals such as Cyanide.
Please don’t be tempted into purchasing goods from people in the street or pubs, as they are more than likely to be fake or stolen goods
Appeal: Stolen Jewellery
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We are appealing for the public’s help in connection with an ongoing burglary investigation in Colchester.
Officers were called to an address in Cottonwood Close, Colchester on 16 November following reports of a burglary which is believed to have occurred between 2pm and 9pm.
Heirloom gold jewellery worth around £5000 was stolen as well bank cards and an ID card.
Enquiries within Colchester CID remain ongoing, and we are appealing for the public’s help. If you have seen this jewellery or have any further information which could help, please get in contact.
You can let us know by submitting a report online or by using our Live Chat service.
Live Chat is an online service available on our website Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm, where you can send and receive real-time direct messages with an online digital 101 operator.
To use the service, select the ‘Live Chat’ icon at the bottom right of your screen when you're on our website. It can be accessed from a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.
Alternatively you can call us on 101.
If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.
Please quote incident number 1106 of 16 November.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Friday 15 December 10.30am to 12pm
Oak Tree Community Cafe, 4 Highwoods Square, Highwoods, Colchester CO4 9BB
Saturday 16 December 10am to 11am
Lakelands Community Centre - Stanway 2 Western Approach, Stanway, Colchester
Sunday 17 December 10am to 11am
Rowehedge village hall car park, Rectory Road, Rowhedge,
Tuesday 19 December 10am to 11am
Tiptree library, Rectory Road, Tiptree, Colchester CO5 0SX
Tuesday 19 December 2pm to 3pm
West Mersea library, 13 High Street, West Mersea, Colchester
Wednesday 20 December 10am to 11am
Abberton And Langenhoe Village Hall , 6 Edward Marke Drive, Langenhoe, England
Wednesday 20 December 11.30am to 12.30pm
West Mersea Methodist Church, 9 Mill Road, West Mersea,
Saturday 23 December 10.30am to 12pm
Tescos Highwoods Square, Highwoods, Colchester
 Shed and outbuilding security
Many people don’t secure their shed or garage in the same way they do their homes - often using an easy-to-break lock or padlock to protect valuable contents such as a car, bike or lawnmower.
An opportunistic burglar will try a shed or garage first because they can find the tools they need to break into the main house.
Be fraud smart - Cyber crime
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.
Online fraud, also known as cyber crime, covers all crimes that:
- take place online
- are committed using computers, or
- are assisted by online technology
 Question : Can I carry a passenger on my motorbike and is there an age limit on being a pillion passenger?
Answer : In order to carry a passenger on a motorcycle:
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the rider must have a full licence for that class of motor cycle;
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the pillion must wear a suitably constructed helmet that fits properly;
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pillion passengers must be capable of sitting astride a proper seat securely fixed to the motorcycle and be able to hold on effectively;
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the motorcycle should be equipped with suitable supports/rests for the pillion's feet and they should be able to reach them;
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the pillion should wear appropriate protective clothing;
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the decision to carry a passenger remains with the rider, who is legally responsible for ensuring that the passenger is safely carried;
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make sure you are not exceeding the maximum weight for the motorcycle - this may be shown in the manufacture's handbook but it you are in doubt consult a reputable dealer;
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comply with any adjustments that the motorcycle manufacturer recommends in relation to carrying a pillion e.g. increasing the pressure in the rear tyre;
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make sure your insurance covers carrying a pillion passenger.
In the case of a child, although there is currently no minimum legal age for them to ride as a pillion, they must wear a suitable helmet, be able to sit astride the motorcycle seat with their feet on the footrests and be able to hold on properly. Additionally, they should wear suitable protective clothing and it is strongly recommended that they have parental consent.
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