COLCHESTER’S top thief catcher has been honoured by an association dedicated to fighting crime in Colchester for more than 230 years.

PC Ben Knighton, with the support of his team, helped foil a bike theft operation with the police action leading to a series of arrests, raids and charges.

The award was presented by the Colchester Association for the Protection of Property and the Prosecution of Housebreakers and Thieves within the Liberties of the Borough of Colchester - nicknamed Colchester Thieves - at its annual dinner.

The association began in 1783, before police forces began and 57 years before Essex Police was formed.

Chairman Nick Clarke said: “A group of men got together to look after property and people in Colchester.

“We still meet to maintain the tradition and fundraise.”

The group met at the Moot Hall to welcome new members, present cheques to charities, hand over the Thieves Award to PC Knighton and toast The Queen, Colchester and the association.

Money was donated to Colchester Garrison, the Essex Police Federation and the Mayor’s Charities.

PC Knighton said: “It is a massive honour. My sergeant nominated me and I was really surprised to win. It means a lot to be recognised “There are a lot of former officers who have won previously who I respect a lot.

“It is recognition for the whole team.

“It was a team effort and we have worked hard and got a good result.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston was among the guests of honour.

He said: “They started 50 years before the police and I have been aware of the association since my dad was a police officer in Colchester.

“It is really rather good to keep the tradition alive.”

Superintendent Steve Ditchburn, from Essex Police, added: “The Colchester Thieves have got some really interesting traditions.

“I did not know much about them before I started in north Essex and I am amazed they have been going for so long. It is a fantastic association.”