News 12 March to 18 March
 E-Bikes and E-Scooters seized in City Centre patrols
Following disruption patrols in the city centre over the weekend the city centre team noticed a reduction in the amount of people using illegal e-bikes and e-scooters following the seizure of 4 e-vehicles last weekend. They did however seize another E-Bike and E-Scooter.
Officers on patrols also took the time to engage with members of the community coming into the city centre following the Colchester half marathon to talk about local issues people face in their communities. PC Salmon took advantage of these conversation to say hello and pet a "cute" cat that was out for a walk in the city.
To find out more information on the legislation around e-bikes and e-scooters click the button below.
Over 4,300 uninsured vehicles taken off Essex roads in 2024
Essex Police seized 4,329 uninsured vehicles across the county between January and December last year, which is an average of 12 vehicles every day, to ensure road safety for all.
The figure is an increase of 21% on 2023 results.
Uninsured vehicles pose a significant risk to other road users. Whilst those aiming to be law-abiding motorists may fall foul of common insurance pitfalls, such as assuming their policy has auto-renewed or that they are covered to drive other vehicles, over 60% of uninsured vehicles seized are found to have links to serious secondary offences.
Arrest after discovery of cannabis infused vapes
Over the weekend officers from Colchester's Local Policing Team were conducting proactive patrols when they noticed a strong smell while driving along Maldon Road, besides the Zoo. The smell was not one they associated with zoo and realised it was a strong smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle in front of them. As the officers observed the vehicle they noticed it swerving over the road. The officers pulled the driver over and conducted a drug swipe, which tested positive for cannabis. A search of the vehicle revealed 79 cannabis-infused vapes and cannabis sweets. The driver was arrested for drug driving and possession with intent to supply.
Remember, cannabis-infused vapes and sweets are illegal in the UK. These products contain THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, which is classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
You can tell us information about crime that may be happening in your neighbourhood by clicking the link below.
Special Superintendent retires after more than four decades of public service
Special Superintendent Howard Rayner is handing in his warrant card and retiring after an extraordinary 41 years as a volunteer police officer.
Howard, 68, joined Essex Police in 1983 and combined policing with his full-time job as the managing director of a Colchester tile company.
His exceptional public service saw him awarded British Empire Medal in 2019 and receive a Lord Ferrers letter of recognition as well as Long Service and Good Conduct accolade from the force.
Howard joined our Special Constabulary after he apprehended a man who’d kicked in a shop window and the officer who attended the scene suggested he apply. Howard and the officer have remained firm friends.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Thursday 20 March
9am-10am - Christ Church, Ireton Road
10:30am-11:30am - East Thorpe Church, CO5 9HD
2:30pm-4pm - Wivenhoe Alzheimer's and dementia club
Thursday 27 March
10:30am-11:30am - Zest Café, University of Essex
Friday 28 March
10:30am-11:30am - St Peters Church, Wigborough
 Crime prevention advice
By using well-defined boundaries as a basis, CCTV can be a valuable tool. However, it doesn’t prevent a crime from being committed and does have limitations.
CCTV linked to a smartphone will alert you to someone crossing your boundary.
Most importantly, CCTV is no substitute for good quality physical security such as secure doors and windows.
Some cameras work by day and by night, and record when they detect movement. Some can be remotely viewed from a smartphone.
Position cameras where they are best able to obtain good quality facial images. Could you recognise or identify someone from the footage?
There is legislation for home CCTV use, so always seek advice from an accredited installer first to ensure your system complies with the law.
Place signage up warning that CCTV is in use.
Be fraud smart
Protect yourself against plastic card fraud
Keep all your cards and financial details safe:
- Look after your cards and card details at all times. Try not to let your card out of your sight when making a transaction
- Check receipts against statements carefully. Contact your card company immediately if you find an unfamiliar transaction
- Store your statements, receipts and financial documents safely and destroy them, preferably using a shredder, when you dispose of them
- Sign any new cards as soon as they arrive
- Cut expired cards through the magnetic strip and chip when replacement cards arrive.
 Question
What is the what3words system?
Answer - The what3words system enables the emergency services to find someone more easily.
When people call 999 they often struggle to describe their location, what3words helps them say exactly where they are, saving precious response time.
How does it work?
The system works by assigning 3 distinct words for every 3 square metre grid square on a map.
You must have the what3words app on your phone (which you can download on both Android and iOS from the link in Related Information). Then in an emergency:
Find the 3 word address for your current location on the free what3words app. It works offline – ideal for areas with an unreliable data connection.
Share your 3 word address over the phone to the call handler.
The emergency service can then coordinate a response directly to the exact location where help is needed.
Please see the official what3words website in Related Information if you wish to know more.
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