News 19 March to 25 March
 PD Pablo tracks robbery suspect
A man has been arrested after being tracked by PD Pablo from the scene of a knifepoint robbery in Colchester.
We were alerted to an incident at a shop in London Road, Lexden, shortly after 11.30am this morning, Tuesday 25 March.
A man had threatened a cashier with a knife and demanded money from the till. He then left, taking about £200.
Thankfully the victim was not hurt, and she is being supported.
Officers were quickly sent to the scene and took a detailed description of the man.
PD Pablo then picked up a trail, which led officers to a man who they stopped and arrested. A knife was found nearby and has been seized.
Three charged as detectives work to tackle county lines
Detectives working to tackle county lines activity have secured 41 separate charges against three men, seizing multiple kilograms of Class A and B drugs, firearms and cash.
The huge seizures were made as officers from Op Orochi and Op Raptor – our drug dealing disruption teams – executed four simultaneous warrants across Colchester on Thursday 20 March.
Five arrests were made at the various addresses.
Large quantities of cocaine, heroin, ketamine and cannabis were seized, alongside two viable firearms, adapted ammunition and a machete.
Officers further recovered thousands of pounds in cash.
Driver jailed following fatal collision in 2023
A driver who was distracted when the dog he was conveying jumped on his lap, resulting in a fatal collision with a motorcycle rider, has been jailed for three years.
Norman McAndrew from Colchester High Street was jailed for three years for causing death by dangerous driving in connection with a 2023 fatal collision when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday 20 March. The 82-year-old was also banned for six years and three months after he pleaded guilty to the charge at an earlier hearing.
 Drug supplier ordered to hand over cash or face jail
A drug supplier who supplied cocaine and cannabis in the Colchester area has been ordered to repay almost £53,000 of the proceeds of his crimes, thanks to the diligence of our financial investigators.
Following an extensive investigation by our detectives, Aaron Matthews, 29, was sentenced in September 2024 for being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis.
The judge also set a hearing to determine how much Matthews should have confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).
On 13 March 2025, Matthews was told he must pay £52,985.58 within three months under the terms of a confiscation order. If he does not, he could face an 18-month jail term.
Prolific shoplifter jailed and banned from shops
A prolific shoplifter has been jailed for 12 months and banned from entering certain shops countywide for three years, thanks to keen-eyed police community support officers.
Anthony Johannessen, 33, was spotted by the PCSOs who were out on patrol in West Avenue, Clacton. They knew he was wanted for shoplifting and detained him.
The court heard Johannessen’s thefts ranged from a 95p head of broccoli to bottles of gin, vodka and rum.
In the Colchester district, he targeted Co-op stores in Nayland Road, Mile End, Barfield Road, West Mersea and Old Heath Road, Colchester, The Avenue, Wivenhoe, and Colchester’s Fiveways superstore.
Shoplifter jailed after having to admit guilt
A prolific Colchester shoplifter has been jailed for a total of 32 weeks for 18 shop thefts across the city.
Chloe Sadler-Smith, 35, admitted her guilt at the first available opportunity when she appeared before Chelmsford magistrates on 15 March 2025.
The court heard she’d stolen more than £850 of goods from Co-op stores in Harwich Road, Hawthorn Avenue and Iceni Way in Colchester and The Avenue, Wivenhoe, as well as from the One Stop in Plume Avenue, Colchester, between 2 February and 13 March 2025
She was arrested on 13 March after police were called to reports of a shop theft in Wivenhoe Co-op and spotted her as they searched the area.
Investigating officer PC Taylor Nash, of Colchester Local Policing Team, says:
 Meet Colchester LPT Inspector Sue Richardson
For Inspector Sue Richardson, policing isn’t just a job. it’s a lifelong commitment. After celebrating her 30th anniversary in the force in December 2024, she reflects on a career filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments that have left a lasting impact.
Sue’s journey began with an unusual source of inspiration, a BBC police drama from the 1980s called Juliet Bravo.
“It focused on a female inspector running a team. I loved it so much that I even bought the theme tune on vinyl!”
That spark of inspiration led her to volunteer as a Special Constable in 1992 before officially joining the police. Since then, she has worked across various roles, and today, she serves as a Local Policing Team (LPT) Inspector, balancing the complexities of leadership with the unpredictable nature of frontline policing.
 Attendance at St Helena Hospice hero run
This weekend, our officers joined forces with the heroes of Colchester for the St Helena Hospice Hero Run!
The event was truly out of this galaxy, with plenty of Star Wars fans, Boba Fett lookalikes, and stormtroopers making an appearance.
Our officers were on hand to engage with attendees and help organisers ensure the event went smoothly, and we couldn't resist joining in the fun! Our officers spotted some amazing costumes, including stormtroopers, Jedi knights, and even Boba Fett himself, reminding everyone that it's "Boba Fett-er safe than sorry!".
Participants stayed on course and completed the run with flying colours, proving they could "Stay on target!". We were ready to assist anyone in need, ensuring a safe and enjoyable event for all, just like "The Empire Strikes Back!".
We encouraged runners to tap into their inner Jedi powers with a shout of "Use the Force, Luke!" to cross the finish line. Celebrating the incredible efforts of all participants, we recognized their heroic contributions with a cheerful "Yoda best!". We reminded everyone that teamwork makes the dream work, just like Han and Chewie, because "Don't be a Solo act!".
Motivating everyone to give their best Wookiee roar and power through to the end, we exclaimed "Chewbacca-n do it!". We marveled at the incredible turnout and the stellar efforts of all participants, making the event shine brighter than the Death Star, saying "That's no moon!".
The Hero Run is all about supporting St Helena Hospice, a fantastic cause that provides compassionate care and support to those with life-limiting illnesses.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated and supported this wonderful event and engaged with our officers on the day.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Thursday 27 March 2025
10:30am-11:30am - University of Essex, Zest Cafe
11am-12pm - Fivefields Court, Greenstead
Friday 28 March 2025
10:30am-11:30am - St Peters Church, Great Wigborough, CO5 7RL
 Crime prevention advice
As the summer months approach, it's important to stay vigilant and take steps to protect your home from burglaries. Here are some practical tips to help keep your property safe:
1. Secure Doors and Windows
Lock Up: Always lock all doors and windows, even when you're at home. Use deadbolts and consider installing additional locks for extra security.
Reinforce Entry Points: Install door fittings with cylinder pull protection to prevent burglars from tampering with your locks.
2. Make Your Home Look Occupied
Lighting: Use timers on lights to give the impression that someone is home. Outdoor lighting with motion sensors can also deter intruders.
Mail and Deliveries: Ask a neighbour to collect your mail and packages if you're away, or use a mail hold service.
3. Be Mindful of Openings
Close Garage Doors: Always close and lock your garage door, even if you're just doing yard work.
Secure Windows: Avoid leaving windows open, especially on the ground floor. If you need ventilation, use window locks that allow the window to be partially open but still secure.
4. Maintain Your Property
Trim Hedges: Keep bushes and trees trimmed to eliminate hiding spots for burglars.
Install Security Systems: Consider installing a home security system with cameras and alarms. Visible security measures can be a strong deterrent.
5. Be Cautious with Strangers
Verify Visitors: Be cautious of anyone who comes to your door unexpectedly. Always ask for identification and don't let them inside if you feel uncomfortable.
Neighbourhood Watch: Join or start a neighbourhood watch program to keep an eye out for suspicious activity in your area.
By following these tips, you can help protect your home and enjoy a safe and secure summer. Stay vigilant and don't hesitate to report any suspicious activity to the Essex Police.
Be fraud smart
Stay vigilant and protect yourself from telephone scams with these essential tips:
Verify the Caller: Always confirm the identity of the person calling you. Scammers often pretend to be from reputable organizations like banks, government agencies, or utility companies. If in doubt, hang up and call the organization directly using a number you trust.
Beware of Urgent Requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act immediately. They might claim there's a problem with your account or that you've won a prize. Take your time to verify the information before taking any action.
Never Share Personal Information: Do not provide personal or financial details over the phone unless you initiated the call and are certain of the recipient's identity.
Legitimate organizations will not ask for sensitive information like your bank account or Social Security number over the phone.
Use Call Blocking Services: Utilize call-blocking features on your phone to reduce unwanted calls. Many mobile phones and landlines offer services to block or filter suspicious numbers.
Register for the National Do Not Call Registry: Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce the number of unsolicited calls you receive. While this won't stop all scam calls, it can significantly decrease the volume.
Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut and be cautious.
Report Suspicious Calls: If you receive a scam call, report it to the relevant authorities. This helps track and prevent further fraudulent activities.
By following these tips, you can better protect yourself and your loved ones from telephone scams. Stay safe and vigilant!
 Question
Is it safe to use a public wi-fi connection?
Answer: Many city centres and cafes offer free wireless internet connections that can be accessed using a laptop or mobile telephone. When the device is asked to search for nearby wireless connections, the device will display a list of available networks and connect to the network that you select.
Increasingly, hackers are setting up their own networks in public places that will also appear on the network lists. These will appear identical to the genuine networks e.g. BT, Sky etc.
Once connected to a hacker's network you will probably be directed to a bogus website asking you for personal information such as bank details and passwords.
Be wary of any websites or emails asking for details.
|
