News 21 January to 27 January
 Hotspot patrols lead to 278 arrests in nine months
Targeted patrols in 15 areas of Essex with the highest probability of incidents of violence or anti-social behaviour led to 278 arrests and 606 stop searches in the past nine months.
Officers spent more than 22,400 hours working in hotspot zones across the county to prevent violent crime and catch offenders as part of Operation Guardian. They also seized 13 weapons and issued 44 community resolutions.
In addition, council community safety officers delivered more than 6,200 hours of patrols as well as 1,686 hours of youth outreach work.
Chief Constable outlines plans to continue driving down crime
“We’re focussed on solving more crime and delivering the best possible service to our communities.”
That’s from our Chief Constable as he outlines the force’s plans to continue bringing crime down and getting more justice for victims.
Changes currently underway across the force aim to: strengthen our neighbourhood policing offer; do even more to protect vulnerable people and lock up criminals; and work even harder with partners to prevent crime.
Officers take uninsured vehicle off of the road
Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team were returning to the police station following making enquiries relating to a series of shoplifting offences.
While travelling back they noticed a vehicle was missing a working brake light and ran a check on the vehicle where they found it was missing a valid insurance policy.
Upon stopping the vehicle, it turns out the driver was also missing a driving licence, meaning they did not have any documentation to drive the vehicle at all.
To add to the list of things they are missing, they are now missing their car as it has been seized by the officers and they will also be missing a day in the future when they have to attend court to answer multiple road traffic offences.
Shoplifter to appear in court
A 44 year old man is due to appear in court charged with 7 counts of shop theft.
Earlier this week, Neighbourhood Policing Team officers arrested a man on suspicion of theft following a number of reports from a shop on Ipswich Road, Colchester which range between mid December 2025 and Mid January 2026.
He was later charged and has appeared at court having been remanded in police custody overnight.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Tuesday 3 February
10:30am to 11:30am - Unit 17, Culver Walk, Lion Walk Shopping Centre, Colchester CO1 1DX
Wednesday 4 February
10:30am to 11:30am - Franks cafe, Turkey cock lane Stanway
Thursday 5 February
10am to 11am - Highwoods Square, Colchester CO4 9ED
 Crime prevention advice
It’s a good idea to scan the area around ATMs before you use them. Be aware of anyone standing close by and always check the machine to see if it’s been tampered with before you use it.
Tell-tale signs of ATM fraud
Things to look out for are devices attached to the machine – some are more obvious than others. If you do see something suspicious contact the police and the bank.
Remember, if it doesn’t look or feel right then steer clear and, if possible, go inside the bank where it will be safer. And always keep a regular check on your transactions.
Be alert
We know it’s not always easy, but try to be aware of anyone near you when you’re at an ATM. Being aware of your surroundings and not being distracted makes it harder for people to take advantage and less likely that they’ll try to.
Thieves will watch as you key in your PIN or distract you while you’re withdrawing cash. Be vigilant. Cover your PIN and keep an eye on your card at all times. If someone taps you on the shoulder or tries to speak to you, just ignore them.
When you've left the ATM, put your card away immediately.
You should also be careful with contactless cards. You can get a card holder to prevent your card details being inadvertently read.
Be fraud smart
Criminals will try different tactics to get at your finances.
Warning signs for fraud include:
Asking you to withdraw money or transfer money to a different account,
Asking you to reveal your full banking password or PIN,
Asking you to reveal your OTP (one time password),
Asking you to buy jewellery/expensive items of iTunes vouchers for an investigation,
Sending a courier to collect money, cards, or personal items.
The Police or your bank will never ask you to do any of these things.
Treat your bank cards, PINs and login details like your house or car keys and never hand them over to strangers or recent acquaintances.
Keep all your information such as bank details, PINs and banking passwords safe.
Minimise fraud risk and control access to your financial information by:
Report the fraud to your bank so cards and account numbers can be changed, and a refund can be discussed if applicable,
Ensure that Report Fraud have been informed (Action Fraud do not investigate),
Consider how a co-signatory on an account may reduce the scope for fraud,
Consider how appointing a Lasting Power of Attorney allows you more control over what happens to you and your finances in case of an accident or illness.
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
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