News 12 November to 18 November
 Drink Driver Meets PD Bryson
PD Bryson and his handler responded to a call over the weekend near St Johns whereby a suspected drunk driver had crashed into a parked car and fled the scene.
A member of the public gave PD Bryson and his handler some help in informing them where to look, and PD Bryson tracked through woodland to help locate a man who was subsequently arrested.
A 54 year old man from Colchester has been charged with drink drive (driving while over the prescribed limit) and other driving offences.
Pawsome work as always from our Dog Section!
To find out more about drink drive click the link below.
 Two bikes. Two riders. Two very bad choices.
Last night in Tollgate, reports came in of motorcycles racing at speed. Thanks to calls from the public and sharp work by officers, both bikes were seized under Section 59 of the Police reform act.
This isn’t just about breaking the law, and reducing anti social behaviour—it’s about saving lives. Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. Nationally, 340 riders lost their lives last year and over 5,400 were seriously injured. Every time someone races or rides carelessly, they’re gambling with their life and the lives of others.
Your information matters. Two separate reports and positive confirmation from the community made these seizures possible.
You can report anti social behaviour on the link below.
We've speeded up justice for shoplifters: 'Everyone wins, except the criminals'
An Essex Police initiative is helping to get shoplifting suspects to court faster. In just six months, it’s secured 930 charges and saved more than 10 weeks of officer time.
Since April 2025, suspects named in shop theft cases can be summonsed straight to magistrates’ court without arrest or interview, if there’s strong evidence against them.
Between 1 April and 30 September, 284 suspects were dealt with this way, leading to 930 charges, and 565 more solved offences compared to the same period in 2024.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Monday 24 November
11am to 12pm - Oak Tree Coffee House, 4 Highwoods Square
Tuesday 25 November
10:30am to 11:30am - Waitrose , St Andrews Avenue
Wednesday 26 November
10am to 11am - Langenhoe Hall (Colchester, England)
11am to 12pm - Mercury Theatre (Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1PT)
Thursday 27 November
10am to 11am - Fingringhoe Village Hall
 Crime prevention advice
During cold weather, vehicle-related crime often increases as drivers leave their cars unattended while defrosting. It’s important never to leave your car running with the keys inside, even for a short time, as this creates an easy opportunity for thieves. Always remove valuables from view, including bags, electronics, and coats, as these can attract opportunistic criminals. Check that your doors are properly locked—icy conditions can sometimes affect central locking systems. Taking these simple precautions can help keep your vehicle secure during the winter months.
Be fraud smart
Black Friday is a prime time for fraudsters to take advantage of shoppers looking for bargains. Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media or unfamiliar websites. Always shop through trusted retailers and check for secure payment methods—look for “https” and a padlock symbol in the browser. Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages, as these may lead to phishing sites designed to steal your personal information. Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts and enable two-factor authentication where possible. Finally, monitor your bank statements regularly for any suspicious transactions and report them immediately.
 Crime levels in Colchester remain broadly stable, with most incidents being low-level and opportunistic rather than serious or violent. The majority of reports relate to minor thefts and anti-social behaviour, which are common in many communities and often preventable through simple precautions. There were no trends suggesting an increase in serious crime during this period.
Vehicle-related offences and small-scale property theft were the most frequently reported issues. These typically involve unlocked cars or items left unattended, highlighting the importance of basic security measures. A few cases of anti-social behaviour were noted, mainly in public spaces, but these were isolated and quickly addressed by local authorities.
Police continue to maintain a visible presence and work closely with local partners to keep Colchester safe. Residents can help by staying alert, securing property, and reporting anything unusual promptly. Overall, the district remains a safe place to live, and community vigilance plays a vital role in keeping crime low.
Read the latest crime data from your neighbourhood.
Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
 Question
Can you give me any advice about personal safety whilst out shopping?
Can you give me any advice about personal safety whilst out shopping?
Answer: Listed below are a few points which will help to ensure you and your belongings are safe:
Keep bags closed and secure at all times.
Conceal your wallet or purse in a buttoned or zipped pocket where it doesn't bulge.
Avoid putting valuables such as phones, wallets or purses in your back pocket.
Do not carry large amounts of cash with you when shopping.
Keep pin numbers secure, do not write them down.
If the fastening of your handbag is on the side, keep the side with the fastening closest to your body and not exposed.
Rucksack type bags with the opening on the back are not a good place to keep valuables as they are easily opened.
Keep your purse or wallet at the bottom of your bag.
Do not carry too many bags of shopping as it makes you vulnerable against pick pockets.
Do not hang bags on the back of a chair.
Here are some general personal safety tips to follow when you are out and about:
Do not walk home alone late at night. If you do, choose well-lit main roads and walk confidently.
If someone does grab your bag fighting back is not always a good idea, you do not know if your attacker has a weapon.
Always be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Reading or listening to music can be distracting.
In a busy public place, try to only use your mobile phone in an emergency as it is advertising the fact that you have a phone, and whilst using it you may be distracted, making it easier to take it from you.
Carry a personal safety alarm.
If you are worried or threatened on public transport, contact the guard or the British Transport Police.
If you are attacked it is often better to shout 'fire' rather than 'help', it tends to attract more attention.
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