POLICE in Colchester solved 224 crimes in December.

Statistics released by district commander Chief Insp Rob Huddlestone revealed his team also investigated 378 alleged incidents of domestic abuse, 252 episodes of anti-social behaviour and searched for 56 missing people last month.

Officers went to 73 crashes on the borough’s roads and 50 incidents which related to mental health. In response to concerns about anti-social behaviour in rural areas, Operation Vocal was launched which has seen increased proactive patrols in Tiptree and Mersea.

In Tendring, more than 90 crimes were solved. During December, officers investigated 327 alleged incidents of domestic abuse and 224 anti-social behaviour incidents.

In addition, officers attended 68 mental health incidents, carried out 183 stop and searches and attended 67 road traffic collision incidents. A total of 43 missing people cases were also investigated.