Sussex Alerts - staying safe online, hear from our South East Cyber Crime Unit

Thursday 16th July 2026

Sussex Alerts - staying safe online bought to you by our South East Cyber Crime Unit

Staying safe online is more important than ever before

From convincing phishing emails and fake text messages to online shopping scams and identity theft, criminals are constantly finding new ways to target individuals. As more of our daily activities move online, understanding how to recognise and avoid fraud has become an essential life skill.

To help residents stay protected, Daniel Sykes from the South East Cyber Crime Unit speaks to BBC Sounds and shares practical advice on how to spot the warning signs of fraud, protect your personal information, and take simple steps to improve your online security. 

The feature highlights the most common online scams affecting people today and provides expert guidance on what to do if you think you've been targeted by fraudsters.

Listen online (interview begins at 1:40) here.

Whether you're managing your finances online, shopping from home, or simply using social media to stay connected, these tips can help you navigate the digital world more safely and confidently. 

From creating strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication to recognising suspicious links and unexpected requests for payment, his interview explains the measures everyone can take to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime.

South East Cyber Crime Unit

Contact us

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.  

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

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, or other forms of communication difficulties.

Those with textphone can text 18001 101, or BSL users can use SignVideo to provide a Video Relay Service (here: https://signvideo.co.uk/), to report crime through a live online interpreter, who will contact the police on your behalf, when you do not require an urgent response.

In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger please use the textphone service 18000 or text us on 999.

BSL users can call 999 BSL (here: https://999bsl.co.uk/)  to use a British Sign Language interpreter.

For more information on textphone and Relay UK, including help setting up the Relay APP please visit: https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html