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Have a safe and enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend.
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.
If you own a beach hut, please take a moment to review these simple steps to help keep your property secure: 🔒 Use strong, good‑quality locks 🚪 Make sure doors and frames are solid 🔩 Fit secure hinges 🛡️ Consider extra reinforcement 📦 Don’t leave valuables inside 🖊️ Security‑mark your property 🚨 Think about an alarm 🔦 Visit regularly
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.
Fraud Prevention Update - April 2026 Newsletter The April 2026 Sussex Police Fraud Newsletter is now available. This edition highlights how the Banking Protocol is being used to protect victims at the point of risk, preventing fraud in real time through joint working with banks and partners. The newsletter also provides an update on the latest fraud‑prevention advice and how we are working with communities to raise awareness and reduce harm. We would encourage partners and community members to share this information with anyone who may not have internet access or the ability to view the newsletter online, to help ensure these important fraud‑prevention messages reach as many people as possible. 👉 Read the full newsletter here: Surrey and Sussex monthly fraud newsletter | Surrey Police
Local Police Cadets had an exciting visit to Policing at Gatwick Airport. They got to experience first‑hand how specialist policing keeps one of the UK’s busiest transport hubs safe. From a policing perspective, the visit shows the importance of teamwork, specialist skills and rapid response in a unique environment. Cadets received an informative and interactive input from the Dog Unit, meeting police dogs Yaris and Bramble and learning how working dogs support frontline policing, detection and public safety. The excitement continued with the Firearms Unit, where cadets had the opportunity to see specialist equipment up close and understand the vital role armed officers play in protecting the public and critical infrastructure. The visit gave cadets a real insight into specialist policing roles, inspiring them and bringing to life the variety of careers and opportunities within Sussex police.
VAWG Awareness Event – Wednesday 24 June 2026, 10am–2pm Sussex Police and partner agencies will be at The Priory Shopping Centre, Hastings. Violence and abuse have no place in our communities. While this event supports our ongoing work to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG), it’s important to recognise that anyone can be affected by violence and abuse. Come and speak with officers and partners for advice, information on support services, and practical tips to help keep yourself and others safe. Free personal safety alarms, funded by Hastings & Rother Joint Action Groups, will be available. If you feel unsafe or witness concerning behaviour, you can report it online at 👉 https://www.sussex.police.uk/ or call 101.
Supporting Emergency Workers: Keeping Staff Safe Neighbourhood Policing teams attended Conquest Hospital to support staff and address concerns around abusive behaviour directed at healthcare and emergency workers. Violence and abuse towards anyone is unacceptable, and this is particularly the case for those working to care for and protect the public. Officers spoke with security teams, nurses and doctors about practical steps they can take to enhance their personal safety and the support available to them. Clear advice was given around reporting incidents to police, with reassurance that reports will be taken seriously and dealt with robustly and swiftly. Personal safety alarms were also provided to staff as an additional measure. Police Sergeant Kieron Bracey said “This work forms part of ongoing neighbourhood policing efforts to support frontline services and ensure that emergency workers can carry out their roles safely.”
We are asking rural residents, farms and businesses in the Rother area to remain vigilant following reports of burglaries and thefts from rural premises. Outbuildings, barns, garages and stables may be targeted, with items such as quad bikes, machinery, tools and equipment stolen. We encourage those in rural areas to review their security where possible and consider the following crime‑prevention measures: Please report any suspicious activity, even if it seems minor. Information about vehicles, times, locations, travel direction or descriptions can all help build the wider intelligence picture. If you see a crime in progress, offenders on site, or an immediate risk, call 999.
A very positive day celebrating the relaunch of the Street Pastors in Rye. From a Neighbourhood policing perspective, this partnership is a strong example of early intervention and community engagement helping to prevent anti-social behaviour (ASB). Street Pastors will be present outside Rye train station most Mondays and Thursdays at school leaving time, providing a visible, reassuring presence and engaging positively with young people and the wider community. This helps deter ASB, identify concerns early, and offer advice and support. As trained volunteers from local churches, they work alongside Sussex Police, local councils, businesses and voluntary organisations to support safeguarding and community problem-solving. In addition, they play a key role in the night-time economy in Bexhill, helping reduce vulnerability, alcohol-related harm and disorder. This collaborative approach supports neighbourhood policing, reassures the public, and contributes to longer-term reductions in ASB through positive engagement rather than enforcement alone.
Police Visit Fun at Sedlescombe Pre‑School It was great to meet all the little ones at Sedlescombe Pre‑School last week, where talked about how important it is for children to stay safe and what to do if they ever get separated from their grown‑ups, including who they can ask for help. We shared lots of colourful pictures showing the different and exciting roles within Sussex Police, helping the children learn about the people who help keep them safe. Then came the highlight, dressing up! The children tried on police hats and uniforms and loved looking like real officers. To finish the visit, everyone came outside to see the police van, where they enjoyed the flashing lights and hearing the sirens in full colour and full volume. Thanks so much for having us, Sedlescombe Pre‑School.
🎣 Out and About in Wyland’s Farm 🚓 Whilst out on patrol, we cast our net over to Wyland’s Farm on Powdermill Lane, Battle and hooked up with some happy campers enjoying a bit of fishing 🎣 Sadly, while we were there, nobody managed to reel in a monster catch for the camera, looks like the big fish are still playing hard to get! That said, there were plenty of good vibes and not a grumpy sole in sight. We’ll definitely be back to see if anyone has better luck, we’re sure it’s only a matter of time before someone lands “the one that didn’t get away”! Until then, we won’t carp on about it. Great to see everyone making the most of the outdoors, keep those lines tight and spirits high!
Speed Monitoring - Whatlington Road, Battle Following reports of speeding in the Whatlington area, we carried out speed monitoring using a Speed Indication Device on Whatlington Road, Battle. We are pleased to report that the vast majority of drivers were complying with the 30mph speed limit, with only one driver recorded exceeding the limit during our deployment. We understand that speeding is a key concern for many residents, and we will continue to proactively support our local communities by monitoring problem areas, engaging with drivers, and taking enforcement action where necessary. Enforcement activity is carried out solely to improve road safety and reduce the risk of harm to all road users. The police do not receive any financial benefit from speeding fines. If you are interested in getting involved or setting up a local Community Speed Watch group in your area, you can find further information on their website here
Last week, our Neighbourhood Policing Team had the pleasure of visiting Amberley Nursery and Forest School, Bexhill, to speak with the children about road safety. Helping young people understand how to stay safe near roads is a really important part of what we do. Developing that awareness at an early age, such as recognising traffic, understanding safe places to cross, and knowing the importance of staying alert, can make a real difference in keeping them safe as they grow and become more independent. It was fantastic to see how enthusiastic they were to learn and take part. Of course, there was also time for some hands-on experiences, the children loved exploring the police car, trying out the lights and sirens, and dressing up in our police uniform. They were also given activity/colouring sheets, crayons and stickers We’re proud to continue working closely with local schools and nurseries to support families and help keep our communities safe. Thanks for having us Amberley Nursery and Forest School
I had a productive visit to Hastings Museum this week, where I met with Visitor Services Manager, Oli Rodgers. We discussed the issue of heritage crime and how damaging it can be, not only to historic buildings and artefacts, but also to the character, identity, and shared history of our community. Once these sites or items are damaged or lost, they cannot be replaced, which is why protecting them is so important. We also explored the role we all play in preserving local heritage and how, by working together, police, local organisations, and the wider community, we can help prevent damage, raise awareness, and ensure these spaces are respected and enjoyed for generations to come. We look forward to developing this partnership further and continuing to find ways to safeguard Hastings’ heritage.
69mph in a 30 zone - Sunday rider summonsed to court on North Trade Road.
Proactive policing across Hastings & Rother Over the weekend, officers made 24 arrests, reflecting our continued commitment to keeping communities safe. Just some of the offences included: Robbery: 1 Possession of a bladed article: 2 Warrant / Failure to appear: 3 Stalking / Harassment: 4 Possession with intent to supply: 2 Assault: 8 Drink/Drug driving: 1 Our officers remain focused on tackling harm, protecting the public, and taking positive action against those who threaten community safety.
Neighbourhood Policing Officers recently visited residents at Gavin Astor Close in Pebsham, as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our communities safe and informed. Protecting vulnerable members of our community from scams and fraud remains a key priority. Alongside PC Sidhu, we spoke directly with residents, answering questions and sharing practical advice on how to recognise and prevent common scams. This included guidance on doorstep crime, telephone scams, and online fraud, never sharing personal or banking details, verifying unexpected contacts, and reporting suspicious activity. If you would like more information on how to protect yourself or a loved one from scams, please visit our Operation Signature page on the Sussex Police website. You can also collect a free copy of The Little Book of Big Scams from Hastings or Battle Police Station. If you have concerns about fraud or believe you or someone you know may be at risk, please report it to Action Fraud or contact Sussex Police via 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
On the morning of Friday 15 May, officers from Sussex and Kent Police carried out a joint operation in the West Kent area, executing a PACE search warrant as part of ongoing work to tackle recent rural burglaries affecting Sussex communities. During the warrant, officers recovered a number of suspected stolen items and arrested two individuals on suspicion of offences including conspiracy to commit burglary. Detective Sergeant Jake O’Reilly from the East Sussex Burglary Team said: ‘This was an important joint operation in response to an increase in rural burglaries near the Sussex–Kent border. We are pleased to have recovered suspected stolen property, which will support the next stages of our investigation. Our officers remain committed to supporting victims, pursuing all lines of enquiry, and bringing those responsible to justice. Two individuals remain on bail while enquiries continue.’
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