News 26 November to 2 December
 Joint police work secures sentence for attempted child sexual offences
A man has been jailed for three years following a collaborative investigation by Essex Police and officers in the East Midlands.
Neil Wilkin had denied attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child and attempting to arrange or facilitate the commission of a child sex offence.
However following a three-day trial at Ipswich Crown Court in October, the jury found him guilty on both counts.
In November 2022 Essex Police officers arrested Wilkin at his home in Rose Allen Avenue, Colchester.
He was sitting with numerous electronic devices around him and these were all seized. During a forensic examination of his devices, which showed signs of evidence being deleted, conversation threads between Wilkin and the officer were recovered.
Click Read More to read the full article.
Dog owner admits livestock attack after RET investigation
A Colchester woman has agreed to strict conditions relating to dog ownership after her pet attacked several sheep.
Our Rural Engagement Team investigated after police received reports of a dog attacking livestock in a field near Alresford on 8 November.
One sheep died in the attack, a second had to be put down by a vet and a third received treatment for its injuries.
After being arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dog worrying livestock and admitting the offence.
Click read more to read the whole article.
Zero tolerance for drink driving
This December, Essex Police will be taking part in a national campaign to stop drink and drug driving. There will be zero tolerance for anyone caught driving under the influence.
Our Roads Policing Unit officers will be carrying out targeted patrols across Essex to keep our roads safe and identify those who are suspected of breaking the law by driving above the legal limits and placing all our road users at risk of their behaviour. Throughout the month, we’ll be working with the Safer Essex Roads Partnership to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads.
To read the full article click read more.
Essex Police joins forces with BT and EE to tackle misuse of artificial intelligence (AI)
Essex Police announces a new partnership with BT and EE to give simple, practical advice to young people, parents, guardians and teachers to help them avoid harmful AI-generated content online.
From Thursday 27 November, EE’s LearnSmart platform will host helpful advice for families giving them the confidence to use AI safely, as well as the tools to take action against the growing risks of deepfake technology. EE stores nationwide already offer dedicated in-store online safety appointments for parents and young people, with the 30-minute sessions providing personalised support and guidance from an EE Guide on smartphone safety, supported by content developed in partnership with online safety experts Internet Matters.
Click read more to view the full article.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Thursday 4 December
10am to 11:25am - TOAST CULVER PRECINCT
Friday 5 December
10am to 12pm - Portal precinct, Colchester City (Sir Iaccs Walk)
Saturday 6 December
11am to 12pm Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex
 Crime prevention advice
Preventing Car Theft Linked to Burglaries
Criminals often break into homes to steal car keys and then take the vehicle. Here are some steps to reduce the risk:
1. Keep Your Home Secure
Lock all doors and windows – even when you’re at home.
Use high-quality locks on doors and consider upgrading to anti-snap cylinders for uPVC doors.
Install an alarm system and ensure it’s activated when you leave or go to bed.
Consider CCTV or video doorbells for added deterrence.
Secure patio doors and garages with additional locks or security bars.
2. Protect Your Car Keys
Never leave keys in plain sight or near doors and windows.
Avoid leaving keys on a hallway table – burglars often use fishing rods or hooks through letterboxes.
Use a key safe or lockable drawer for storing keys overnight.
For keyless entry vehicles, keep keys in a signal-blocking pouch (Faraday bag) to prevent relay attacks.
3. Make Your Home Look Occupied
Use timer switches on lights when you’re out.
Keep curtains or blinds closed at night so valuables aren’t visible.
4. Secure Your Vehicle
Park in a garage if possible; if not, choose a well-lit area.
Use a steering wheel lock or other visible deterrents.
Activate your car alarm and immobiliser every time you park.
5. Be Vigilant
Report suspicious activity to the police immediately.
Join or engage with local Neighbourhood Watch for community support.
Be fraud smart
Fraud Prevention Advice: Staying Safe from AI-Driven Scams
AI technology is increasingly being used by criminals to make scams more convincing. Here’s how to protect yourself:
1. Be Alert to Deepfakes and Voice Cloning
Fraudsters can use AI to create realistic fake videos or mimic voices.
Verify requests for money or sensitive information through a trusted method (e.g., call back on a known number).
Be cautious if someone sounds slightly “off” or is rushing you.
2. Watch Out for AI-Generated Emails and Messages
AI can produce convincing phishing emails with perfect grammar and tone.
Check the sender’s address carefully and avoid clicking links from unexpected messages.
If in doubt, contact the organization directly using official details.
3. Protect Your Personal Data
AI scams often rely on stolen data to sound credible.
Limit what you share online, especially on social media.
Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
4. Beware of Fake Customer Support or Investment Advice
AI chatbots can impersonate legitimate companies.
Never share banking details or passwords via chat.
Research any investment opportunity thoroughly—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
5. Stay Informed
Criminal tactics evolve quickly with AI.
Follow trusted sources like Action Fraud or your local police for updates.
Report suspicious activity immediately.
 Read the latest crime stats relating to your neighbourhood.
Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
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