News 5 November to 11 November
 News title
Last Sunday the Neighbourhood Policing Team were pleased to have a presence at the remembrance events around Colchester.
At Essex Police, Remembrance Day is a rare opportunity to reflect and honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country.
These were individuals who stood for something far greater than themselves, facing unimaginable difficulty so that future generations could live in peace and freedom.
Their sacrifice was the ultimate one. And while the world has changed, the values they upheld - duty, honour, and service - remain deeply embedded in the ethos of many of our officers today, particularly those with personal ties to military history. It is important, however, to recognise and respect the differences in these roles. Remembrance Day is a time to honour those who served, to remember the fallen and to acknowledge the profound impact of their sacrifice.
Among our ranks are officers and police staff whose loved ones served in conflicts across the globe and at home. Their stories of bravery are more than history; they are a legacy and a source of inspiration to us all. Click Read More to continue reading.
 Op Drive Insured
The rural engagement team seized this vehicle this week in Colchester and reported the driver for driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.
Essex Police has seized more uninsured vehicles in the first ten months of 2025 than in the whole of 2024 – a clear sign of the force’s continued commitment to keeping the county’s roads safe.
As a force, we continue to seize very high numbers of vehicles under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act. This legislation allows officers to remove vehicles from the road if they are being driven without insurance or a valid licence.
In 2022, Essex Police seized 2,957 uninsured vehicles. That number rose to 3,580 in 2023, and again to 4,365 in 2024. With 2025 not yet over, the current total has already surpassed last year’s figure – highlighting the scale of the issue and the proactive work being done to tackle it.
Charges secured after dangerous incident
A man has been charged as part of our investigation into a serious incident between Brightlingsea and Thorrington.
We were alerted to a car travelling in Tenpenny Hill, Thorrington, at 2.40pm on Friday 7 November which had a person holding on to the bonnet.
That dangerous situation came to a finish outside the Fir Tree café.
Officers were quickly on the scene and a man aged in his 50s was arrested.
Thankfully, the victim has not sustained any serious injuries.
As a result of our investigation, we now believe the incident began at the junction of Moverons Lane and Church Road, close to All Saints Church.
The vehicle then drove along Brightlingsea Road, turning left onto Tenpenny Hill before coming to a stop.
We’ve now charged James Marlborough, 52, of Napier Avenue, Jaywick, with three counts of assault and dangerous driving.
New Town Car Damages
A 37 year old man from Colchester has been charged with 6 counts of criminal damage following reports of a number of vehicles being damaged in New Town, Colchester.
Officers from Colchester Local Policing Team were called to New Town last Friday evening for reports of a man shouting in the street and causing damage to cars.
As a result the officers found 6 damaged vehicles and a man nearby who was arrested and remanded over the weekend to appear in court charged with 6 counts of criminal damage to a vehicle.
 Look. Listen. Be aware.
If you know an older person who has become more withdrawn, anxious, or less confident, it could be a sign they are in an unhealthy relationship. You don’t have to solve everything, just knowing where to find information can help you respond and understand.
Find out where to get confidential advice about domestic abuse in later life.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Saturday 15 November 3pm to 4pm
Home Bargains, Lightship Way, Colchester
Tuesday 18 November 10am to 11am
Wimpole Road Church, 49 Wimpole Road, Colchester, Essex, CO1 2DN)
Tuesday 18 November 10am to 11am
Tiptree Library
Wednesday 19 November 10am to 11am
CESSAC, Fallowfield Road, Colchester
Wednesday 19 November 11am to 12pm
Mercury Theatre, Colchester City Centre
Monday 24 November 11am to 12pm
Oak Tree Community Cafe, Highwoods Square
Tuesday 25 November 10:30am to 11:30am
Waitrose, St Andrews Gardens
Wednesday 26 November 10am to 11am
Langenhoe Village Hall
 Crime prevention advice
As the weather gets colder its important to-
Secure Your Home
Lock all doors and windows before leaving or going to bed. Cold weather often means people stay indoors, but opportunistic burglars still operate.
Check outdoor lighting – shorter daylight hours make good lighting essential for deterring crime.
Avoid leaving keys in “safe” outdoor spots like under mats or plant pots.
Vehicle Safety
Never leave your car running unattended while defrosting. This is a common cause of vehicle theft in winter.
Remove valuables from your car or keep them out of sight.
Check locks and alarms – cold weather can affect battery performance.
Personal Safety
Plan your journeys – icy conditions can lead to breakdowns, so keep a charged phone and emergency kit.
Stay visible – wear reflective clothing when walking in dark mornings or evenings.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash when shopping for the holidays.
Online Shopping & Scams
Use secure websites for holiday purchases.
Beware of phishing emails offering fake discounts or delivery updates.
Monitor bank statements for unusual activity.
Community Awareness
Check on vulnerable neighbours – criminals may target isolated individuals.
Report suspicious activity promptly to local authorities.
Be fraud smart
As Christmas approaches, it’s important to stay vigilant against fraud while shopping. Always use trusted websites and check for security indicators such as “https://” and a padlock symbol in the browser address bar. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, as these are often scams, and avoid clicking on links from unsolicited emails or social media ads. Protect your payment details by using secure methods like credit cards or reputable payment platforms, and never share PINs or passwords via email or text. Regularly monitor your bank statements for unusual transactions and consider setting up transaction alerts for added security. Watch out for delivery scams, where fraudsters send fake texts or emails claiming missed deliveries—always track parcels through official courier websites. Finally, strengthen your online security by using strong, unique passwords and enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible. Taking these steps can help ensure your festive shopping remains safe and stress-free.
 Last week, most reported crimes in Colchester were about vehicles. These included items taken from cars and a few cars stolen. Many of these happened at night or when cars were left unlocked. These cases are separate and do not show a big rise in crime.
There were some thefts from homes and shops. A few reports of damage were made, such as broken windows or graffiti. Most of these did not involve anyone being hurt. In some cases, the police have already found the people involved.
Only a small number of robberies were reported, and the police acted quickly. Overall, crime levels are steady and being managed. You can help by locking cars and doors, keeping valuables safe, and reporting anything unusual.
Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
 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
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