Local News September
|
||
|
|
||
|
||
|
Local News September |
||
|
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.
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.
We have received reports of anti-social driving and excessive vehicle noise in and around Pelham Place car park, particularly during the late evening and early morning hours. Neighbourhood Policing Officers are actively addressing these concerns and have been conducting patrols in the area. Officers have spoken with both motorists and motorcyclists using the car park, giving advice regarding responsible driving and making them aware of the consequences of anti-social vehicle use, including the Section 59 powers. While we recognise that the majority of drivers and riders use the area responsibly, we will continue to take action against those whose behaviour causes nuisance or concern to the local community. A visible police presence will remain in and around Pelham Place and the wider town area. 🚔 What are Section 59 Powers? Using a vehicle in a manner that causes alarm, distress, or annoyance to others may result in police action. ⚠️ Police are no longer required to issue a warning before taking action. Where anti-social driving is identified and the legal threshold is met, officers have the power to seize a vehicle immediately.
🐾 One of the best parts of neighbourhood policing is meeting and supporting all members of our community... 🐾 While out on patrol, we had the pleasure of meeting Gerty 🐶. Despite being disabled, Gerty doesn't let anything slow her down. With the help of her special wheels, she enjoys the freedom to explore, go on adventures, and make new friends along the way. She was more than happy to stop for a fuss and a photo, and she certainly brought a smile to our day! Gerty is a wonderful reminder that doing things differently doesn't stop you from living life to the fullest. 🐾💙
Closure Order Secured in St Leonards On 16 September, officers from the Hastings Neighbourhood Policing Team secured a three-month Closure Order for a property in Markwick Terrace, St Leonards. The order was granted under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 following ongoing reports of anti-social, criminal and disorderly behaviour linked to the address. Before taking this action, neighbourhood officers worked closely with the resident and partner agencies in an effort to address the issues associated with the property. Despite repeated engagement and support, the behaviour continued, with local residents reporting that they were living in constant fear and experiencing daily anti-social behaviour. The Closure Order was granted to prevent further nuisance, disorder and anti-social behaviour, helping to protect the wider community and improve the quality of life for local residents. Partner agencies will continue to provide support to those affected. We remain committed to tackling the issues that matter most to our communities and keeping our neighbourhoods safe.
🚨 E-scooter rider arrested for Drink Driving On Wednesday 16 September, officers from the Hastings Neighbourhood Policing Team were out on foot patrol along Devonshire Road when they spotted a 50-year-old man travelling at speed on an e-scooter. Officers stopped the rider and found him to be intoxicated. He subsequently failed a roadside breath test and was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence. The e-scooter was seized, and a further breath test carried out in custody returned a positive result. ⚠️ A reminder: Private e-scooters are classed as mechanically propelled vehicles and cannot currently be insured for use on public roads. This means riders using them illegally can face additional consequences, alongside any other offences committed. The man was charged with the above offences and released on court bail. He is due to appear at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on 17 December. 🍺🛴 Drink driving is dangerous regardless of the vehicle you are using. If you’re not fit to drive, don’t ride.
🚨 Raising Awareness Around Spiking at Sussex Coast College 🚨 Yesterday (21 September), our Neighbourhood Youth Officer visited Sussex Coast College at Hastings Plaza to speak with students about the risks of drink spiking, vape spiking and needle spiking. It was encouraging to hear that many students were already aware of the dangers of drink spiking. However, some had not considered that spiking can also involve vapes, cigarettes, food or even the injection of drugs without a person's knowledge or consent. We had some really positive conversations throughout the day and were able to hand out bottle and glass toppers, which can help protect drinks while out socialising. Just as importantly, we reinforced the message that tackling spiking is everyone's responsibility. If you see someone who appears vulnerable or unwell, please get them help. Look out for your friends, help keep them safe, and never be afraid to speak up if someone's behaviour causes concern. It was a very productive day for PC Donaldson, with plenty of opportunities to engage with students and share important safety messages. And remember... call out your friends if they think spiking is ok.
Recently, we had the pleasure of attending "A Trip Down Memory Lane", a community event organised by the Alzheimer’s Society and Hastings Voluntary Action. The event celebrated the history of Hastings through shared memories, photographs, music and stories, bringing people together to connect and reminisce. As neighbourhood policing officers, we know how important it is to support vulnerable members of our community and help create inclusive spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. Events like this help raise awareness of dementia, reduce stigma and encourage understanding across generations. Most importantly, it reminds us that every story matters. We were proud to support such a positive event that strengthens community connections and helps ensure nobody feels isolated or forgotten.
🚔 88mph! Driver Summoned to court. Monday night, an officer from the Roads Policing Unit detected a vehicle travelling at 88mph on Combe Valley Way. The driver will now be summoned to court to answer for the offence. Speed limits are there for a reason. Driving at excessive speeds significantly reduces reaction time and increases the risk of serious collisions, especially at night when visibility is reduced. Slow down. Stay safe.
Help us keep Sussex safe
Burglary and Vehicle Crime statistics below.
| ||
Reply to this message | ||
|
|
