News 11 June to 17 June
 City Centre Update
Over the past week or so, our City Centre Officers have been working hard across Castle Ward to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. Here’s a snap shot of what’s been happening:
5 arrests made for theft and breaches of Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs), including action taken against a prolific shoplifter previously dealt with by our team.
4 intelligence reports submitted to support ongoing investigations.
5 stop and searches carried out, leading to the recovery of drugs, stolen items, and tools linked to criminal damage.
2 new CBO applications completed for individuals repeatedly involved in anti-social behaviour.
5 Community Protection Notices (CPNs) issued to address disruptive behaviour in the city centre.
This work has been made possible through strong joint efforts with our City Centre Wardens. We’re committed to keeping Colchester safe and welcoming for everyone.
If you see something, say something. Your information helps us take action.
Officers make 641 arrests for shop theft across Essex in first five months of this year
Officers in our expanded neighbourhood policing teams have taken over shop theft investigations.
Between 1 January and 8 June this year, 678 people were arrested on suspicion of shop theft across Essex – 36 in the past week (2-8 June).
Some of them are prolific offenders – people who have 15 or more previous convictions or cautions. And our neighbourhood policing teams will be looking at ways to divert them from their repeat offending.
Sextortion: Stop and think before you press send
Sextortion is a growing online crime where scammers trick people into sharing intimate photos or videos, then threaten to share them unless they get money or more content. It often starts with manipulation or deception, such as a promise of love, a fake relationship, or other emotional connections, before threatening to release private materials unless demands are met.
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Upcoming community police events
Thursday 19 June 1pm to 2pm
Harpers Cafe, Boxted
Friday 20 June 10am to 11am
Subway, 36 sir Isaacs Walk
Tuesday 24 June 10am to 11am
Northern Gateway Sports Park
Tuesday 24 June 12am to 1pm
St Helena Hospice, Angora Retail park, Stanway
Ballin' with a Bobby
Primary School ages: 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Secondary School ages: 5:30om to 6:30pm
Tuesday 24 June
Ypres Road, Circular Road South, CO2 7UW
Tuesday 1 July
Greenstead Park, Greenstead, CO4 3JZ
Tuesday 8 July
Monkwick School Road, Colchester, CO2 8NP
Tuesday 15 July
Martin Hunt Drive, Stanway, CO3 8BL
Tuesday 22 July
King George Playing Field, Wivenhoe, CO7 9AB
Tuesday 29 July
Old Heath Ground, Colchester, CO1 2ER
Tuesday 5 August
Colchester Youth Festival
Sunday 10 August
Ballin' with a Bobby tournament, Essex Sport Arena
 Crime prevention advice
Vehicle Theft Alert: Porsche Macan and Cayenne Models
While overall vehicle theft remains relatively low across Essex, we are currently seeing a rise in the theft of Porsche vehicles—particularly the Macan and Cayenne models.
We understand the significant impact this type of crime has on victims, and we are committed to raising awareness and encouraging preventative action. Owners are urged to adopt a layered approach to vehicle security, including:
Installing approved alarms and immobilisers to deter and delay theft attempts.
Using visible deterrents, such as steering wheel locks, to make vehicles less attractive to thieves.
Storing keys in Faraday pouches to block signal relay attacks, and ensuring keys are kept out of sight and away from entry points in the home.
Parking securely at home—ideally in a locked garage or behind anti-theft bollards to prevent the vehicle from being driven away.
Our North Investigations Team is actively pursuing enquiries to identify those responsible. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist our investigation.
Be fraud smart
Essex residents have lost millions to romance scams in just three years, making it one of the most prevalent and costly scams in the region.
How it works: Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps or social media, build emotional connections over time, and then invent emergencies or financial troubles to ask for money.
Protect yourself:
Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
Be cautious if someone quickly professes love or avoids video calls.
Verify their identity—reverse image search their photos or ask specific questions.
Report suspicious activity to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
Stay alert and protect your heart—and your wallet.
 Question
What is a 'money mule'?
Answer
A 'money mule' is someone who transfers stolen money on behalf of criminals through their own bank account.
Criminals will contact a person, either on the internet (via social media, a fake job advertisement) or in person, and offer to pay them for use of their bank account to receive stolen money and transfer it to another account.
Most of the money being transferred is stolen money and is used to fund further criminal activity such as terrorism and fraud.
Criminals usually target vulnerable people who are in financial difficulties as these people may see being a money mule as an opportunity to make money.
Once a person has transferred the money successfully there is a high chance that the criminals will want to repeat the process and may use intimidation if someone does not comply.
It is a criminal offence to let someone use your bank account for this activity and you could face a prison sentence of up to 14 years if caught. You could also have your account closed and find it difficult to access credit.
If someone asks you to use your bank account, report it to your local police force.
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