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Local News September |
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Stay Alert – Deer on Roads If you hit or see an injured deer:
🚗 How Secure Is Your Keyless Car? Keyless entry vehicles offer convenience, but they also present opportunities for criminals. Increasingly, thieves are targeting these cars using a method known as relay theft. What is relay theft? Protect Your Vehicle – Simple Steps Can Make a Big Difference: Need to Report Something?
No one should have to experience the distress of being a victim of burglary. It can have a lasting impact on a person’s wellbeing and sense of security. To help protect yourself and your property, here are some practical steps you can take: • Lock your door when you’re at home as well as when you go out • Consider an alarm and or CCTV • Keep your windows shut or consider fitting window restrictors if you like to leave the window open. Good window locks can make all the difference • Leave a light on, use a timer switch when not at home • Hide all valuables, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox
Outside your house • Store ladders and tools that can be used to assist in home entry in a shed or garage that is secured with a strong lock • Ensure your shed/garage is locked when not in use • Trim overgrown plants and shrubs, so there aren’t any hiding places for burglars • Don’t hide keys in obvious places, like outside the front door. Burglars will often look in the letterbox or under a plant pot as a matter of course • Secure side/back gates with good bolts / locks that are not accessible from outside If you find someone trying to enter your home, call 999 immediately.
We have recently found two mobility scooters in Hastings Town Centre that we believe were stolen. Here are some simple tips to help keep your scooter safe: Always lock your scooter with a strong chain or D-lock, even when you are at home. Park in well-lit and busy places whenever you can. Take the ignition key with you every time you leave your scooter. Think about fitting a tracker or alarm to your scooter. If possible, store your scooter inside or in a secure garage at night. Mark your scooter with something unique or register it with a property marking scheme.
Having anything stolen, can be both emotionally distressing and financially damaging. This is especially true when high-value items and tools are stolen. Unfortunately, even when we recover stolen property during investigations, we are often unable to return many items to their rightful owners due to a lack of identifiable markings. To help address this issue, we are distributing free DNA property marking kits. These kits contain a special liquid that allows you to mark your property – mobility scooters, tools, bikes, and other valuable equipment with a unique identifier. The markings are invisible to the naked eye but can be detected under UV light, significantly increasing the chances of stolen property being returned. If you would like a free DNA property marking kit, you can pick one up from Battle or Hastings Police Station, or the Hastings Pod. Please visit our website for opening times.
This week, across Hastings and Rother, we teamed up with housing officers, adult social care, and other support agencies to identify and support individuals at risk of cuckooing and drug-related harm. Using local intelligence, we visited vulnerable residents to raise awareness and offer advice, help, and support. On occasion, we have found known suspects at the addresses of vulnerable individuals. During one such visit this week, we located a person who had been reported missing for over three days. We remain committed to safeguarding those most at risk, disrupting criminal activity, and protecting our communities. What is Cuckooing? Cuckooing is a serious crime where organised crime groups, gangs, or drug dealers exploit vulnerable people by taking over their homes to deal drugs or carry out other criminal activities. Operating from a property, rather than the street, allows these criminals to stay hidden. Drugs and other illegal items may also be stored at the address. Victims are often coerced into allowing this through offers of ‘free’ drugs, food, or threats of violence. We’re committed to protecting those most at risk and tackling drug-related crime. If you notice unusual activity at a neighbour’s property and think they could be at risk of Cuckooing, crimes, please get in touch. You can contact us on 101 or online at https://orlo.uk/WsYfW Alternatively, you can report anonymously at CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 Your information could help safeguard someone in need. EB557
On 25 September 2025, a man of Battle Road, St Leonards, was arrested and subsequently remanded in custody in connection with a burglary offence. The arrest followed a report received by police on 24 September, stating that a garage had been broken into by three males, and two electric motorbikes had been stolen. Officers attended the man’s address, after he was identified by officers on CCTV. He was arrested, charged and remanded to appear before the court with a recall back to prison.
Yesterday, we were proud to stand alongside our emergency service colleagues from East Sussex Fire & Rescue and Sussex Ambulance, as well as many inspiring individuals, at the Baton of Hope Tour. We recognise the vital importance of supporting mental health prevention. By working collaboratively with our partner agencies, we aim to provide compassionate, proactive support to those in crisis and help raise awareness across our communities. We know that mental health challenges can affect anyone, and there is help available for those who need to talk. Local Support Services Staying Well Hastings (Southdown & Sussex Partnership NHS Trust) Text Support (SHOUT Sussex) National Mental Health Helplines
Throughout the summer months, our neighbourhood policing teams have been working tirelessly under the banner of #HotSpotPolicing and #SaferStreetsSummer, delivering high-visibility patrols and targeted interventions where they matter most. District Commander Yates went on patrol In Hastings Town Centre to speak with local people and businesses. while having a productive meeting with John Whittington, Hastings Community Safety Manager; Jimmy Stranger from the Rother Safer Partnership; and Glen Haffenden, Community Safety Lead at Hastings Borough Council. Together, they reviewed the impact of our joint efforts on community safety and public confidence. District Commander Yates stated “I’m pleased to report a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Hastings Town Centre, with arrests being made weekly for those committing criminal offences. Feedback from residents, businesses, and visitors has been overwhelmingly positive, many have told us they feel safer and more reassured when out and about in the area. This progress is a testament to the strength of our partnership working and the dedication of our officers on the ground. But we’re not stopping here. Patrols will continue, and we remain committed to working alongside our partner agencies to ensure Hastings remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Your safety is our priority.”
Daily Patrols Lead to Arrest of Wanted Burglary Suspect in Hastings On 9th September, officers from the Hastings Neighbourhood Policing Team arrested a male suspect wanted in connection with a burglary that occurred on 8th September. The arrest took place in Wellington Place following proactive patrols and targeted enquiries in the area. The suspect was identified and detained by officers conducting active patrols in the town centre. Upon his arrest he was also found in possession of a controlled drug. This outcome highlights the effectiveness of consistent, visible policing in both locating wanted individuals and addressing wider criminality. Daily patrols remain a constant feature of policing in Hastings, with officers regularly engaging with local businesses and members of the public. On the day of the arrest, additional officers continued high-visibility patrols throughout the town, offering reassurance and remaining on hand to respond to any emerging issues.
Shoplifter Arrested! We immediately initiated a search, and within minutes, we located the individual and made an arrest. The stolen items - valued at approximately £750 - were mostly recovered by store staff, but some were still missing. These were found during the arrest and promptly returned to the store after being photographed for evidence. We remain committed to being a visible and reassuring presence in the town, ready to respond swiftly, support local businesses, and help keep our community safe.
Arrest of Two Suspects Linked to Burglary Offences While on patrol in Hastings, officers observed a known prolific burglar travelling on a pushbike and acting suspiciously. An immediate attempt was made to pursue the individual; however, he was lost from sight. During the same incident, a second male, also wanted in connection with multiple burglaries, was identified nearby. Officers arrested the suspect, and Response colleagues transported him to custody, allowing the original officers to continue efforts to locate the first male. Despite a thorough area search, the suspect on the pushbike could not be located. Officers then attended his known address, situated a few streets from the initial sighting. On arrival, the suspect fled from the rear of the property and began hopping through gardens to evade police. Additional support from the drone unit was requested and with assistance from members of the public the suspect was observed running along Perth Road. Officers gave chase and successfully detained the male, who was subsequently arrested on suspicion of burglary. Two successful arrests and a positive outcome for everyone, if not for the suspects.
A male, (37) of Battle Road, St Leonards, has been remanded in custody after pleading guilty to a charge of burglary (other than dwelling) in connection with an incident in Hastings Old Town on 11th September Huggins was identified by officers through CCTV footage obtained from a store in Courthouse Street. He was subsequently arrested and charged. He appeared at Brighton & Hove Magistrates’ Court on 17 September, where he entered a guilty plea. He is scheduled to return to the same court for sentencing on 8 October.
Looking Out for Our Community: Raising Awareness About Spiking Spiking is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for victims, as well as serious legal repercussions for perpetrators. As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our neighbourhood safe, we spent time in Hastings Town Centre to raise awareness and offer support. We spoke with local shoppers and visitors about the dangers of spiking, how to recognise the signs, and what to do if you suspect someone has been affected. We also handed out free bottle and glass covers, a simple but effective tool to help prevent substances being slipped into drinks. Our presence wasn’t just about safety, it was about building connections. We enjoyed chatting with families making the most of the day off, and we handed out stickers, crayons, and colouring sheets to the little ones. Even the grown-ups got involved, some visitors to England took the opportunity to snap a photo wearing a police hat! We were also joined by Rosie the parrot, who added a few cheerful whistles to the day. Thank you to everyone who stopped to chat with us. Being a visible presence in the town is so important to help keep our community safe, informed, and supported.
Vehicle Seized in Hastings The Roads Policing Unit stopped a rider in Hastings who held only a provisional licence and was not displaying L plates. During an inspection of the vehicle, officers found the rear tyre was extremely worn, so much so that they couldn’t even take a tread depth measurement. It was also dangerously under-inflated, reading just 11 PSI ! ✅ Vehicle seized Advice from RPU - Keeping unsafe vehicles off the road helps protect everyone. Please check your tyres and documents before riding! What is a PG9 prohibition notice? It is a formal notice issued by police or DVSA officers that prohibits a vehicle from being used on public roads due to safety-critical defects and cannot be driven until the faults are fully rectified. What is a VDRS (Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme)? The Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme (VDRS) is a formal process used by police to address minor vehicle defects identified during roadside checks. If a defect is noted under this scheme, the driver or registered keeper is required to have the issue repaired promptly and provide evidence of the repair within 14 days, typically in the form of a receipt or confirmation from a qualified mechanic or garage.
Last week, we were out in Wellington Place, Hastings, speaking with motorists, including food delivery drivers, who were driving through the pedestrianised area. Many drivers were unaware that vehicles are not permitted in this zone, so we took the opportunity to raise awareness around road safety and the risks posed to pedestrians. One driver was found to be driving while disqualified and without valid insurance. A big thank you to our partners at East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, who joined us to share important safety advice around the use and storage of electric bikes. Working together to keep our communities safe!
Tea, Tunes & Togetherness! A big part of our role as PCSOs is being out in the community, chatting with local residents and building connections, and sometimes we get the chance to do something really special! We were thrilled to join St Michael’s Hospice for their wonderful Tea Dance, open to all adults and their friends or carers. Not only did we get to meet some truly fascinating people, but we also dusted off our dancing shoes and joined in! Dancing is a fantastic activity for older adults and those living with dementia, and we can confirm it’s great fun too! We had the best time sharing stories, enjoying the music, and having a good old chat with everyone. Thank you for letting us be part of such a lovely afternoon!
A Small Gesture That Meant a Lot Last week, we were genuinely touched when three young people approached us in town and handed us a thank you card. Why? Simply to say they felt safer knowing we were around. Moments like this remind us why we do what we do. It’s not about recognition, it’s about being there for our community, and knowing that our presence makes a difference. To those young people: thank you. Your kindness meant more than you know.
We always value the opportunity to spend time in our local schools, and our recent visit to West St Leonards Primary Academy was no exception. This time, we had the pleasure of joining Year 2 pupils for one-to-one reading sessions, listening as they read aloud with confidence and enthusiasm. These moments are more than just enjoyable, they’re a vital part of how we build trust and positive relationships with the youngest members of our community. Engaging with children in their learning environment helps break down barriers and shows that neighbourhood policing is about being approachable, supportive, and present. We’re already looking forward to our next visit!
Roads Policing Update Today, officers stopped a motorcycle on the A2100 in Battle on suspicion that the rider didn’t hold a full licence, and no L plates were displayed. Further enquires revealed - ✅ Expired provisional licence That’s a full house, and not the kind we like to see. The vehicle was seized on the spot, and the rider has been summoned to court for multiple notifiable offences. These aren’t just technicalities; they’re serious breaches that put everyone at risk. We’re here to keep our roads safe. If you're riding or driving, make sure you're legal, insured, and roadworthy. No excuses.
While out on patrol, officers from the #HotSportPolicing team acted swiftly to arrest a male known to be wanted for failing to appear at court in August 2025. A male (43), of no fixed address, was wanted in connection with offences of commercial burglary and theft. Following his arrest, he was brought before Brighton and Hove Magistrates’ Court on 30th September. He was handed a custodial sentence of 26 weeks, suspended for 12 months. This result reflects our ongoing commitment to keeping our communities safe and ensuring those who evade justice are held accountable.
Thanks to the proactive efforts of our Neighbourhood Policing Team, Town Centre Teams, Investigations, and vigilant business owners, we have this week arrested, charged, and remanded: We will not tolerate those who target our local businesses. Shoplifting is not petty, it’s criminal. At every opportunity, we will pursue offenders and take firm, decisive action to protect our communities and local businesses.
Following reports of a young man riding dangerously through Blackman Avenue and Wishing Tree, Hollington - without protective clothing or a helmet - officers swiftly located and seized a Surron electric motorbike. The rider was seen going through red traffic lights, driving on public roads, and failing to stop for police. The bike was being used in the commission of a crime and was found to have no insurance, while the rider had no driving licence. He was arrested at the scene, and the bike will now be sent for destruction. These high-powered machines are not road legal and pose a serious risk to both riders and the public. We will continue to take firm action against illegal and antisocial vehicle use to keep our communities safe.
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