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Local News Rother - March |
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Protect Your Home Burglary can have a real impact on your wellbeing and sense of safety. While we can’t be on every street at all times, your vigilance and simple security steps can make a big difference in keeping you, your home, and your neighbours safe. Top 3 Tips to Stay Secure 🔐 Lock up and stay secure 👪 Make your home look lived‑in 🎁 Keep valuables out of sight We’re Here to Help, But We Need Your Eyes and Ears Too If you see or hear anything suspicious, no matter how small it may seem, unusual activity, unknown vehicles, someone trying door handles, please report it to us right away. A few minutes spent securing your home, and one quick call if something doesn’t feel right, can make all the difference.
Sheds / Garages / Outbuildings We urge all residents to keep their sheds, garages & outbuildings locked at all times, especially when not in use. They often contain valuable tools, bikes, or expensive equipment that are attractive targets for thieves. 👮♂️ Crime Prevention Tips: • Use robust security padlocks or deadlocks on doors, consider a surface mounted garage door lock. • Fit an alarm system, motion sensor lighting and/ or CCTV • Keep expensive items secured inside using lockable cabinets, ground anchors, or chains. • Consider trackers for high value machinery. • Avoid leaving tools or ladders outside - they can be used to gain access to your property. • Mark valuable items with your postcode using a UV pen or property marking system. DNA marking kits can be collected from Hastings or Battle Police stations free of charge. • Register valuable equipment at https://orlo.uk/wsg5o to help police return stolen items if recovered. Let’s work together to make our sheds, garages & outbuildings as difficult to access and unattractive to criminals as possible. See or hear anything suspicious, call 101, for crime in progress, call 999 immediately.
A Friendly Reminder for Dog Walkers If you're walking near livestock, or unsure what's ahead, please pop your pooch on a lead. And where possible, stick to designated footpaths Thank you for helping keep our countryside safe and enjoyable for everyone, including the newest arrivals in the fields this spring.
🚓 Top Tips to Stop Vehicle Break‑Ins As your local neighbourhood policing team, we want to help you keep your vehicle, and your belongings safe. Most vehicle break‑ins are opportunistic, and small changes can make a big difference. Here are our five top tips: 1. Always lock your vehicle Even if you’re parking on your driveway, outside your home, or only leaving the car for a moment, make sure all doors, windows and the boot are locked. Offenders will try door handles looking for an easy opportunity. 2. Remove valuables, or anything that looks valuable Never leave items such as wallets, handbags, laptops, phones, tools or shopping bags in you vehicle or on display. Even a coat or empty bag can make a criminal think there’s something worth stealing inside. 3. Keep keys safe and away from doors or windows Keyless entry vehicles are particularly vulnerable. Store keys well away from the front door and consider using a signal‑blocking pouch (Faraday pouch) to prevent relay theft. 4. Park smart Choose well‑lit, busy areas whenever possible. If you have a driveway, consider using outdoor lighting or CCTV as a deterrent. Criminals prefer dark, quiet spots where they won’t be seen. 5. Don’t leave your vehicle running unattended If you’re defrosting your car or popping back into the house, switch the engine off, take the keys with you and lock the vehicle. Many thefts happen while vehicles are left running, even for a few seconds. If you see anything suspicious, please report it to us straight away on 101.
Drink or Drug Driving? It’s NEVER worth it. ✅ Plan ahead, book a taxi or arrange a lift. Your choice. Your responsibility. Don’t risk it.
🌼The daffs are out – spring is officially here! Before you rev off into the sunshine, give your bike a little TLC, especially if it’s been sitting out the colder months. A few quick checks now can make sure your first ride of the season is a safe and enjoyable one: 🔧Pre‑ride check‑in: Even when the sun’s shining, remember to ride to the weather and road conditions. Months of rain have left many roads in a sorry state (yes… potholes, we’re looking at you!). And those early mornings can still bring unexpected frost or icy patches, so stay sharp. 👀And for all other road users: Let’s make this spring a safe one for everyone on the road. 🌼🏍️ Stay alert, stay safe, and enjoy the ride! If you want to refresh and recharge your bike skills, we can help! BikeSafe is a practical workshop delivered by police forces across the UK. Check out the website to find your nearest provider and book: BikeSafe - the UK's #1 police-led motorcycle safety & skills initiative RoSPA have motorbike safety courses too: RoSPA- Motorcycle Training Course | RoSPA Advanced Rider Safety Training and also the Institute of Advanced Motorists For Individuals | IAM RoadSmart
Officers across Hastings and Rother were kept busy over the weekend (13/03), with more than 29 arrests made. Additional arrests included: Officers also made further arrests for a range of other offences, including driving without a valid licence, drunk and disorderly behaviour, harassment, and a breach of a non‑molestation order.
Weekend Arrest Summary - Hastings & Rother Policing Update – 27 March Across Hastings and Rother, our officers remain fully committed to protecting the public, reducing harm, and keeping our communities safe. On Friday, officers in Hastings town centre made five arrests for offences including theft, shoplifting and wanted on warrant. Thanks to proactive patrols and quick responses, suspects were detained promptly to prevent further incidents. Across the rest of the weekend, with crime levels slightly lower, officers made a total of 21 arrests for a range of offences, including but not limited to: Our officers continue to work around the clock to safeguard victims, target offenders, and maintain high‑visibility policing across Hastings and Rother. We remain dedicated to ensuring our towns are safe places to live, work, and visit.
Officers spent time at the Bexhill Pod this week, taking the opportunity to speak with passers‑by. The Pod continues to be a valuable point of contact for local shoppers and residents, allowing people to stop for a chat, ask questions and seek advice on anything from scams to parking concerns near schools and zebra crossings. Even Bailey the dog enjoyed a belly rub! Our regular, visible patrols in the town are making a real difference, contributing to a reduction in shoplifting and anti‑social behaviour thanks to prompt reporting from the community and our continued presence. Daytime and evening patrols will continue, to ensure support and reassurance to residents, shoppers and local businesses.
On Friday 6 March 2026, local Rother officers and our Positive Action Sergeant attended the Job Fair at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill‑on‑Sea. It was a really productive morning, with lots of people showing genuine interest in joining Sussex Police; giving officers the opportunity to spend time speaking to attendees at the job fair about the different ways to start a career with us; from degree‑based entry routes to non‑degree pathways, as well as the many staff roles and support positions available alongside officer roles. The day created a valuable opportunity to engage with many people about the pathways into policing, the breadth of roles available, and how individuals can take their first steps into a policing career.
If you’re interested in a career in policing and would like to learn more, come and speak to us or find out more online https://www.sussex.police.uk/jobs
Rother Neighbourhood Policing Team recently joined Trading Standards for an afternoon of proactive visits to convenience stores across Bexhill and Little Common. Working together, we checked for counterfeit goods, ensured correct storage of food products, and supported Trading Standards as they reviewed age‑restricted sale signage and refusal books. No illegal items were found, and only a few words of advice were needed. These visits help us strengthen relationships with local businesses, offer reassurance to shoppers, and encourage reporting, resulting in a couple of previously unreported shoplifting incidents being shared with us. A great example of partnership working to keep our communities safe and supported.
We recently visited the Pebsham Community Hub after being invited to chat with members about local crime and personal safety, including situations people may experience while out and about. During the visit, we also discussed rogue traders, online and telephone scams, and shared a range of useful leaflets and booklets for people to take away. These conversations are a great way for us to offer advice, listen to concerns, and work together to keep our communities safe. We were really pleased to hear how informative the session was for everyone who attended. A big thank you to the organisers for having us, we look forward to returning in the future and continuing to support the Pebsham community.
Local officers were delighted to make a special surprise visit to Raymond at St Mary’s Special School & College in Bexhill to help him celebrate his 16th birthday. Raymond had one very specific birthday wish; he wanted to be “arrested”! Our officers were more than happy to grant his wish. Raymond was overjoyed to see the team and was already dressed in his police uniform ready for the occasion. His enthusiasm made the visit extra special. It was a privilege for local officers to help make his birthday one to remember. His parents were also there to share the moment, and we were honoured to be part of their celebration.
Working Together to Prevent Serious Harm on Our Roads A really positive day of proactive engagement with Alpha Scaffolding in Ewhurst Green, where PC Barry Freeman from the Roads Policing Unit and PCSO Scott from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team delivered a road‑safety toolbox talk. The Alpha team welcomed us onto site as we focused on load security, safe vehicle use, and the practical steps businesses can take to help reduce the risk of Killed or Seriously Injured (KSI) collisions on our roads. This proactive partnership work is a key part of our approach to preventing serious harm before it occurs. It was great to see a local company showing such strong commitment to safety, reviewing procedures, asking thoughtful questions, and investing in best practice. The staff were keen to learn from previous national road‑traffic tragedies, including the story of Maria Dennis, who has campaigned for change after her son was tragically killed by an insecure load. Their willingness to understand the impact of such incidents highlights how important load‑security awareness is in keeping our roads safe. By working alongside businesses of all sizes, we can promote safer loads, safer driving habits, and a shared responsibility for road safety. These conversations genuinely make a difference, and we encourage more companies to get involved. If you or your company would like a visit from the Roads Policing Unit or your local Neighbourhood Policing Team to receive advice and guidance on this important subject, you can get in touch with us by sending an email through the contact section of our website at www.sussex.police.uk. Together, we can keep Sussex’s roads safer for everyone. 💙
Appeal for Witnesses – Burglary at Bodiam Castle Officers are investigating a burglary at Bodiam Castle. We believe the burglary took place between 03:20 and 04:40 on 13 March, during which items with an estimated value of £3,100 were stolen. We are seeking to identify the individual captured on CCTV in connection with this incident. The person is described as: We are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may recognise the individual shown on the CCTV, to come forward. Any information, no matter how small, may assist our investigation. Please contact us via 101 quoting reference 47260049633, or report information online at www.sussex.police.uk.
A 35-year-old woman, of North Road, Bexhill, has been arrested and charged with 11 counts of shoplifting, which occurred between October 6, 2025, and November 14, 2025. She appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on February 25, where she pleaded guilty to all charges. She was granted bail with conditions prohibiting her from entering Morrisons Daily on Ninfield Road and the One Stop Shop on Turkey Road. On March 4, officers were alerted by staff at Tesco Express in Little Common after she reportedly left the premises with unpaid goods. She was subsequently arrested, charged with a further offence of shoplifting, and remanded to court on March 5. She pleaded guilty to this additional charge and was bailed pending a sentencing hearing scheduled for May. Further updates will be issued following the conclusion of sentencing.
Visibility Matters: Foot Patrol Leads to Quick Arrest in Bexhill During high‑visibility foot patrols in Bexhill town centre last Friday, PC Laker was alerted by a shopper to a man leaving Sainsbury’s without paying. As she was already on foot and nearby, she immediately gave chase through Station Road and Clifford Road. With help from a vigilant member of the public, PC Laker located the suspect hiding in a private garden, where he was swiftly arrested. He later admitted he had seen her enter the store and panicked, dumping the items he intended to steal back on the shelves. PC Laker took time to offer the man advice and signposted him to Warming Up the Homeless, a charity that may be able to support him and help prevent him from feeling the need to shoplift in the future. Another example of how visible neighbourhood policing, community awareness, and strong local partnerships help keep Bexhill safe.
While out on patrol in the St Stephen’s Ward, PCSO Nasir had the pleasure of bumping into some of our brilliant local residents - not literally, thankfully - as they ran past him during a charity run supporting vulnerable people and raising awareness of suicide prevention. It’s always inspiring to see our community coming together for such important causes.
Meet Your Local Officers – Rother Ward Events Fairlight/Pett - 13th April 11am-12pm Fairlight Village Hall, Broadway. Old Town Bexhill – 15th April 11am-12pm Community Centre Church Street Sidley - 21st April 11am - 12pm The Pelham Centre, Sidley Sedlescombe 24th April 11am-12pm Church Hill, Sedlescombe Sackville - 1st May, Outside M&S Ravenside shopping outlet Westfield - 5th May 10-11am By Westfield Church, Vicarage Lane Pebsham - 8th May 10am - 11am Pebsham Community Hub, 74 Seabourne Road Bexhill Catsfield - 9th May 9.30am-10.30am Catsfield Village Hall Car Park Crowhurst - 9th May10.45am-11.30pm Crowhurst Village Hall Car Park Ninfield - 9th May 1.30-2.30pm Ninfeild recreation ground, Church Lane Hooe - 9th May 2.45-3.30pm Hooe Village Hall Kewhurst - 12th May 10-11am Public Library, Little Common. Brightling / Dallington - 23rd May 2pm Brightling Village Hall Woods Corner Road Ticehurst - 26th May 1pm-2pm Ticehurst Village Hall.
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