From your District Commander
 Chief Inspector Michelle Sparks
During October, my officers attended more than 1,800 incidents, made approximately 280 arrests and secured over 200 charges for a wide range of offences.
I spent time with my response team – the first officers you will see at the scene of any incident. It was great to see their professionalism and teamwork and gave me the chance to get directly involved.
I assisted with the arrest of a prolific shoplifter in Prettygate, detained with red wine and cooked prawns in hand. It was a satisfying example of visible policing, taking immediate action against an offender causing repeated harm to a local business.
Of course, protecting vulnerable people remains central to everything we do and we dealt with several complex incidents involving mental health, domestic abuse and missing people, working closely with partners to ensure individuals and their families receive the right support.
In one incident, my officers’ calm and proportionate approach ensured a man experiencing a mental health crisis was safely detained and received appropriate medical support.
In another, they safely removed a person from a property and secured a large, dangerous dog without deploying Taser and, most importantly, without anybody being injured.
We also received heartfelt feedback from the family of a missing person, who described the officers involved as prompt, caring and patient during an extremely worrying time.
I hope this gives an insight into the many ways we work to keep our communities safe and provides reassurance that we will be here when you need us most.
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Top news stories from around the county
 Keeping people safe while they’re out enjoying city nightlife
We joined forces with partners across Colchester for a night of action aimed at keeping people safe while they’re out enjoying the city’s nightlife.
Officers from our city centre team worked alongside police licensing officers, Colchester City Council licensing staff, the Community Safety Team and Zone Wardens during the operation.
Together, the teams carried out high-visibility patrols, visited more than 20 licensed premises, checked safeguarding measures and checked in with people enjoying a night out, as well as those who may have been vulnerable or in need of support.
Getting a grip of shoplifting
In the last year our officers have secured 4,000 shoplifting charges, 500 more than the previous 12 months.
Assistant Chief Constable Glen Pavelin says: “We know the impact shop theft can have on our local businesses, their staff, and communities, and our Neighbourhood Policing Teams and Business Crime Team are working with them and other partners to tackle the issue."
PFCC’s £57,000 funding boost to tackle rural crime
More than £57,000 of new equipment and resources will help our Rural Engagement Team to protect our rural communities.
The investment includes an all-terrain vehicle and mobile ANPR technology, enabling officers to better access remote areas and target those suspected of machinery theft, hare coursing, poaching and other rural crimes.
The money comes from the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s Safer Streets fund.
 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
Secure fuel tanks
Diesel thieves often target fuel tanks on farms and construction sites and from lorries, trucks, tractors and generators.
If you store diesel, simple steps such as securing tanks, using motion-activated lighting and checking fuel levels regularly can make you a much harder target.
Be fraud smart
If it looks too good to be true, it probably is
Very low prices, especially for popular or in-demand items, are often used to trick people into scams.
Take a moment to pause before you buy. Compare prices on other websites and check reviews carefully.
For more ways to spot a scam online and keep yourself safe, visit our website.
 Visit the Essex Police website for last week's crime data. Especially useful to Essex Watch and Neighbourhood Watch groups.
Next issue: December 2026.
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