News 5 March to 11 March
 Arrests During City Centre Patrols
Following disruption patrols in the city centre yesterday the city centre policing team made several arrests.
Only a few minutes into starting their patrols, they were patrolling Osborne Street when they spotted a man who was wanted in connection with a dwelling burglary. A few moments later the man was in handcuffs under arrest for the Burglary and during a search was found to be in possession of a hammer and screwdriver so was also arrested for going equipped to steal. To help the officers, he was also in possession of an item believed to be stolen from the burglary he was arrested for.
Other members of the team then come across a man in the city centre who was wanted for eating in a number of restaurants, and then leaving without paying the bill. The man was arrested and taken to custody.
Free from their custody commitments the officers were back out, engaging with members of the public when they responded to reports of a robbery in the city centre. Locating and safeguarding the victim while searching for the suspects. As a result a 14 year old boy from Colchester was arrested on suspicion of Robbery and also two counts of shoplifting and possession of a controlled substance, again, the officers managed to recover stolen property during this arrest.
The Community policing team work closely with Colchester City Councils CCTV department and various security providers across the city centre including culver square security and red lion walk security to ensure the city centre remains a safe place to work, live and visit.
As a result of the arrests a man will appear in court charged with one count of Burglary, One attempted burglary and one count of going equipped. Another man will appear in court charged with two counts of making off without payment and failing to appear at court previously. And one 14 year old boy has been released on bail while further enquiries continue.
Special Constables Keeping Colchester Roads Safe
Our Special Constabulary were out on patrol over the weekend.
On Friday night they came across a vehicle being driven which they stopped and suspected the driver was under the influence of alcohol. Following a roadside breath test the driver was arrested as she blew over twice the legal, the vehicle also had no MOT and the driver was disqualified from driving.
She remained in police custody for the weekend until Monday where she was to appear before the courts.
Our special constables are volunteer officers, who have all policing powers and volunteer their time to make a difference in their community.
If you feel you could make a difference in your community, click on the link for more information.
International Women’s Day: “Don’t accept the status quo, challenge it” – DCC Rachel Nolan
Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Nolan believes policing offers exceptional career opportunities for women and there should be no limit to female officers’ ambitions.
As one of the country’s most senior female police officers, DCC Nolan said her journey shows that promotion into force leadership roles is achievable, and she encouraged female colleagues to put themselves forward when positions become available.
DCC Nolan joined the force in 1998, starting as a response officer on Canvey Island. She later became Essex’s first female commander of Operational Policing Command before being appointed Deputy Chief Constable in January.
DCC Nolan had considered joining the military after graduating from university but chose policing as there were no restrictions on the roles open to women.
However, despite joining a “very supportive team” after completing her training, she did encounter some questionable attitudes.
Baloo Wins at Crufts
Congratulations to Baloo and Mandy.
Meet retried Essex Police Dog, Baloo.
While on duty in October 2018, Belgian Milionis, Baloo, was hit by a car as a suspected criminal tried to get away from police. Her injuries were so bad that she needed metal plates screwed into both sides of her pelvis. Her front leg also needed amputating.
This sadly ended Baloo's career as a police dog.
We are thrilled to see Baloo win the Hero award at Crufts 2025.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Wednesday 12 March
2pm-3pm – Prettygate knit and natter
Friday 14 March
1pm-2:30pm – Curzon Cinema, Queen Street
Saturday 15 March
11am-12:30pm – Mercury Theatre
Wednesday 19 March
10am-11am - Langenhoe Village Hall
Thursday 20 March
9am-10am - Christ Church, Ireton Road
10:30am-11:30am - East Thorpe Church, CO5 9HD
 Crime prevention advice
Burglars target windows as they can offer easier access than doors. Check how your windows look from the outside, removing potential access points where you can.
Are there walls, bins or garden furniture that could be used to reach windows? For windows that are within reaching distance such as ground floors, see our tips below.
1. Laminated glass or security film is recommended for ground floor and accessible windows.
2. Sash stops prevent anyone opening the sash window enough to climb through.
3. Key operated locks are recommended for window types that open out, rather than up, and any ground floor or accessible windows. Remember, window locks are only effective if used, so check that you have locked them before you leave home or go to bed.
4. Window opening restrictors allow you to ventilate your home but make sure they can’t be picked and unlocked from outside.
Be fraud smart
With the end of the tax year approaching criminals might attempt to target businesses to commit their crimes. Stay vigilant and protect your business from potential threats.
Take a moment before paying that invoice. Criminals send fake invoices that look like ones from a genuine supplier hoping you will pay without checking the account details.
Always question changes in payment information.
 Question
The dog next door is always barking, what can I do?
Answer
You should speak to your neighbour about the problem as they may not be aware that it is happening.
Unless there is any evidence of the dog being mistreated then the RSPCA will not be able to help. If you do believe that the dog is being mistreated, you can contact the RSPCA via their telephone number 0300 1234 999.
The noise could be classed as a noise nuisance so you would need to report it to the Environmental Health department at your local authority.
Please see the website in Related Information to report a noise complaint to your local authority.
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