News 22 April to 28 April
 Officers visit Colchester Instuitue Public Service students
Officers visited Colchester Institute earlier to meet students who are studying Public Services.
They spent time chatting with students, answering questions about being a police officer, and sharing what their job is like.
The visit took place as students were getting ready for an assessment about stop and search. Officers explained that stop and search is when police stop someone in a public place and search them to help keep people safe. They also talked about the rules police must follow when this happens.
Students then showed what a stop and search might look like. They also acted out what would happen if someone needed to be arrested, including how police explain the caution.
Our officers enjoyed meeting the students and were impressed with how well they are doing as they learn more about working in public services.
 Life on the front line of response policing
When you call 999, response officers are usually the first to arrive – stepping straight into fast‑moving, high‑pressure situations. Police Constables Adam Blanch and Jordan Nicholls share what life on response is really like, and why empathy, communication and compassion matter just as much as making quick decisions.
From serious road traffic collisions and domestic incidents to safeguarding vulnerable people, they reflect on the emotional weight of the role, the resilience it takes, and the realities response officers face every day.
 Knife crime down in Essex as hotspot patrols focus on prevention
Knife crime in Essex has fallen by more than 15% over the past year, following our continued focus on hotspot patrols and early intervention to prevent violence before it happens.
Over the last 12 months, 858 serious violence incidents involving knives were recorded, compared with 1,021 the previous year. This reduction reflects our targeted patrols in high‑risk locations, alongside our work with partners to identify and support young people who may be at risk of carrying knives.
Superintendent Neal Miller said every offence prevented is “potentially a life saved,” adding that while the progress is encouraging, we remain determined to do more to keep Essex communities safe.
Our specially trained officers recovered a stolen Ford Puma and arrested a 17-year-old boy in Colchester.
Officers from our Force Support Unit were alerted to the car in the Maldon Road area at around 11.20pm on Saturday 25 April. When officers tried to stop it, the car did not stop and a short chase followed. The car then stopped and the people inside ran off into nearby woodland. After searching the area, officers arrested a teenage boy from Colchester on suspicion of stealing a car, not stopping for police, having a knife, driving without the right licence and driving without insurance.
He was later released on bail until 20 July. The stolen car has been recovered and we are now working to return it to its owner.
Detectives investigating a serious assault in the Greenstead area of Colchester have charged a man.
Officers were called to Tamarisk Way at around 4.15pm on Wednesday 8 April after reports a man in his 20s had been assaulted. The victim suffered a stab wound to his leg and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Twenty‑year‑old Layton Blaize, of Eastwood Old Road, Leigh‑on‑Sea, has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of an offensive weapon, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, and failing to appear at court.
 £210,000 of stolen rural machinery recovered
Our Rural Engagement Team (RET) has recovered around £210,000 worth of stolen machinery after tracking data helped officers find it quickly.
Five John Deere Gators and a telehandler were stolen from a rural business in North Essex and later found in the Maldon area. Officers recovered the equipment on Tuesday 21 April, less than 12 hours after it was reported stolen.
The vehicles are commonly used by farmers and rural businesses. They were all found with only minor damage, helping to reduce the impact on the people affected.
A woman has been charged with vehicle and drugs offences following police patrols in Colchester.
Officers were carrying out patrols in the Greenstead area on Sunday 26 April after concerns were raised about vehicles being broken into or stolen. During the patrol, officers saw someone acting suspiciously and made enquiries, which led to the arrest of a woman.
Further work by neighbourhood officers led to charges being authorised. A 25-year-old woman from Elmstead, has been charged with two counts of interfering with a vehicle, one count of stealing from a vehicle and one count of possessing a Class A drug.
She is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 28 April.
A shoplifter has been banned from entering any Co‑op store in Essex for 18 months after admitting a large number of thefts.
Kane Lewis, 35, stole more than £4,000 worth of goods between December 2025 and March 2026. The thefts took place at Co‑op stores in Colchester, Ingatestone, Manningtree, West Bergholt and Witham, as well as a BP garage in Colchester and Poplar Nurseries in Marks Tey.
He was arrested after an officer recognised him as being wanted for shoplifting.
A court gave him an 18‑month community order, which includes the store ban, support to help him with drug misuse, rehabilitation work, and an order to pay £300 back in compensation.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Thursday 30 April
10:30am to 11:30am
Greggs , Culver Sq
 Crime prevention advice
When you’re out shopping, a few simple steps can help keep you and your belongings safe.
Try to stay aware of what’s happening around you, especially in busy shops where it’s easy to get distracted. Keep bags zipped up and close to your body, avoid using outer pockets for valuables, and don’t leave phones, wallets or handbags unattended on chairs or in trolleys. If possible, only take what you need with you and keep valuables out of sight.
Small changes like these can make you far less appealing to opportunistic thieves.
Be fraud smart
Why do criminals use gift cards in scams?
Once they have the gift card number and PIN, the money can be spent instantly. There’s no buyer protection, no refund and it’s extremely difficult to trace.
Protect yourself:
- Only buy gift cards for people you genuinely know
- Never share gift card numbers or PINs with anyone
- If something feels off, stop, pause and double‑check
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
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