From your District Commander
 Chief Inspector Michelle Sparks
My priorities are to protect vulnerable people, tackle crime, bring offenders to justice and keep our communities safe
Engagement plays a big part in helping us to do this. While my officers are responding to incidents and patrolling their neighbourhoods, they are talking to victims and to people they meet.
Added to information you report to us online or via 101, these daily interactions help us to understand what is happening in our communities, what your concerns are and what types of crime and anti-social behaviour are happening where.
We use this to target operational activity through high-visibility patrols, plain-clothes deployments, problem-solving work with partners and intelligence-led enforcement.
A good example is our work with businesses, residents and councillors in and around Tollgate retail park at Stanway.
In Abberton, residents told us of speeding and dangerous driving around the reservoir. So, officers spoke to dozens of drivers and motorcyclists there about road safety and conducted speed checks – one motorcyclist was reported for travelling at 89mph in a 60mph limit.
We also build relationships through events such as Colchester Carnival and our popular Ballin’ with a Bobby basketball sessions. This month, we’re looking forward to the Rice & Spice Festival – there, we’ll continue listening to you, providing crime prevention advice where appropriate.
So, a huge thank you to everyone who stops and speaks to us about crime and anti-social behaviour or reports information online. What you tell us helps shape where we patrol and where we take action.
Top news stories from around the district
Six-year-old child dies in A12 collision
All emergency services were called to the northbound road, close to junction 28, shortly after 10.30am on Monday 10 August.
The incident involved a lorry and a car.
The road was closed in both directions to allow for emergency services to work quickly at the scene.
Tragically, a six-year-old girl died at the scene. A second child sustained a leg injury and is being treated in hospital.
Football in Essex isn’t just about the beautiful game – it’s about community, safety and making sure everyone enjoys the matchday experience.
That’s where our dedicated football officers (DFOs) PC Niki Howard and PC Keith Baker come in.
Their job’s about building trust and working closely with supporters, clubs and partners to ensure football is safe and welcoming for everyone.
Specific legislation applies to teams from the fifth tier upwards in the English football pyramid and this includes each having a DFO.
So, with Colchester United in EFL League Two and Southend United in the National League this season, the pair will be kept busy, providing a visible and reassuring presence at home and away fixtures.
 Joseph Wicks
Dangerous driver jailed after hitting three pedestrians
A prolific offender who injured three pedestrians after mounting a pavement in Colchester has been jailed for four years and six months. Joseph Wicks, 27, was convicted of multiple offences including dangerous driving, stalking and threatening behaviour.
He was arrested by armed officers in May after being found hiding under a bed during a warrant search. Wicks was also disqualified from driving for two years and six months.
 Let's talk
Upcoming community police events
Our officers are out meeting residents across the district.
These events are your chance to:
- Speak directly to your neighbourhood team
- Raise concerns
- Hear about the work happening in your area
Keep an eye on our channels for upcoming dates near you or visit the Essex Police website and enter your postcode.
 Crime prevention advice
Always lock your vehicle and close windows
It only takes a few seconds for someone to take advantage of an unlocked door or open window. Whether you’re filling up with fuel, paying for parking or unloading shopping, always lock your car and wind the windows up fully. Making this a habit helps prevent opportunistic thieves and keeps your belongings safe.
Be fraud smart
PIN, Passwords and one-time security codes
Your bank will never ask for your full PIN.
Banks already have your details and will not ask you to share them, even to “verify” your account. If anyone asks for this information, it’s a clear sign of a scam and you should end the contact straight away.
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
Next issue: October 2026.
Subscribe to the weekly edition of Dispatch which covers the latest news from across Essex Police. Out every Monday at 10am.
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