“Gareth Jones and his beloved dog Connie tragically drowned at sea in East Sussex on 16 January 2021. His son Robbie has joined members of the National Water Safety Forum and worked with East Sussex FRS, HM Coastguard and RNLI, to share his story for a new water safety video about the dangers of open water in bad weather. Our thoughts are with Gareth’s family and friends. We thank Robbie for sharing his story”.

The following Hyperlink will be hard to watch, but it does highlight the dangers the sea can bring.

Please be mindful of entering the sea. www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7N3Bh8GFh4&t=2s

Please remember the potential dangers of swimming in the sea. If you find yourself struggling in the water, Float to Live, lay on your back, Float to live, relax, and try to breath normally, tilt you head back and submerge your ears, spread your arms and legs to help with stability, use your hands to help you stay afloat, Call for help.

Teach children the important skills on how to stay safe at the beach and in the water. 

Remember, when the red flag is high, stay dry, do not swim. 

#DontDrinkandDrown - In an emergency call 999 or 112

Livestock worrying poses a significant challenge for agricultural communities. To address this, the Rural Crime Team (RCT) has actively engaged with local farmers to gain a deeper understanding of the issue's magnitude. 

Discover the most recent updates from RCT here and explore their activities in our latest feature on rural affairs.

https://www.sussex.police.uk/police-forces/sussex-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/.divisional-campaigns/rural-crime-team-monthly-update/

Are you or anyone you know currently experiencing a mental health crisis? 

We’re highlighting three free Sussex support services, accessible around the clock and completely free of charge. Please share this vital information with anyone who may benefit from it.

We have launched a new initiative to better target help and welfare support for people in Sussex.

Right Care Right Person is a national police programme being rolled out across the UK, as part of ongoing work between police forces, health providers, and local and national government.

Police forces across the country have seen an increasing amount of their time being utilised to respond to calls about health and social care, particularly those relating to mental health.

Sussex Police receives an average of 57,500 calls a year for medical concerns with the majority being welfare checks, this accounts for a large majority of contact received.

Read more here http://spkl.io/61814FHIW

Not wearing a seatbelt can be a Fatal decision! #Fatal5

It is widely acknowledged that the act of wearing a seatbelt is essential for safeguarding occupants in a vehicle. However, a small contingent will still gamble with their own safety and that of others.

Not wearing a seatbelt doubles the risk of severe injury or death in the event of an accident.

We are steadfast in our commitment to reinforcing this critical safety message through both educational initiatives and, when necessary, targeted enforcement actions.

Scammers frequently prey on the elderly and vulnerable in our communities, through telephone scams.

So, what are some common types of phone scams? 

Bank scams

Watch out for calls supposedly from your bank about fraudulent use of your bank account or bank cards. Scammers might ask you for your PIN and tell you to give your bank card to a courier. Your bank would never do this. 

Undercover police scams

These can be calls from someone claiming to be the 'undercover police', claiming that they're investigating a member of staff at your bank and asking for your card details. The police would never ask you to take part in an investigation like this.

Computer or mobile phone repair scams

The person may call and tell you that your device has a virus, and that you need to download software to fix it. This is actually spyware – an unwanted programme that runs on your device and can give scammers access to all your online information.

HMRC scams

You may get a call from someone claiming to be from HMRC saying there's an issue with your tax refund or an unpaid tax bill. They may leave a message and ask you to call back. HMRC would never contact you this way and would never ask you to reveal personal financial information such as your bank account details.

Council Tax scams

Calls claiming to be about correcting your Council Tax band or giving you a Council Tax rebate. Your council would never call you about a rebate out of the blue.

Texts with fake links

You might receive a text asking you to follow a link to fix a problem with one of your accounts or to track a parcel. These links will often take you to a fake website and get you to log in, which scammers can then use to access your information.

Fake caller ID

Scammers can mimic an official telephone number, which can trick you into thinking the caller is from a legitimate organisation, such as a bank or utility company.  

Just because someone knows your basic details doesn't mean they're legitimate. These details could include your name, address, your mother's maiden name and even your Direct Debits.

Never give anyone your personal information, such as your PIN. Hang up the phone if you suspect the caller is not genuine. 

Be vigilant, as scammers may maintain an open connection on your phone line after you've ended a call. To confirm the line is clear, either use an alternate phone to call a trusted contact or wait 15 minutes before making a call to verify the legitimacy of the initial communication.

For those interested in keeping abreast of the latest in fraud prevention and protecting their finances, we recommend visiting our website here www.sussex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/wsi/watch-schemes-initiatives/os/operation-signature/ for more information. You can also pick up a 'Little Book of Big Scams' from your local police station.

If you know someone who is not on social media, or someone that could be at risk who might not be informed about recent scams, please consider obtaining a booklet for them.

You can report anything scam related or fraudulent to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk/contact-us

A prolific shoplifter has been jailed for more than two years following a number of shoplifting incidents in East Sussex.

The male was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment when he appeared before Lewes Crown Court on 18 April.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary, two counts of shoplifting and one count of using threatening behaviour to cause distress when he appeared before court on 21 September. 

The male has now been jailed. When appearing for sentencing, he was also handed a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order. 

This order prohibits him to enter any retail establishment he has previously committed offences in or has been banned from, as well has wearing anything which obscures his head and face in a retail premises. 

If he is asked to leave by a store worker, he has to comply and must not act in an anti-social manner.

106MPH! Combe Valley Way. Not a good look for a driver being summoned to court within 2 years of getting a licence!

In a concerted and collaborative effort, the Hastings Neighbourhood Policing Team joined forces with the adult social care, substance misuse services, and housing authorities to conduct comprehensive welfare assessments for individuals in the Hastings, Bexhill and St Leonards area, at risk of, or previously affected by, cuckooing. This initiative represents a multi-faceted strategy to address the needs of the community's most vulnerable members.

As a result, a local male, who had breached court bail conditions by failing to report to the police station as required, was arrested at one of the premises.

This ongoing, monthly initiative underscores our commitment to safeguarding the vulnerable and reinforcing the fabric of our community through sustained and collaborative engagement.

What is cuckooing?

Cuckooing is when organised crime groups, gangs or drug dealers target and exploit vulnerable people by using their home as a base for dealing drugs. Cuckooing allows criminals to work from a property rather than the street. This allows drug deals to happen out of sight from the police. Drugs, money and weapons may also be stored at the property. Vulnerable people in cuckooed properties are often coerced into allowing their property to be used. This could be through the offer of ‘free’ drugs, food, or the threat of violence.

It’s that time of year when young adults in years 9 & 10 are deciding their options for their remaining time at Bexhill Academy. We recently had the pleasure of participating in Bexhill Academy's career fair to engage with the students and discuss the multifaceted world of policing.

Policing may not be the calling for everyone, but for those drawn to this field, the diversity of opportunities is vast. We had enlightening conversations with students eager to explore careers in forensic analysis, dog units, and even specialised firearms divisions. We provided insights into the comprehensive training required for policing and the various career trajectories one can follow. We shared our experiences regarding the daily duties of a Neighbourhood Response Team police officer, the valuable role of the Neighbourhood Policing Team, and the pathway to becoming a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

The students' enthusiasm was contagious, and we are excited about the prospect of some joining our ranks in the future. Thank you to Bexhill Academy for the invitation. #BexhillAcademy

In our ongoing commitment to road safety, we reiterate an unwavering message: excessive speed can be fatal. 

In collaboration with the local Community Speed Watch team, we dedicated an afternoon to proactive education on the critical Fatal5.

We recorded thirteen vehicles exceeding the 30mph speed limit on the A2100 at Battle Hill, with the highest recorded speed at 39 mph. These drivers will be hearing from us through the post.

Is speeding a concern in your community, would you like to make a difference as a volunteer? then please visit the CSW website here  https://www.communityspeedwatch.org/FRONT-v2-Home.php

Productive day at the De La Warr Pavilion in March, where we got the chance to participate in the Bexhill Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair. It was an excellent opportunity for us to chat with a wide range of people, all curious about the array of career options available at Sussex Police. We fielded questions from people of all ages, with interests ranging from volunteer roles to aspirations of becoming a Police Constable, Detective or Crime Scene Investigator.

Pursuing a career with Sussex Police is a rewarding experience, offering a chance to make a real difference in the community. If you're passionate about embarking on this journey, we invite you to explore the various roles within the force. Please visit our website here to discover how you can join our dedicated team.

Such a pleasure presenting a £500 cheque to Westerleigh Judokwai, in support of their venture to Holland this coming April 2024. This donation will help with their participation in the Pan Disability European and World Championships, where they will showcase their tenacity and skill.

Located in Pebsham, Bexhill, Westerleigh Judokwai club is renowned for embracing inclusivity and nurturing talents from all backgrounds. Their membership includes individuals from mainstream athletes to those overcoming physical barriers such as Cerebral Palsy, Autism, and various learning and behavioural disabilities.

We’d like to wish all participants heading to Holland for the championships, the very best of luck.

The Hastings & Rother Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) were out on Sunday dealing with speeding vehicles, with the sole aim of reducing death and serious injury on Sussex roads.

Crowborough Road, St Leonards. (30 MPH zone)

Three drivers received Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) for speeds ranging from 42 MPH-48 MPH, with

one driver receiving a summons for 52 MPH. 

Ninfield Road, Sidley. 30 MPH zone. 

Two drivers were issued with Traffic Offence Reports for excessive speeds - 42 & 48 MPH. 

B2204 Catsfield, #Battle

One driver was issued with a Summons for three offences. 

51 MPH in a 30 MPH zone, no insurance and driving while disqualified, vehicle seized.

We also spoke to multiple drivers about the dangers or speeding in excess of 30 MPH.

In our ongoing commitment to ensure road safety, our OpDownsway initiative continues.

After two drivers received Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) from RPU Officers for driving over 40mph in a 30 zone, on the A21, Johns Cross, we had a call from a local resident with positive feedback, saying they had seen a marked improvement in the driving standards in the area due to our presence. 

This is testament to the effectiveness of the Roads Policing Unit’s endeavours. It's a gentle reminder to everyone, that while RPU can't be everywhere, they could be anywhere!

Drive responsibly, stay alert, and help us ensure the roads remain safe for everyone.

Use of mobile devices while driving is one of the factors contributing to collisions within Sussex, and it stands as one of the Fatal5. 

It is essential to acknowledge the probability of under reporting of incidents linked to mobile phone usage or other handheld devices, which underscores the necessity for increased public education associated with driving while distracted.

Consequently, during our proactive patrols in Bexhill, we identified a motorist engaged in the use of their mobile phone whilst driving along Barnhorn Road. 

The driver was stopped and spoken to and received a Traffic Offence Report (TOR). This enforcement action could result in a substantial fine and up to 6 penalty points on the driver's licence.

Reporting a crime – Click, Call, Connect

For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, click www.sussex.police.uk,  (If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call). 

Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response. In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger always call 999.

Connect with us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area. 

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.