Two arrested in Colchester night-time economy operation

Two arrested after Colchester night-time operation <i>(Image: Essex Police)</i>
Two arrested after Colchester night-time operation (Image: Essex Police)
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Two people were arrested as police and council teams worked to keep people safe in Colchester’s night-time economy.

The operation took place on Friday, October 23, involving Essex Police’s city centre team, licensing officers, council staff, the community safety team and zone wardens.

The teams patrolled visibly, visited licensed premises and approached people who appeared vulnerable or needed support.

Sergeant Michael Kearley of the Colchester city centre team said: "Keeping people safe in Colchester's night-time economy is a shared responsibility, and this operation highlighted the strength of partnership working.

Two arrested after Colchester night-time operation (Image: Essex Police)

"By working together, we were able to identify vulnerabilities, support those in need, engage with businesses and take positive action against those committing offences.



"Protecting vulnerable people, particularly women and girls, remains a key priority for us, and these joint operations help ensure our city centre remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone who lives, works and visits Colchester."

Two arrests were made during the operation.

Two officers patrolling the streets of Colchester (Image: Essex Police)

One man was arrested after being identified as wanted, while another was arrested for breach of the peace and assaulting a police officer.

Police cadets also took part in test purchasing at businesses selling alcohol.

Two shops failed the tests by selling alcohol to underage cadets.

Colchester Council licensing officers and Essex Police’s licensing team will take further action against those businesses.

Throughout the evening, officers and partners carried out hotspot patrols, conducted licensing and safeguarding checks, and checked venues' awareness of the Ask for Angela scheme.

They also engaged with taxi and transport hubs, provided welfare support to vulnerable individuals, and worked alongside Phoenix Futures to assist people experiencing homelessness.

Advice was given to two motorists regarding road traffic offences, and intelligence was gathered to inform future policing activity.

The operation aimed not only to identify criminal activity but also to ensure licensed premises were operating responsibly, to protect those at risk, and to prevent violence and anti-social behaviour, including street drinking.

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