POLICE arrested 15 people during a crackdown on crime in Colchester.

Officers worked in combination with Colchester Council, HMRC, Neighbourhood Watch, Trading Standards, and Border Force to execute warrants, tackle drug activity, carry out additional patrols and undertake an operation targeting the night-time economy.

It ran between Monday, March 6 and Sunday, March 12.

A total of 15 people were arrested on suspicion of a variety of offences including possession with intent to supply drugs, burglary, and assault.

A total of 73 stop checks were carried out, three vehicles were seized for having no insurance, two vulnerable people were safeguarded and additional patrols were carried out around the district.

Chief Inspector Elliott Judge, district commander for Colchester, said: "This has been a really successful week of partnership work.

"It has highlighted the close relationship and working we have with our partner organisations, and how these partnerships are key to keeping Colchester safe.

"These partnerships have been strengthened as a result of this week of action and we have already had requests for further close working with organisations such as Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, Trading Standards, and immigration services.

"I hope this week of action will show we will not tolerate people breaking the law and putting the public at risk of harm or exploitation.

"Essex Police and its partners are committed to keeping Colchester safe and we will continue.

"The public also have a major role to play in assisting the work we and our partners do.

"Without information from residents in and around Colchester about crimes, incidents or offenders in their area, our job would be made a lot more difficult.”