Colchester robbery offences increase in year to September

An epidemic of robberies over the past year has seen residents assaulted, held at knifepoint and robbed in Colchester.

A report due to be discussed at the crime and disorder committee of Colchester Council when it meets on Monday.

It reveals there was an increase of 36.8 per cent in the number of robberies reported to Essex Police in the city between September 2022 and this year.

On the beat - police officers patrol Colchester city centre (Image: Newsquest)

In total, there were 182 robbery offences reported, with a spike “committed by youngsters” taking place in June, the report states.

Det Chief Insp Rob Huddleston said he recognises “there is more work to do” but claimed officers have solved more 42 per cent more robberies across the county in the year to July.

“We are dedicated to tackling all forms of crime in Colchester, including robbery, and are working with our partners to address the issues,” he said.

Mr Huddleston said officers undertake daily patrols and “proactively police” through a series of initiatives.

He added: “We always recognise there is more work to do, but it is important to state we take any reports of robbery extremely seriously.”