Local News

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Please Note: This will be the last update before Christmas and the New Year. Next update will be in January.

🎄 Blue Lights & Christmas Nights 🎄
Through frosty streets we roam on patrol,
Stopping mischief before it takes its toll.
If you’re plotting trouble or breaking the law,
We’ll “wrap it up” quicker than Santa’s toy store!

Our sleigh’s got sirens, not jingling bells,
And instead of gifts, we’ve got cautionary tales.
While Santa’s checking who’s naughty or nice,
We’re out catching those rolling the dice.

No red coats, no candy canes,
Just cuffs and radios keeping things sane.
So sleep easy as Christmas draws near,
We’re guarding your peace, your safety, your cheer.

Dream of mince pies, turkey, and cream,
While we’re out making crime a silent night dream.
Check on your neighbours, spread kindness and cheer,
Merry Christmas to all, 24/7 we’re here! 💙

Safeguarding Vulnerable People – Key Safe Security

Many vulnerable members of our community rely on Key Safes to allow trusted individuals to access their homes and provide essential support. As part of our commitment to protecting those at risk, we ask everyone involved in their care to follow these important steps:

By taking these simple precautions, we can work together to safeguard vulnerable people and ensure they receive the help they need in a safe and secure way.

Keep your home safe this winter ❄️🎄

🔐 Daily security:
• Keep valuables out of sight and out of reach.
• A burglar alarm or video doorbell can offer extra reassurance.
• Registering items with Immobilise can make them easier to recover: https://orlo.uk/qNZqt
• Locking doors and windows whenever you go out adds an extra layer of protection.

🚪 Front door security:
• Using a security chain or bar can give added peace of mind.
• It’s always okay to check ID when someone visits, especially officials or tradespeople.

🌙 After dark (and those early winter evenings):
• Leaving a light on when you’re out can make your home look lived‑in.
• Security lighting, whether on a timer or motion‑activated, can be a useful deterrent.

🌳 In the garden:
• Keep gates and rear access points secure.
• Keep tools, ladders and other items locked away to prevent them being used to gain entry.
• Reducing hiding places around the back of your home can improve visibility and safety.

🎅 Christmas considerations:
• Keeping Christmas gifts out of view from windows can help prevent opportunistic theft.
• Disposing of packaging discreetly avoids drawing attention to new high‑value items.
• If you’re expecting deliveries, arrange them for when you’re home (or use a collection point).

Check out Decembers Sussex police Fraud newsletter.

In this month’s edition, we focus on software service scams, courier fraud and HMRC phishing scams.

Link to the newsletter Fraud newsletter December 2025 | Surrey Police

#OpLimit – Keeping Roads Safe This Christmas

With Christmas parties and festive celebrations in full swing, some people still make the dangerous choice to drive under the influence of drink or drugs. It’s one of the most reckless decisions a person can make, risking lives, including their own.

This festive season, our officers are stepping up patrols and carrying out targeted checks to crack down on drink and drug drivers. We will deal robustly with anyone caught breaking the law.

Think you won’t get caught? Think again.
Those arrested and convicted can expect their names to be published on our website and in the media in the new year.

Help us keep the roads safe:

Your choices matter. Don’t risk lives this Christmas.

Going out on New Years Eve?

No matter how you choose to spend your evening, we are here to help you enjoy it safely.

Be spike aware. Don’t leave your drink unattended, and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know.
If you are out and find yourself in need of help, remember you can Ask for Angela at the bar and a trained member of staff will support you.
Our officers will be out and highly visible. Please speak to them if you have any issues.
Try to arrange your transport home in advance.
Remember, we are on hand 24/7.
You can call us on 101, or report a crime via our website.
Always call 999 in an emergency.

Have fun, and stay safe 

Might be worth a go…

The ‘Dry January 2026 Challenge’ is your invitation to give alcohol a little holiday of its own, a full month off to put its feet up while you power through from January 1st to January 31st. 

This annual wellbeing campaign encourages you to hit the “reset” button, swap wine for water (or one of the many alcohol-free alternatives out there, gin, beer, you name it), and enjoy the perks: better sleep, sharper focus, more energy, and yes, extra money in your pocket.

It’s a great way to start the year with a clear head, a healthier routine, and the smug satisfaction of maybe sticking to a resolution!

Taking part is simple: make your pledge, plan some fun alcohol‑free activities, stay hydrated, and lean on the supportive communities cheering you on. 

You’re not just giving your liver a well‑earned rest, you’re boosting your health and letting your wallet pile on the calories instead of you!

Despite our #OpLimit operation in Hastings on Saturday 20 December, which resulted in zero arrests for drink or drug driving, officers were unfortunately required to take enforcement action over the wider weekend period.

Across Hastings and Rother, five people were arrested for drink and drug driving offences.

In addition, officers made a further 24 arrests for a range of offences, including:

We remain committed to keeping our communities safe, tackling offending, and taking robust action against those who put others at risk. Thank you to the public for your continued support and cooperation.

Thank you to the staff and pupils at Bricklehurst Manor School for inviting us to their Christmas Fayre.

Throughout the year, we have worked in partnership with the school and delivered lessons on knife crime, anti-bullying, and online safety. It was great to meet the parents of the young people and talk with them about the sessions we have delivered over the year.

At the Fayre, the young people were able to showcase some of their work, including 3D-printed trees, wreaths, wooden reindeer, and even a Christmas-themed computer game. We also enjoyed the delicious hot chocolate made by one of the pupils for our officers.

We couldn’t resist a photo with Santa and the staff. We look forward to continuing our work with Bricklehurst Manor in 2026!

Even off duty, we’re here to help.

While walking along Bexhill Seafront promenade, off‑duty PCSO Dowd came across a concerning situation involving a 93‑year‑old local resident who had collapsed. He was accompanied by his nephew, who was clearly worried and struggling to manage alone.

Acting quickly, PCSO Dowd stepped in to check on the gentleman’s wellbeing. Although he soon regained consciousness, it became apparent that something wasn’t quite right.

Only a few minutes later, the gentleman although, conscious and breathing, was unresponsive, dizzy, confused, and unable to stand. With his condition worsening, it was clear he needed urgent medical help. An ambulance was called, and he was taken to hospital, where he was diagnosed with Vasovagal Syncope Episodes and Postural Hypotension.

We’re really pleased to share that he has now made a strong recovery, is safely back home, and has had his medication adjusted. His nephew later sent a message of thanks, which was greatly appreciated, part of which read. “Many many thanks to you, coffees on us if we bump (not literally!) into you and your wife along the sea front.

Well done PCSO Dowd!

Help us keep Sussex safe

If you saw or heard anything, or have any information about any incident in this message please contact us online, or call 101, quoting the reference number provided.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

You can also visit our website at www.sussex.police.uk where you can find our easy to use online forms to report all non-emergencies to us.

On our website you can also find police advice to keep you safe and help you understand the law, and also browse our crime prevention pages for first-hand knowledge, industry best practices and practical crime prevention advice from officers and specialist teams all across the police.

Have you ever had a policing question that doesn't actually require direct police involvement to answer?

Ask the Police is a great online source of information for the most frequently asked policing questions, visit www.askthe.police.uk/ for more information.

Your local teams

What's happening in your area?

Get the latest crime statistics and advice, help us with appeals for information and find out what we’re doing to tackle crime in your area online here.