News 7 January to 13 January
 Road Safety Operation Following December Campaign
Last Friday Colchester Neighbourhood Policing Team ran a road safety operation aimed at making the roads around Colchester safer.
As a result they engaged with numerous drivers speaking about winter vehicle safety and giving out lots of advice. They also seized a vehicle which was not insured and reported two drivers for road traffic offences.
Neighbourhood Policing Team Vehicle Stop Leads to Arrest
A man from Colchester appeared in court this week charged with possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.
On Wednesday evening, PC Kearley and PC Hodgson from Colchester Neighbourhood Policing Team were on patrol in Greenstead when they stopped a vehicle.
Following enquiries with the driver it led to them exercising their stop and search powers whereby a 4 figure sum of cash was seized from the vehicle and a quantity of suspected class A drugs, which resulted in the arrest of a man at the roadside.
A 35 year old man appeared at magistrates court today and has been bailed with conditions to appear at crown court at a future date.
Click "Read more" to read more about our work around drugs and organised crime.
'Saving lives and changing lives': 56 new officers join Essex Police
You will save lives and you will change lives - DCC Rachel Nolan
That was the message to 56 new officers who took their oaths today and passed out, ready to protect and serve your neighbourhood.
The new recruits passed out at Essex Police HQ in front of our Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Nolan, the Police Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant for Essex Sidra Naeem, High Sheriff of Essex Julie Fosh and to Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Colchester Garrison Commander, and their friends and family.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Thursday 15 January
8am to 10am - Priory street church
Thursday 22 January
10am to 12pm - Black Sheep Coffee House, 79 Culver street east
 Crime prevention advice
Keep your mobile phone secure by staying alert and taking simple precautions. Avoid leaving your phone unattended in public places and never display it unnecessarily, as this can make you a target for theft. Use a strong passcode or biometric lock and enable tracking features like “Find My Device” to help recover it if lost or stolen. When out and about, keep your phone in a zipped pocket or bag rather than in your hand. Be cautious when using your phone in crowded areas or near transport hubs, and consider installing apps that allow you to remotely lock or wipe your device. These small steps can greatly reduce the risk of theft and protect your personal data.
Be fraud smart
Protect yourself from bank-related fraud by staying vigilant. Never share your PIN, passwords, or one-time codes with anyone—even if they claim to be from your bank. Banks will never ask for these details over the phone, email, or text. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages and avoid clicking on links in emails or texts; instead, contact your bank directly using official numbers. Regularly check your statements and report any suspicious transactions immediately. Enable two-factor authentication where possible and keep your banking apps updated for added security. If something feels off, trust your instincts—pause and verify before acting.
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
 Question
What is modern slavery?
Answer: Modern slavery is considered a serious crime in the UK. It can take many forms, including human trafficking, forced labour, servitude, slavery, sexual exploitation and criminal exploitation. The following are examples of modern slavery:
Being forced to work and being paid very little, in particular below the minimum wage.
Being forced to work long hours doing physical labour.
Being controlled through fear, mental abuse and repeated physical violence.
Being forced to commit crimes.
Being sexually exploited.
Being exploited by a partner, relatives or other persons.
Being forced to marry without consent.
Having a passport taken away from you.
Being brought to the UK to work and/or being moved to different parts of the country on a regular basis.
If you know someone who you believe may be a victim of modern slavery, or you feel you may be a victim yourself, you should report the abuse to your local police force.
You can also contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or the Salvation Army Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Helpline on 0300 303 8151 for assistance.
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