News 19 November to 25 November
 Eleven arrested after outstanding suspects tracked down
Eleven people were arrested following a crackdown on wanted suspects in the district.
Officers from Colchester’s local and neighbourhood policing teams worked together to hunt down the individuals during a one-day blitz on addresses they were linked to.
Seven of those arrested had failed to appear at court for in connection with offences including assault and criminal damage.
Five were wanted for outstanding driving offences including drug driving, being unfit to drive through alcohol, and driving without insurance or a license.
Other crimes the suspects were wanted on suspicion of included theft, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of drugs.
Man to answer drugs charges following stop and search
A 56 year old man from Colchester has been charged with a number of offences relating to the sale of Class A drugs in and around the city centre.
Last Friday officers from the city centre policing team became aware of a man acting suspiciously in the city centre which prompted them to conduct a stop and search.
Following an arrest for handling stolen goods, the officers conducted a house search in the city centre whereby they officers uncovered a large quantity of class A drugs and cash.
A 56 year old man was charged over the weekend with two counts of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply, possessing an offensive weapon in a private place, possession of a class B drug with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. He was remanded in custody to appear before the next available court.
He was also bailed for handling stolen goods while enquiries continue into that offence.
You can tell us about crime in your neighbourhood using the below link.
Stop and search leads to knife arrest
On Saturday afternoon City Centre officers were on patrol when they noticed a man they believed to be smoking cannabis.
Following a stop and search they recovered a small amount of cannabis and a knife.
The man was arrested and taken to custody.
A 29 year old man from Colchester has been charged with possession of cannabis and possession of a bladed article and is due to appear in court.
Volunteer Police Cadets helping keep communities safe
Over the weekend our Volunteer Cadet Unit completed a test purchasing operation in conjunction with the neighbourhood policing team as part of a national week to raise awareness of knife crime.
The cadets visited a number of shops across Colchester to buy age restricted items such as knives, blades, vapes and alcohol. Previous visits had been successful in the sense the cadets had been turned at away at the majority of the shops after being refused service when not having ID.
On this occasion unfortunately a high number of shops visited failed and sold age restricted items to the cadets. Follow up with trading standards will now take place.
The importance of test purchasing operations it to help ensure retailers comply with the law and do not sell knives and other age restricted items to children. This proactive approach protects young people and prevents dangerous items from getting into the wrong hands.
Click read more to find out more about our Cadets and the Volunteer Police Cadets programme.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Thursday 27 November
10am to 11am - Fingringhoe Village Hall
Friday 28 November
10am to 11am - St Peters Church, Gt Wigborough.
Wednesday 3 December
11am to 12pm - Unit 17, Culver Walk, Lion Walk Shopping Centre, Colchester CO1 1DX
Thursday 4 December
10am to 11:25am - TOAST CULVER PRECINCT
Saturday 6 December
11am to 12pm - Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex
 Crime prevention advice
A night out should be fun and memorable for the right reasons. To stay safe and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime, consider these key tips:
Plan Ahead
Arrange your transport before you go out—book a licensed taxi or designate a sober driver.
Share your plans with a trusted friend or family member.
Stay Together
Stick with your group and look out for each other.
Avoid leaving venues alone, especially late at night.
Drink Responsibly
Keep an eye on your drink at all times to prevent spiking.
Know your limits and pace yourself.
Protect Your Belongings
Carry only essentials and keep valuables secure.
Use a cross-body bag or zipped pockets to deter pickpockets.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Stay in well-lit, busy areas when walking.
Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, seek help.
Know Where to Get Help
Save emergency numbers in your phone.
If you feel unsafe, head to a public place or ask venue staff for assistance.
Be fraud smart
Black Friday Fraud Prevention Advice
Black Friday is a prime time for scammers, so staying vigilant is essential. When shopping online, always use secure websites—look for “https” and avoid clicking on links from unsolicited emails or social media ads. Be cautious on online marketplaces, as fake listings and counterfeit goods are common; only buy from reputable sellers and check reviews before making a purchase. Popular scams include fake discount websites, phishing emails offering unbelievable deals, and requests for payment via bank transfer or gift cards—these are major red flags. Protect your personal and financial information by using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and monitoring your bank statements for unusual activity. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is—take a moment to verify before you buy.
 Keep up to date with crime happening in and around Colchester by viewing the below linked crime statistics.
Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
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