News 20 May to 26 May
 Officers joined by cadets and council for safeguarding spot checks
Officers, police cadets and community safety partners have carried out safeguarding spot checks across Colchester to help protect vulnerable people.
Neighbourhood Policing Team officers worked with cadets and local partners to visit shops, hotels and licensed premises, checking how staff respond to situations where someone may be at risk. This included test purchasing of age-restricted items and checks linked to schemes like “Ask for Angela”.
While most businesses responded appropriately, some were identified as needing further support, with follow-up action including referrals and additional training.
The activity forms part of ongoing work to raise awareness of exploitation, improve safeguarding, and make sure people know how to report concerns and get help when they need it.
We are investigating a serious sexual assault in the Greenstead area of Colchester.
The incident happened at around 11pm on Monday 4 May on a path between The Chase and Stanley Wooster Way. A woman reported being approached and assaulted.
Since then, we have been carrying out enquiries and speaking to the local community, including making an appeal for information to help us identify a suspect.
Thanks to information we received, a man has now been arrested and charged with a number of serious offences, marking a significant step forward in our investigation.
We know this incident has caused concern locally. We are continuing to support the victim and will remain in the area to provide reassurance while our investigation progresses.
We are encouraging the public to use their Live Chat service as demand increases over the summer. Available 24/7, Live Chat connects people directly with a trained call handler who can quickly assess what help is needed and provide support.
Residents are asked to “Stop, Think and Choose” the right way to make contact - using Live Chat or 101 for non-emergencies, and leaving 999 lines free for those in immediate danger.
The service is already seeing around 700 chats per week and helps ensure emergency calls are answered more quickly.
Live Chat can be used to discreetly report concerns, including dangerous driving, helping keep communities safe.
 Drug line dismantled as officers step up patrols of Greenstead
A county lines drug operation linked to a violent stabbing in Greenstead has been dismantled, with two people jailed for running the ‘Rocco’ line supplying Class A drugs in Colchester. Detectives identified 19-year-old Jay Nunn as a key figure directing the operation, while a 17-year-old boy acted as a runner, supplying drugs and carrying weapons.
The teenager continued dealing while on bail and later carried out a stabbing linked to drug debts, leaving a man seriously injured. Both were arrested following targeted police action, with drugs, cash and knives seized. Nunn was jailed for two years and four months, while the 17-year-old received two years and six months in a young offender institution.
 Dangerous child sexual abuser jailed
Cosmin Cercel, 30, from Colchester, was jailed for five years and four months after sexually assaulting a child, taking indecent images, and using AI to create abusive images of a second victim. The offences were uncovered in December 2025 when one child reported the abuse, and a phone analysis revealed further crimes and a second victim.
Cercel admitted multiple offences and was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court, placed on the sex offenders’ register, and given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and restraining order. Both families praised Essex Police for the swift investigation and support.
 Polly the parrot found in dangerously overloaded van
A dangerously overloaded van has been taken off the road after officers found it carrying an unsafe load, including a caged parrot.
The vehicle was stopped on the A12 after officers spotted items protruding from the rear. Checks revealed unsecured railway sleepers, loose items and a live parrot in the back, with the van found to be nearly three tonnes over its legal weight limit.
The driver was issued with £800 in fines.
Officers are reminding drivers of the importance of loading vehicles safely, securing items properly and staying within weight limits to reduce the risk of serious collisions and keep all road users safe.
Essex Community Goals is returning this June, giving young people the chance to get active and connect with police in a fun, informal setting.
The 7-a-side tournament is open to 12 and 13-year-olds of all abilities and will take place at the Essex Police Sports Association ground in Springfield, Chelmsford.
Teams from across the county are invited to take part, with the event designed to build confidence, encourage teamwork and promote positive relationships.
All players will receive a medal, goody bag and lunch on the day. Teams have until Monday 1 June to sign up, with profits from the tournament going to a local charity supporting people with kidney cancer.
Two more men charged in ongoing sexual offences investigation
Two more men have been charged as part of an investigation into human trafficking for sexual exploitation, rape and other sexual offences.
A 35-year-old man and a 24-year-old man both from Danbury, were arrested on Thursday 21 May and have since been charged with multiple offences including rape and sexual assault, following authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service.
This investigation has already seen two other men charged who are due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 5 June and will remain in custody until then.
 Spreading road safety message at pre-launch of new Scalextric model
Essex Police officers have been sharing road safety advice at a national motoring event.
Officers from the Roads Policing Unit attended the Slot Car Festival at the British Motor Museum, where a new Scalextric model based on a former Essex Police vehicle was unveiled. Visitors could also see the original 1992 police car alongside a modern police vehicle, showing how things have changed over time.
As well as the display, officers spoke with families and visitors about the “Fatal 5” causes of serious collisions, including speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, using a mobile phone at the wheel, and careless or dangerous driving.
The event gave officers the chance to speak with people directly and encourage safer driving.
 National award for PD Kaiser and handler PC Martin Swain
A police dog and his handler from Essex have been recognised with a national award for their outstanding work.
PC Martin Swain and PD Kaiser received the National Police Chiefs’ Council Police Dogs General Patrol Dog Award, recognising the best operational police dog work across the country.
Kaiser, a five-year-old German Shepherd, has supported a number of incidents, including tracking suspects and helping detain offenders in challenging situations, sometimes putting himself at risk.
The pair were nominated following a year of exceptional work, with PC Swain also highlighting the wider Dog Section for their role in supporting and training Kaiser.
 Road Safety Team opens time portal - and a can of worms - for classic car owner
Essex Police officers seized a classic car after finding it was not meeting current road laws.
The vehicle, a Ford Orion last produced in 1993, was stopped in South Woodham Ferrers and was still displaying a tax disc that expired in 2011. Checks showed it had no valid MOT since 2012 and was registered as off the road, despite being used.
Officers confirmed the car was also not insured and it was seized.
Police are reminding drivers that, regardless of a vehicle’s age, legal requirements still apply, including having valid insurance, MOT where required, and up-to-date vehicle tax.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Let’s Talk events are informal drop‑in sessions where you can chat with local police officers about what matters to you. Whether it's neighbourhood concerns, local priorities or questions about policing in your area.
There’s no need to book and no pressure to stay, you can just stop by for a quick conversation.
To find a Let’s Talk event happening near you, please visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
 Crime prevention advice
The packaging from new TVs, gaming consoles or computers can act as an advertisement for what’s inside your home.
Leaving large boxes beside your bin or at the side of the pavement can unintentionally draw attention. Break packaging down and place it inside your recycling bin or take it to a recycling centre. This small change helps reduce the risk of your property being singled out.
Be fraud smart
Be cautious of emails that look like adverts or competitions.
Always check the web address (URL) before clicking on any links.
Some scam emails pretend to be from well-known shops and claim you’ve won a prize, but they’re not genuine. They often use familiar logos and images to make them look real.
If you’re unsure, don’t click on links or share your details. It’s always safer to pause and go direct to their website first.
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
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