From your District Commander
 Chief Inspector Michelle Sparks
Visible neighbourhood policing continues to be at the forefront of our work across Colchester.
September saw my officers tackling community concerns around anti-social behaviour, drug cultivation, retail crime and stolen goods, while maintaining a strong presence at local events.
Information from the public led to my officers dismantling a cannabis cultivation near West Bergholt, destroying the plants and growing equipment. This demonstrates the value of community intelligence – your information helps us to deter and detect crime.
My officers have also secured positive outcomes in Stanway through targeted activity, resulting in the arrest and charging of a teenager linked to offences there.
And Business Crime colleagues continued their proactive operations in the district to identify suspected stolen goods being offered for sale, supporting legitimate businesses and helping to reduce opportunities for thieves to dispose of stolen property.
I attended our Independent Advisory Group (IAG), which provides an important opportunity for members of our diverse communities to share their perspectives, challenge us constructively and help shape local policing.
These conversations support greater transparency, improve our understanding of community concerns and help us make better-informed decisions.
We want to broaden participation and welcome interest from people who can bring different experiences and viewpoints.
No previous policing knowledge is necessary, just an interest in your community and a willingness to contribute openly and constructively. Greater participation will help ensure local voices continue to influence how policing is delivered across our district. For more information and to apply, visit our website and search Join Our IAGs.
 New Rural IAG launched
The views of rural communities across Essex are being represented at the new Essex Police Rural Independent Advisory Group.
Fourteen people from various rural backgrounds, including farmers, business organisations, landowners and the National Farmers’ Union, agreed terms of reference for the new IAG at their first meeting on 30 September.
It is thought to be the first IAG in the country to focus on crimes which specifically affect farmers and rural communities, such as theft of agricultural vehicles and machinery, hare coursing and poaching, livestock worrying, offences targeting stables and large-scale fly-tipping.
Top news stories from around the county
Sixty-eight new officers have taken their oaths and are ready to keep you safe and protect Essex’s neighbourhoods.
In front of their friends and family, the Police, Fire, Crime Commissioner for Essex Roger Hirst, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Jennifer Tolhurst, the High Sheriff Susannah Dutton, Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, the new officers passed out at a ceremony at Essex Police HQ in Chelmsford.
LFR arrests hit 200
“Reaching 200 arrests represents a significant milestone in our use of Live Facial Recognition. That’s 200 suspects brought into custody, 200 investigations progressed and, potentially, 200 victims a step closer to getting justice – all thanks to this technology," says Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings.
Commendations for bridge rescue trio
A schoolteacher, a trainee accountant and a trainee tax advisor have been awarded commendations by the Chief Constable for preventing a potential tragedy.
Nicole Presland and brothers Dan and Ben Thompson stepped in to help a distressed and vulnerable woman on a bridge that crosses the A12 in January this year.
 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
Lock Sheds and Garages
Sheds and garages often hold valuable items like bikes, tools and gardening equipment. These are popular targets for thieves, especially during winter when nights are longer.
Stolen tools can even be used to break into homes. Make sure outbuildings are fitted with strong locks and keep them secured whenever they’re not in use.
Be fraud smart
Never enter personal information after following a link
Never enter personal information after following a link.
Instead, open a new browser window and go directly to the organisation’s official website.
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
Next issue: November 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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