News 3 January to 9 January
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a serious assault in Colchester yesterday evening.
Officers were called to Queen Street at around 6:30pm on Tuesday, 9 January following reports of a boy being seriously assaulted. The victim, a 16-year-old boy, was taken to hospital with stab wounds. He remains in a life-threatening condition.
In the early hours of Wednesday, 10 January, officers arrested a 20-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder. He remains in custody.
Two scenes remain in place in the area, one in Queen Street and the other in Priory Street.
Detective Chief Inspector Gregory Wood said “We appreciate that this is a concerning incident for residents but please be reassured that we are investigating this assault thoroughly.
“Our officers responded quickly and arrested a 20-year-old man this morning on suspicion of attempted murder.
“Residents will notice an increased police presence in the area today.
“We are asking anyone who was in the area last night and may have witnessed anything to contact us and assist with our investigation.”
A man from Suffolk has been jailed after an investigation into retail thefts across Colchester.Daniel Bannerman, 32 of Spring Road, Ipswich appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Monday 8 January charged with Theft from shops around Colchester and Breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO).
The court heard that Bannerman had stolen items from 5 stores around Colchester since 01 January 2024 totalling over £400 as well as breaching conditions on his Criminal Behaviour Order . He was sentenced to 42 weeks imprisonment and ordered to pay costs of in excess of £300.
Sergeant Christian Denning, of our Team, says: “Shoplifting is a not a low-level crime because the proceeds can feed into a bigger network of criminal activity, while retail staff and customers can feel threatened and intimidated by offenders’ behaviour.“We work to protect retailers by targeting people responsible for repeated thefts and limiting their ability to reoffend, whether by applying for criminal behaviour orders or by getting them on to a drug or alcohol treatment programme.
“But, if they flagrantly disregard the chances they are given, then we will not hesitate to put them before the courts again.
“Ultimately, we all want to make our high streets safe and pleasant places to visit, while ensuring people who need help to tackle the causes of their offending and change their behaviour get it.”
Since 1 December 2023, our officers across Essex have arrested 146 people for shop theft and 95 have subsequently been charged with shop theft and other related offences.
 Inspector Jenna Mirrington-French
I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year and I hope that this year we continue where we left off in 2023. I am personally excited to see what we can achieve over the next 12 months and I will continue to drive forwards with stronger partnerships, resilient communities and improving Colchester as a place to live, work and visit.
I cannot believe we are almost a week in to 2024 and we have already been incredibly busy. I have started planning for the next 12 months looking at key events and dates for 2024 and ensuring we have local policing plans in place to keep our communities safe. We have a central team within Essex Police that look at operational planning and they support the delivery of police led operations and policing of public events in Essex. If you are planning an event or procession, by law you may need to notify us in advance. Whether it’s a festival, show, party, static demonstration or march, we’ll work with you to make sure it goes smoothly. To report a public event to us follow this link How to tell us about an event or procession | Essex Police
In terms of the local policing teams, they continued to work 24-7 over the Christmas period and responded to a variety of different incidents over the festive period. On Christmas day, Colchester received over 60 calls for police assistance, including calls for intruder alarms, disturbances, concerns for welfare, highway disruptions, mental health, missing persons, suspicious circumstances and criminal offences. We receive around 100 calls a day and most of these will be responded to by our local policing teams. Each month we will be focussing on the work that they do and the first months release came out at the end of December. If you want to learn more about what they have been up to then please follow this link Often on our social media... - Essex Police - Colchester District | Facebook
We continue to promote safety projects across the district and we will continue to have an increased visible policing presence during the night time on Friday and Saturdays in the city centre. This will continue into January and February. The Police form part of the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and the CSP are always working towards a safer Colchester. The CSP recently launched the ‘safe space’ located at the Colchester Sports Park. This is a supportive place for anyone who may be experiencing sexual harassment or may be worried about their personal safety. For further information follow this link Safe Space - Colchester Sports Park
If there are any initiatives or events that you have in Colchester that you think the Police or Community safety partnership could be involved with then please get in touch with us via email colchestercommunitypolicingteam@essex.police.uk
There is so much going on that I cannot cover everything in my blog, but I hope that this gives an understanding and flavour as to what the team have been doing. If you want more information about anything in this blog or want to get in touch about an initiative or something else then please write to us at colchestercommunitypolicingteam@essex.police.uk
You can also follow us on Facebook Essex Police - Colchester District | Facebook
Inspector Jenna Mirrington-French
 Let's talk
Our business crime officers seek to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour by forging strong working relationships.
Upcoming community police events
Let’s Talk - Friday 12 Jan 2024 10:00am to 11:00am Lakelands community centre 2 Western Approach, Stanway, Colchester
Let’s Talk - Saturday 13 Jan, 2024 10:00am to 11:00am Marks and Spencer, STANE RETAIL PARK, Colchester
Let’s talk-Wednesday 17 Jan 2024 1:00pm to 2:00pm 1 Cage Ln, Boxted Cross, Colchester
Let’s Talk - Thursday 18 Jan 2024 10:30am to 10:30am 4 Highwoods Square, Highwoods, Colchester
Let’s Talk -Saturday 20 Jan 2024 10:00am to 10:30am Leisure world, Cowdray Ave, Colchester
Let’s Talk -Saturday 20 Jan 2024 2:00pm to 3:00pm Poplar Nurseries, Coggeshall Rd, Marks Tey, Colchester CO6 1HR
Let’s Talk - Colchester Rural North Sunday 21 Jan 2024 10:00am to 11:00am Lakelands Community Centre 2 Western Approach, Stanway, Colchester
 Keep burglars out of your property
Burglars will use a variety of ways to avoid being noticed.
They don’t want to be seen or heard by a neighbour or passer-by because they will feel exposed and identifiable.
Distraction burglars will pretend to be someone they are not, so it’s important you are aware of the common methods they will use to get you to let them into your property.
Here’s some useful advice, firstly on helping to keep burglars out by giving them no hiding place and, secondly, on how to prevent a distraction burglary.
Keep it visible
You’d think that it would be best to make a property less visible from the street, and to keep it hidden from prying eyes behind overgrown bushes, trees, high fences or walls. In reality, all that this serves to do is make it easier for a burglar to get close to a home unnoticed, and provide somewhere to hide while carrying out a burglary or theft from the property.
- Lower fences at the front around one-metre high are preferable to high fences as they allow for a clear view over the top and don’t provide cover for anyone wishing to hide.
- At the rear and sides, taller fencing is recommended to prevent easy access.
- Trellis, thorny plants, or a suitable anti-climb topping such as plastic spikes make it difficult for anyone climbing over a fence or gate.
- Planting prickly or barbed shrubbery along boundaries and fence lines acts as an effective natural barrier.
- Gravel driveways and paths will make sure you hear anyone approach
Distraction burglary
Distraction burglars pretend to be someone they are not in order to gain entry to your home.
Common methods used by distraction burglars
- pretending to be from a care agency, the council or a utility company investigating a gas or water leak
- seeking help to leave a note for a neighbour or even asking for a drink of water if they claim to be thirsty or unwell
- claiming to be in a hurry or emergency and needing to get into your home quickly
- working in teams, with one person distracting you while the other searches your home
How to prevent it
There are a number of things you can do to prevent distraction burglary. Always remember "if in doubt, keep them out":
- use your door viewer to see who’s there
- if you open the door put the chain on first
- always ask for ID and check it with the company before letting somebody into your home
- use the phone number advertised in the phone book or online, as the number on their identity card could be fake. For a utility company, call the customer service department. Close the door while you do this
- remember that genuine callers won’t mind checks. If you feel at all unsure, schedule a time for the caller to come back when a friend or relative is there
- for pre-planned appointments with utility companies, a password scheme can be set up
If you feel threatened or in danger by the presence of the caller, call 999.
Be fraud smart
Useful contacts for advice about fraud and cybercrime
If you’d prefer not to speak to the police or would like more specific advice, the charities, groups and organisations below can also provide information and support.
Action FraudMembers for the public - 0300 123 2040 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm)Businesses, charity or other organisations suffering a live cyber-attack - 0300 123 2040 (Available 24/7)
Action on Elder Abuse (AEA)AEA are a national charity working to protect and prevent the abuse of vulnerable older adults.0808 808 8141
Age UKProvides companionship, advice and support for millions of older adults.0800 169 6565
Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA)The largest travel trade association in the UK with over 1,200 members. All ABTA members must follow a strict code of conduct or face a fine or having the membership rescinded.020 3117 5599
Citizens AdviceFree, independent and confidential advice to help you solve legal, money and other problems.0808 223 1133To contact a Welsh-speaking adviser: 0808 223 1144
Cyber AwareCyber Aware provides cyber security advice for small business and individuals.
Federation of Small BusinessesThe Federation of Small Businesses offers its members a wide range of vital business services, aiming to help smaller businesses achieve their ambitions.
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)Find and choose a financial adviser, or confirm whether your adviser is authorised.0845 606 1234
Get Safe OnlineGet Safe Online is the UK’s most popular source of easy-to-understand information about online safety.
Information Commissioners OfficeThe role of the Information Commissioners Office is to uphold information rights in the public interest.
National Crime AgencyThe National Crime Agency (NCA) leads UK law enforcement’s fight to cut serious and organised crime.
National Cyber Security CentreThe National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is a part of GCHQ and is the UK’s lead authority on cyber security.
Office of the Public Guardian (OPG)The OPG is responsible for protecting people who no longer have the capacity to make certain decisions for themselves.0300 456 0300
Online Dating Association (ODA)Dating services with ODA membership abide by a strict code of standards or risk having their membership rescinded.
Royal Mail Scam Mail HelplineSupport and advice if you’ve received items by post that you believe to be fraudulent.0800 011 3466
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)An independent charity working with adults, families and children’s social care and social work services across the UK to share knowledge about what works.020 7024 7650
Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers (STAR)A leading, self-regulatory body for the entertainment ticketing industry in the UK, offering advice, information and dispute resolution services.019 0423 4737
The Mailing Preference Service (MPS)A free service supported by Royal Mail enabling UK customers to remove their name and home address from mailing lists used by the industry.020 7291 3300
The Silver LineFree, 24-hour, confidential helpline providing friendship, information and advice to older people.0800 470 8090
The Telephone Preference Service (TPS)Free service for recording your preference not to receive unsolicited sales or marketing calls.0800 398 893
Get help or report a scam
If you think you’ve uncovered a scam, have been targeted by a scam or fallen victim to fraudsters, find out how to report fraud here.
Reporting crime, including fraud, is important. If you don’t tell the authorities, how do they know it has happened and how can they do anything about it?
Remember, if you're a victim of a scam or an attempted scam, however minor, there may be hundreds or thousands of others in a similar position. Your information may form part of one big jigsaw and may be vital to completing the picture.
 Question : What is the best way to protect my shed from being broken into?
Answer :
The ideal situation is not to keep anything of great value in your shed, but this is sometimes not possible for many people.
There are anti-theft padlocks available that are harder to break. If an intruder thinks it is going to take a long time to break in then they may not bother trying. Another option is to have your house burglar alarm extended to the garage / shed, or to get a battery operated alarm for the shed.
In case the worst does happen, then it is worth checking with your insurance company that items in your shed are covered. For more information on this and general advice on home security, please see the links in Related Information.
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