Local News October
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Local News October |
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With the clocks now having gone back and darker evenings arriving earlier, it's a good opportunity to check your home security and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary. 🔒 Lock doors and windows, keep valuables out of sight, and consider using timer switches or smart devices to make your home appear occupied when you're out. 🪜 Put away ladders, tools and other items that could help someone gain access to your property. 🏡 Make sure sheds, garages and side gates are secure, and avoid leaving valuable equipment on display. 👀 Keep an eye out for suspicious activity in your neighbourhood and report any concerns to police. Your information could help prevent crime and keep your community safe.
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.
As part of our commitment to keeping our roads safe, officers will be supporting the #IsYourVisionRoadworthy campaign. Good eyesight is essential for safe driving. In fact, around 90% of the information we use when driving is visual. Every motorist is responsible for ensuring they meet the legal eyesight standard, including being able to read a number plate from 20 metres away. If you struggle to read road signs, focus clearly, or are affected by glare from headlights at night, it may be time to book an eye test. A simple eye check could make all the difference and help keep you, your passengers and other road users safe. 👓🚔
Over the weekend 16th-19th October, officers across Hastings & Rother were actively working to keep our communities safe. In total, 31 arrests were made, including: Officers remain committed to protecting the public, supporting victims, and ensuring those who commit offences are dealt with robustly. We will continue to take positive action against individuals who put others at risk. Thank you to our communities for your continued support and for working with us to help keep Hastings & Rother safe.
⚠️ Stay one step ahead of fraudsters 📱 Have you received a mobile phone you didn't order? It could be part of a scam. Find out how this fraud works and how to protect yourself in the latest fraud newsletter: 📖 Read the newsletter here: Fraud Newsletter October 2026 | Surrey Police
👻🎃 Halloween Night
When darkness falls and shadows creep, And many monsters roam the streets, With witches, ghosts and glowing eyes, On a hunt for treats beneath the skies.
A knock may come upon your door, From spooky visitors wanting more, If you'd rather not join the fun, Keep your door closed until they're done.
Remember, not every home will share A love of scares and ghostly flair. If a house isn't joining in tonight, Simply move along and be polite.
While ghouls and goblins wander near, Neighbourhood officers will be here. Out and about throughout the night, Helping communities stay safe tonight.
We'll be patrolling streets and lanes, And dealing with those causing complaints. So if behaviour gets out of hand, Please give us a call, we'll understand.
Enjoy the fun, the sweets, the fright, But treat others kindly through the night. With a little respect and Halloween cheer, Everyone can enjoy this spooky time of year. 🎃👻🚓
Come and Meet Your Local Officers 👋 Your Neighbourhood Policing Team will be at Hollington Bowl, and we’d love you to pop along and say hello. Whether you have a question or concern, want to find out what your local officers are doing in the community, or simply fancy a chat, come and meet the team. 📅 Monday 9 November We look forward to seeing you there.
Following concerns from residents about unfamiliar people gaining access to Beaufort Court, local officers joined residents at their coffee morning for a friendly chat about safety and security. We discussed being cautious when allowing people into the building, checking who they are and asking questions if you’re unsure. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and contact police if you have concerns. Our Neighbourhood Policing Team are here to support our local community and help residents feel safe and reassured in their homes.
On Friday, local officers were welcomed to The Frimley Centre in London Road, St Leonards, to learn more about the support and activities they provide. For 75 years, the Society has supported local people with learning disabilities, along with their families and carers. The centre offers day services, visual and performing arts activities, social clubs and support for parents and carers. During the visit, officers enjoyed a rendition of some ABBA classics and had the opportunity to meet those who use and support the centre. Engaging with all members of our community is an important part of neighbourhood policing, particularly helping vulnerable people recognise and report issues such as hate crime and scams. We look forward to continuing to work with the centre, offering crime prevention advice, support and guidance.
With regular patrols taking place across Hastings, officers also spent time in Alexandra Park, speaking with members of the community and enjoying a few canine encounters along the way. 🐾 Alongside this, officers have continued to address issues affecting Hastings Town Centre and the surrounding areas, including arrests for shoplifting offences and the seizure of illegal e-bikes and e-scooters. We remain committed to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour, responding to local concerns, and maintaining a visible presence within our communities. 🚔If you have concerns about crime or anti-social behaviour in your area, please contact us.
🚔 Roads Policing Update The Roads Policing Unit were out and about across Rother, not only dealing with vehicles without the correct documentation, but also carrying out speed checks in Winchelsea Beach following reports from local residents about excessive speeds through the village. Two drivers were stopped travelling at 43mph and 41mph in a 30mph limit. One of the drivers was also not wearing a seatbelt. Both were issued with Traffic Offence Reports. A driver from Kent stopped to chat, seeking advice about insurance requirements for delivery drivers. In a separate stop, a driver was found to have changed their vehicle registration without updating their insurance company. While insurance was in place, motorists should ensure their policy details remain up to date. And before anyone asks... We didn’t issue any fines but if had, they wouldn’t be paying for the officers' Christmas party, tea fund, or biscuit supplies. They go to the Government, not the officer holding the speed gun! 😉🚓🎄
👮🏼♀️ Closure Order Cornwallis Terrace Officers from the Hastings Neighbourhood Policing Team have secured a Closure Order for a property in Cornwallis Terrace, Hastings, following ongoing reports of anti-social behaviour, drug-related activity, and offensive and criminal conduct. Granted under Section 80 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the order came into effect on 16 October 2026 and will remain in force for three months. During this period, access to the property is restricted to the landlord, emergency services, and utility providers. Any unauthorised entry is a criminal offence and may result in arrest. This action has been taken to reduce the ongoing impact on local residents and the wider community. We will continue to work closely with partner agencies to safeguard vulnerable individuals and address concerns raised by the public. Sergeant Turner said: "This action reflects our ongoing commitment to tackling the issues that matter most to our communities. We will continue to work proactively with our partners to safeguard residents, address local concerns, and help keep our neighbourhoods safe."
⚠️ Parking on Zigzags Puts Children at Risk Before half term, local officers were outside schools speaking with parents and guardians about the dangers of stopping or parking on the school zigzag markings. We were surprised by the number of vehicles parked in these clearly marked safety zones. The zigzags are there to protect children by keeping sight lines clear, allowing them to cross safely and helping drivers see pedestrians as they approach the school. When schools return, we ask everyone to follow the rules and avoid stopping on the zigzags. They are there for a reason and ignoring them puts children at unnecessary risk. 🚸🚔
Patrols in Alexandra Park Officers continue to carry out regular daytime and evening patrols in and around Alexandra Park, particularly as the nights draw in and darker evenings arrive earlier. These patrols provide a great opportunity to speak with those using the park, hear about any issues affecting local people, and offer reassurance through a visible police presence. We also use these conversations to share how we are working alongside partner agencies to address concerns, support our communities, and help ensure the park remains a safe place for everyone. Thank you to everyone who took the time to speak with us during our patrols. It was also great to meet local dog walkers and their pets, with a number of dogs stopping by for a well-earned fuss. 🐾
🏃♀️ Running Together, Supporting Safer Communities 💙 Officers from Hastings Neighbourhood Policing Team had a fantastic evening joining members of This Woman Runs on Hastings seafront as part of the Let's Lift the Curfew campaign, helping to raise awareness of women's safety during the darker evenings. Officers spent time chatting with participants, handing out personal safety items and sharing safety advice before the group set off. There was plenty of laughter, great conversations and a real sense of community spirit throughout the evening. A big thank you to everyone who attended and to the organisers for inviting us along. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting you all. This Woman Runs provides a welcoming and supportive environment for women of all abilities to get active, build confidence and meet new people. If you'd like to get involved, take a look at their local groups and upcoming runs on their website here www.thiswomanruns.com Great to be involved in making our communities safer, stronger and more connected. 💙 #ThisWomanRuns
🛵 Protecting Your Mobility Scooter Local officers recently recovered an abandoned mobility scooter in a wood area by Edinburgh Road, St. Leonards There were signs that it may have been stolen, but at present we do not have a report that matches it. If your mobility scooter is stolen, please make sure you report it to us. Reporting helps officers identify recovered property and gives us the best opportunity to reunite it with its owner. You can also help protect your property by using one of our free DNA marking kits, available from Hastings Police Station. These can be used to give property a unique identifiable mark, helping police link recovered property back to its owner. Our Neighbourhood Policing Team is happy to attend community events across Hastings to help mark mobility scooters and offer crime prevention advice.
🚔 On Wednesday 28 October, officers responded to a report that a red Honda motorbike had been stolen from Wilton Road, Bexhill. Following information from members of the public, officers carried out searches in the Ravenside and Bulverhythe areas after the bike was seen being ridden away. During enquiries, officers located two motorbikes in a wooded area near Bulverhythe Recreation Ground. Both bikes were recovered and, with the owners' permission, have been seized for forensic examination as part of ongoing enquiries. We would like to thank those who reported information and assisted officers in locating the bikes. If you have any information that may help identify those involved, please report it.
This week, officers from our Neighbourhood Policing Team joined keyworkers from the Exploitation Team at Children's Services for a child exploitation awareness event at the Police Pod, Hastings. Working together to help protect young people, we spoke with shoppers and visitors about the signs and indicators of child exploitation, how vulnerabilities can be targeted by offenders, and the support available to children and their families. Some of the warning signs of child exploitation can include a child suddenly having unexplained money, gifts or new possessions, regularly going missing from home or school, changes in behaviour, or becoming secretive about where they are spending their time and who they are with. Thank you to everyone who stopped to speak with us. It was encouraging to see so many people asking thoughtful questions and taking an interest in learning the signs that could help protect a young person from harm.
Reporting and contacting us
For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, visit www.sussex.police.uk (all online reports are triaged and assessed in the same way as a 101 call). Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response, and in an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger always call 999. Visit us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team online* www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area where you can also find locations and opening hours for local stations/contact points. *To contact your local neighbourhood policing team, you can complete a simple form on our website, and the team will respond within 72 hours. This form is specifically for concerns in your neighbourhood and should not be used to report crime or anti-social behaviour.
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: www.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: www.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: www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html Join your local Neighbourhood Watch Neighbourhood Watch is a free, volunteer-led charity that helps communities stay connected, share crime prevention advice, and receive local safety information. Visit the Neighbourhood Watch registration page www.ourwatchmember.org.uk to join online.
Members benefit from community messaging, updates on local issues, and opportunities to support efforts to make their neighbourhood a safer place to live. For further information, please contact the Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation at enquiries@sussexnwfed.org.uk.
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