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News 18 February to 24 February
 Three arrested as police prevent cannabis grow
Three men have been arrested after officers prevented a potentially large-scale cannabis grow being set up in Colchester.
Acting on intelligence, officers entered an industrial unit in Grange Way on Sunday 22 February.
Inside, they found bagged-up large-scale lighting and heating apparatus and wooden mezzanines appeared to be in construction.
Three Albanian men who were in the building were all arrested on suspicion of abstracting electricity and being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug.
Two of those arrested were wanted by the UK immigration authorities.
Changing behaviours and building safer relationships
Sometimes a single word can feel like an escape route. Sorry. But when real harm has been done - when control, intimidation and fear have taken hold, and someone’s safety or wellbeing has been worn away - simply saying sorry is not enough. Accountability has to go further. Change has to begin.
That’s why we’ve launched the next phase of Reflect, our award winning perpetrator focused campaign, with our partners at the Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB), we’re sending a clear message: change is possible, but it starts with acknowledging behaviour, taking responsibility, and seeking support.
Over 780 cannabis plants seized
Last week, officers attended a property in Colchester, Essex where a significant cannabis grow of over 780 plants was discovered. The site has now been made safe and the plants will be seized and destroyed.
Although no arrests have been made at this stage, enquiries are ongoing.
These types of setups aren’t harmless. Large‑scale cannabis grows are often linked to serious organised crime, and the properties used are frequently left with:
Dangerous, bypassed electrics – posing a real fire risk to neighbours
Structural damage caused by heat, moisture and makeshift ventilation systems.
Risks to nearby homes, families businesses and properties through overloaded electrical circuits and unsafe wiring.
Exploitation, including vulnerable people being used to run the sites.
Our priority is always community safety. By dismantling grows like this, we reduce the risks posed to surrounding properties and help prevent organised criminals from profiting from vulnerable people.
If you know about crime in your neighbourhood, you can tell us by clicking the button below.
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 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Thursday 26 February
11am-12pm - University of Essex, Zest Cafe, Square 3
Tuesday 3 March
10:30am-11:30am - Greggs, Culver Street West
Friday 6 March
10am to 11am - Mercury Theatre, Balkerne Gate, Colchester, Essex
Saturday 7 March
9:30am-11am - Culver Square, Colchester
 Crime prevention advice
A safe night out starts with simple steps that help protect you and those around you. Plan your journey in advance and stick with trusted friends, making sure your phone is charged before you head out. In venues, keep an eye on your drink and personal belongings, and never leave them unattended. Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, head to a member of staff, security, or a Street Pastor/Night Safety officer. Only use licensed taxis or pre‑booked transport, and avoid walking home alone where possible. If you feel unwell or suspect your drink has been spiked, seek help immediately from venue staff or call 999 in an emergency. Look out for each other, drink responsibly, and report concerns early to help keep the night-time economy safe for everyone.
Be fraud smart
Telephone scams continue to target people of all ages, and staying alert is the best defence. If you receive an unexpected call asking for personal details, bank information, or payments, hang up immediately—legitimate organisations will never pressure you, threaten you, or demand information on the spot. Never trust the caller ID; scammers can spoof numbers to make it look like they’re calling from your bank, the police, or government agencies. If you're unsure, wait at least 5 minutes, use a different phone if possible, and call the organisation back on a verified number from their official website or letters—not one provided during the call. Never transfer money or move funds "to keep them safe"—this is a common scam tactic. Look out for vulnerable relatives or neighbours and encourage them to slow down, stop, and check before reacting to any unexpected call. If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
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 Question
Is cannabis legal?
Answer: Part 2 of Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 specifies the drugs which are classified as Class 'B' drugs. Cannabis and cannabis resin are Class ‘B’ Drugs (controlled drugs). It is an offence to possess, supply or produce these controlled drugs.
In England and Wales, a first offence for possession of cannabis could attract a warning or a penalty notice for disorder, however, any aggravating factors are likely to lead to an arrest and prosecution.
The maximum sentence on conviction for possession in a magistrates' court is a penalty of three months imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding £2,500. In a Crown Court, the maximum sentence is five years imprisonment and/or a fine. A conviction of production and/or supply of the drug can carry a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment.
It is worth noting that these are only proposed penalties. The Crown Prosecution Service could, depending on the circumstances, decide to prosecute a first time offender for possession of a small amount of the drug. The appropriate route of dealing with an offence will depend on the circumstances.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound found in cannabis and hemp plants that does not cause a "high". CBD products with a low Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content (below 0.2%) are legal and widely available on the market, provided they meet the regulatory standard.
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How to contact us
Add week's upcoming events here
Find out the best way to contact us when it’s not an emergency and the specialist services we offer for people with hearing or speech impairments who would like to contact us.
How to contact Essex Police
Call 999 in emergency situations like these:
- there is an immediate danger to life
- someone is using violence or is threatening to be violent
- a road traffic collision where life is at risk, or the road is blocked
- a crime is happening right now, like a house burglary or a theft
If you accidentally dial 999, please stay on the line and tell the operator you’re safe and that no crime has occurred.
Find out the best way to contact us when it’s not an emergency and the specialist services we offer for people with hearing or speech impairments who would like to contact us.
How to contact Essex Police
Call 999 in emergency situations like these:
- there is an immediate danger to life
- someone is using violence or is threatening to be violent
- a road traffic collision where life is at risk, or the road is blocked
- a crime is happening right now, like a house burglary or a theft
If you accidentally dial 999, please stay on the line and tell the operator you’re safe and that no crime has occurred.
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