News 10 December to 16 December
 'I will not let what happened define me': Woman speaks out after man jailed for sex assault
A man has been sentenced to eight years in prison in his absence for sexually assaulting a woman in Colchester thanks to the work of detectives who tracked him down just hours after the incident.
Arjun Rajan, of Affleck Road in Colchester, was seen on city centre CCTV from about 12.30am on 24 July 2022 having driven there alone and parked in High Street, then walking to Head Street.
After 30 minutes, the 33-year-old saw the victim as she walked to get a taxi home. He continued to watch and follow her as she walked to the High Street before offering her a lift.
Believing he was a taxi driver the woman got into the car and Rajan drove away towards her home address, but he sexually assaulted her in the car before they arrived.
Click 'Read more' for the full article.
Man admits 19 city centre offences
A man has admitted a series of offences following an investigation by our Colchester Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Chris Righelato was charged with a total of 19 offences, including:
11 counts of fraud by false representation
6 counts of shop theft
1 count of theft from a motor vehicle
1 count of possession of a Class B drug
The 31-year-old, of Egerton Green Road, Colchester, appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on 5 December and admitted all counts.
Read more by clicking 'Read more'
Commercial Vehicle Unit makes innovative use of technology to detect tyre faults
Before setting off on a journey, most people don’t give their tyres a second thought. But the correct tyre temperature is crucial for overall vehicle safety, providing grip, handling, and correct performance.
A cold tyre can cause understeer (front wheels) or oversteer (rear tyres) while too hot means rapid wear and loss of traction as if the tyre is bald!
Our Commercial Vehicle Unit officers are road safety experts in the commercial world and routinely check the roadworthiness of lorries, including their tyres.
 Festive fun with our four-legged friends
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and fun - but for dogs, especially those in a new home, the festive season can bring hidden dangers.
From tempting treats to twinkling decorations, click read more to see how our dog handlers make sure their furry friends enjoy the holidays safely.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Monday 22 December
10am to 11am - Poplars Nurseries, Colchester, CO6 1HR
Tuesday 23 December
11am to 12pm - Highwoods Square, Colchester CO4 9ED
 Crime prevention advice
In Colchester, vehicle crime is a key area of focus for the neighbourhood policing team, and one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent it is by locking and securing your car every time you leave it. Opportunistic thieves often target vehicles that are left unlocked or with windows slightly open, making it easy to steal valuables or even the car itself. Always double-check that doors are locked, windows are fully closed, and any valuables are removed or hidden from view. Consider using additional security measures such as steering wheel locks and parking in well-lit areas or secure car parks. Taking these small steps can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim and help keep our community safer.
Be fraud smart
Card cloning is a growing fraud risk that can lead to serious financial loss if precautions aren’t taken. Criminals often use hidden skimming devices on ATMs or point-of-sale terminals to copy card details, which are then used to create counterfeit cards or make online purchases. To protect yourself, always inspect card readers for anything unusual before inserting your card, shield your PIN when entering it, and avoid using ATMs in poorly lit or isolated areas. Where possible, use contactless payments or secure mobile wallets, as these reduce the risk of physical skimming. Regularly check your bank statements and set up alerts for suspicious transactions—early detection is key to stopping fraud before it escalates.
 Read up to date watch data which shows crime types in your area on a week by week basis.
Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
 Question
I have seen some electrically assisted pedal cycles advertised are they legal to use on the roads without insurance etc?
Answer: An Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) must:
Have pedals that can be used to propel it.
Have two or more wheels – can be a tricycle or quadricycle.
Have an electric motor not exceeding 250 watts that can't propel the bike when it's travelling at more than 15.5mph.
Have plate showing the:
- Manufacturer's name
- Battery voltage and output of the motor
Or, be marked with the:
- Manufacturer's name
- Maximum speed in mph or kph
- Power of the motor in watts or kilowatts
Be fitted with a leak proof battery
Be fitted with a controller biased to the off position that allows power to come from the motor only when the drive is operated.
Be fitted with a braking system that complies with EU/UK legislation/standards.
Not be ridden by a person under 14.
An EAPC that complies with the above can be ridden on the road and won't need to be taxed, registered or insured and the rider won't need a driving licence or have to wear a helmet.
There are many electric bikes available on the internet that don't conform to the above requirements – such bikes must be taxed, registered and insured as a motor vehicle, the rider will require an appropriate driving licence and must wear a crash helmet. Additionally, the bike will have to be type or individually approved before it can be registered.
If you want to buy an EAPC , we would suggest you go to a reputable dealer to ensure the bike complies with the law.
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