Summer really does feel like it has arrived and what better place to be than Eastbourne?
Information kiosks have now gone live across East Sussex. They enable members of the public to find who their local officer is via the force website. There is an icon on the main screen on the kiosk with the Sussex Police badge and the words ''Neighbourhood Policing'' which takes them into the website to search for local officer via the postcode search.
“New Year, new plans and ideas to Serve Sussex – that’s what we’re aiming for in 2010. We are starting off the way we mean to go on – with fresh eyes, creativity, and a steely determination to address East Sussex issues for East Sussex people. 28th August 2010
Eastbourne Cultural Communities Network (ECCN) Drop in sessions
Drop in sessions will take place at the ECCN office in Cavendish Place Eastbourne on 1st September 2010 and 6th October 2010,with topics covering Housing Advice and Assistance and Supporting Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
Full details can be found be clicking on the following link ECCN Drop In Sessions >>>
You can also find details on the ECCN Website Click Here to visit
26th August 2010
Eastbourne RNLI Regatta
Eastbourne RNLI will be holding their annual regatta over the forthcoming Bank Holiday Weekend Once again the Eastbourne RNLI Regatta is taking place at the end of August to raise funds for the lifeboats. This is the sixth year of the Regatta and has become a firm favourite in the calendar around Sovereign Harbour, to date raising over £50,000 towards the running of the station. The shore based activities are centred near the Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club with market stalls, beer tent, burger/hot dog stall, fun fair, the RNLI souvenir stand and lots of fun and games for the all the family. Live bands will be performing in the evenings bringing a real party atmosphere to the event. This year the Regatta will again coincide with the Eastbourne RNLI Open Day where everyone is invited to take the rare opportunity to climb aboard Eastbourne RNLI’s All Weather Lifeboat to see how a modern lifeboat works and to meet the volunteer crew who are dedicated to saving lives at sea.
The event runs from Saturday 28th August to Monday 31st August for full details Click here to visit the Regatta website
19th August 2010
Tackling Cycle Theft Together
Eastbourne Crime Reduction Partnership is proud of the major reductions in most areas of crime across the town over recent years. Total crime has reduced by 9% when compared to the same period last year, that’s 737 fewer victims. However, we are concerned about the number of cycles that are being stolen. Whilst reported cycle thefts have reduced by 25% compared to the same period last year, that’s still 197 victims who have had the inconvenience and expense of having their cycle stolen.
To read full message from the Crime Redution Partnership Click Here >>>>
11th August 2010
Five Arrested in Town Centre
Five arrested in Eastbourne town centre
Police made five arrests in Eastbourne town centre after reports of criminal damage, theft and arson were received on Saturday 7 August.
Inspector Rachel Barrow said: "Police stepped up their presence in the area after these incidents were reported, making three arrests that night and a further two following police enquiries. Officers were able to quickly respond to these incidents thanks to local residents doing the right thing and immediately calling the police. Enquiries are continuing and I am appealing to any witnesses who have yet to come forward to contact us immediately."
Police received reports of three people damaging car mirrors and a fire at a laundrette in Seaside at around 4.40am. A 16-year-old boy was arrested shortly after in Desmond Road, a 21-year-old woman from Eastbourne handed herself in after officers visited her family address and a 24-year-old man of no fixed adddress was located and arrested on Sunday morning. All three were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and arson.
Later Saturday night police received reports of a car being damaged in Channel View Road at around 11pm and officers chased and detained the suspects at the scene. An 18-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, both from Eastbourne, were arrested for theft from a car and criminal damage.
The three arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and arson have been bailed until September 13 and the two arrested on suspicion of theft from a car and criminal damage have been bailed until September 14.
Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 305 of 7/8 or anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
10th August 2010
Operation Blitz
Police in Eastbourne have responded to feedback from residents stating that they want to see more police on the beat in the evenings.
A PCSO has been stationed at the pier every evening throughout the summer months to prevent anti-social behaviour in the area and to reassure locals and visitors to the town.
Officers also provide a highly visible presence in the town centre over the busy weekend period throughout the year as part of Operation Marble, aimed at preventing anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime and disorder. Officers monitor reports of crime and patrol where they will be most effective, ensuring everyone is able to enjoy their night out.
Members of the public are also being invited to sign up to the Operation Blitz scheme, aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour, which has proven popular with residents. Officers send members an automatic text or email every week advising them of the days and times that the operation will be running and the contact mobile number for staff deployed on the operation. Members then have a direct line through to officers deployed on the operation to report any anti-social behaviour whilst it is occurring. This operation usually runs every Friday and Saturday evening however throughout the summer school holidays is being run every night.
Sgt Julian Williams, from the Eastbourne neighbourhood policing team, explained: "The direct line enables an efficient response, the Blitz team will deploy immediately to the area and deal with the complaint. It also puts the caller directly through to a local officer who will have an understanding of local issues, when the officers are not responding to calls directly on the Blitz phone they are patrolling 'hotspot' areas identified by local communities for anti social behaviour. The Blitz team confiscate alcohol from youths on an almost daily basis."
Operation Blitz is jointly financed by the Eastbourne Crime and Disorder reduction Partnership. Portfolio holder for Community at Eastbourne Borough Council, Margaret Bannister added: "The Crime Reduction Partnership recognises that tackling anti-social behaviour is a priority for the community which is why we have supported Operation Blitz and are delighted with its continuing success."
If you would like to join the Operation Blitz scheme and have a direct line to the Blitz van, simply contact your local PCSO on 0845 60 70 999 and we will send you a Blitz pack. You can also find out more by visiting the Your Neighbourhood section of the Sussex Police website, www.sussex.police.uk. Theses initatives compliment the hours of patrol and community engagements run on a daily basis by the Neighbourhood Policing teams PCSO's and Police officers together with the neighbourhood response teams who cover 24/7.
Don't forget operation Blitz is running every day throughout the school holidays call 07785372050 to report Anti-social behaviour or underage drinking.
9th August 2010
Airbourne Returns To Eastbourne
Airbourne returns to Eastbourne's Seafront this weekend, it is the 18th 
year the show has been running and promises to be a great weekend for all the family.
The show is free and as well as the flying there will be a large number of other attractions to see and get involved with.
The show runs from 12th to 15th August , for more details visit the Eastbourne Borough council website click here >>
3rd August 2010
Sussex Police Launch "New-look" website
The new Sussex Police website has now launched (www.sussex.police.uk).
The website has been built entirely in-house and over the coming weeks, additional functions and content will come online.
Feedback from users is at the heart of the website - with a button at the bottom of every page. Please have a look at the website and let us have your feedback, particularly what else you'd like to see online.
21st July 2010
Eastbourne Dog Show 2010
The 2010 Eastbourne Dog Show will be held on Saturday 7th August at Eastbourne Rugby Club, Park Avenue, Hampden Park starting at 11:00am. The day will include a Fun Dog show with pedigree and novelty classes to enter at £1 a class. The PDSA van will be giving free health checks and advise .A dog micro chipping service will be available on the day for £10 . Also visiting is Sussex Police dog unit which will be doing a short display, Polar the Dog welfare assistant. Agility and obedience displays There is also over 25 stalls to browse round from rescue and welfare organisations, local organisations and retail Stands.
Police along with Eastbourne Borough Council Enforcement officers and the Dog Welfare Officer will be speaking to local dog walkers, handing out leaflets and doggie bags in Hampden Park in a bid to educate about dog fouling and inviting responsible dog owners to volunteer any information they may have about this issue.
Sgt Fiona Munro of the Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "This event successfully brings together our partner agencies and local groups, it is a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with the public in a light hearted way. It is hoped that through Education with strong partnership activity we can work together with the community to achieves long term solutions to the problem of dog fouling that affect all of us. and further goes to show the importance we place on working with local communities to address Neighbourhood priorities set by the Local Neighbourhood Panels "
Sue Criddle , Eastbourne Dog Welfare Officer said: "Come along to the Eastbourne dog show it will be a great day for the family and an opportunity to fun with your dogs and to learn about dog ownership. We will also be raising funds for the PDSA, and the Basil Fund which supports local low income families and abandoned dogs during the event."
For information please contact Sue Criddle, Dog Welfare Officer
Tel: 01323 415380. Or visit the website > >
6th July 2010
999 Display 2010
The 23rd Eastbourne 999 show returns to Western Lawns on 10th and 11th July. The Crime Reduction Partnership proudly sponsors the event and will have a stand in the main display tent where you can speak to Officers from the Partnership, have your say on crime in Eastbourne and pick up information about keeping you safe.
The weekend will see demonstrations by all of the emergency services, in the main arena, in the air and on the sea. Demonstrations will include a display by Police handlers and their dogs, a simulated cliff rescue by the Coast Guard, rescue from a damaged car by the ambulance and Fire Service and fly overs by Police, Ambulance and Coastguard helicopters. The fire service will also be demonstrating how they deal with a chip fat fire.
The French National Gendarmerie will be present and in a new display for this year, the Horsham Working Newfoundlands will be putting on a sea demonstration.
Download a copy of the CDRP July Newsletter> >
25th June 2010
Shoplifting DOWN across Eastbourne
The shoplifting action plan developed by the Eastbourne Crime Reduction Partnership (CRP) has seen a dramatic reduction in shoplifting offences across the town.
In 2009 the Partnership developed an action plan to tackle the upward trend in theft from shops which was the only major crime type that was not reducing in Eastbourne.
Sussex Police worked with Eastbourne Business Crime Group and the CRP to look at the causes of the increases and to develop a strategy to halt the rise.
21st June 2010
Operation Liberal responds to Doorstep Crime
Operation Liberal (currently known in Sussex as Operation InRoad) is the national response to distraction burglaries, rogue traders and bogus callers; commonly referred to as 'Doorstep Crime'. These type of offences can be committed by offenders who are known to travel across borders and further afield to conduct their crimes
The Operation Liberal team has issued an A5, six sided leaflet which is aimed at older vulnerable members of the community who are most likely to become victims of distraction burglary
The leaflet contains information under the following headings:
- What Is Distraction Burglary?
- How Do They Operate?
- Distraction Burglary Isn’t Common But We Must All Remain Vigilant!
- Rogue Traders
- Common Lies Distraction Burglars Use To Convince You To let Them In
- A Few Tips To Keep You safe
- Useful Contacts
You can get a printed copy of the leaflet from your Neighbourhood Policing Team or download a copy > >
13th June 2010
Nearly a thousand tested in first week of drink drive campaign
The first week of Sussex Police's summer drink-drive campaign resulted in nearly a thousand roadside tests and 38 arrests. The second week's figures started with a man who was nearly three times over the limit at 8.30 in the morning and with a child in the car.
He was spotted driving a BMW near the Drusillas roundabout on the A27 between Lewes and Eastbourne by an off-duty police officer on Wednesday morning (June 9). A road policing unit stopped the car at Firle and arrested the 45-year-old driver from Willingdon on suspicion of drink-driving. He later provided a breath sample of 96mg/100ml - the legal limit is 35mg. He was charged and bailed to appear before Lewes Magistrates on June 23.
Over the first eight days of the campaign (June 1–8), 948 drivers were tested. Of these, 148 of the tests were following a collision, resulting in 12 arrests on suspicion of drink driving.
Ch Insp Di Roskilly from Sussex Police's Road Policing Unit said: "We are removing a growing number of drunk drivers from the roads of Sussex before they have come to any harm or caused injury or worse to other road users. However, in just eight days, 38 people have been arrested and that's 38 too many. We are doing all that we can to discourage drinking and driving, but it is disheartening to find that there are still those who blatantly disregard the law and are prepared to gamble with their lives and the lives of others."
"Aside from the social and financial aspects of a drink driving conviction – loss of job, a substantial fine, the stigma of a criminal record, imprisonment – drunken drivers take lives and ruin lives, with devastating consequences for themselves, their families and the friends and families of their victims."
"If you drink and drive, we will catch up with you and you need to hope that's before you kill or maim. Our message is very simple - don't!"
If you suspect someone of drink-driving you can report them via the Operation Crackdown website - or by calling 0845 60 70 999 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If the offence is taking place, dial 999 immediately.
3rd June
Sussex Police Launch Speeding Awareness Campaign
Sussex Police have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of driving at excessive speed, The campaign aims to:
- Encourage drivers to keep within the speed limit
- Raise awareness of the dangers of speeding, not only to drivers and their passengers, but also to all road users
- Involve the community in speed reductions
- Improve the environment of local communities by reducing danger and nuisance to other road users
- Make speeding as socially unacceptable as Drink Driving has become
The success of the campaign depends on members of the public driving within the speed limit at all times. It is important to link speed with driving conditions and not simply to the maximum permitted speed.
It is important that those who already drive within the speed limit should encourage others to do the same.
A rear window sticker, as shown at the top of this item, has been issued. You can get one from your neighbourhood Police officers
24th May 2010
Follow the Neighbourhood Policing Team on Twitter
There is now another way for you to follow what Eastbourne Police Neighbourhood Policing Team are doing. The Team now have a Twitter account and will be updating it each day at www.twitter.com/eastbournepol
Sgt Fiona Munro from North Eastbourne , said: “I am very pleased that we are now able to reach the people of Eastbourne in such a new and innovative way. This simple way of informing people of what we are doing is an invaluable tool, We will use Twitter to engage with the community in a really immediate way . We hope they will be able to use similar methods to give us their views."
“We have recognised that people are now accessing their information in new ways: it is important that we follow these trends and use them to everybody's advantage. At the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Policing Team we aim to be as accessible as possible and if Twitter helps us do this then I am very happy. Twitter is a quick, simple way to keep informed of the Teams actions, meetings and news."
21st May 2010
Sussex Safer Roads Partnership
Throughout Sussex, conscientious road users - whether they be car drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists or pedestrians are working together to reduce the casualty levels on our roads. Some of this reduction is also due to the work of the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership (the SSRP), which is funded by a central Government grant to the three local highway authorities (West and East Sussex County Councils, Brighton and Hove City Council). Other partners in the SSRP are Sussex Police, the Highways Agency, the Surrey and Sussex Courts Service together with the Fire and Rescue Services from each side of Sussex.
The Sussex community of residents, businesses and tourists also have a vital part to play in the partnership's day to day activities. Concerns from local and parish councillors and individuals are taken into account as the partnership plans new road safety initiatives across the county. Whether we receive comments via our website, on the telephone or when we meet you at shows and events, it's your feedback about your roads which helps us target areas efficiently and effectively.
Twenty four arrests in Eastbourne crackdown on drug related crime and anti-social behaviour
Officers from Eastbourne Police teamed up with colleagues from British Transport Police, Eastbourne Borough Council, residents and licensed premises to target drug related crime and anti-social behaviour.
Local officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team have spent their week conducting high visibility patrols of locations within the town centre under the umbrella of ‘Operation Ambrose’. Officers targeted persistent street drinkers, visited all second hand dealers with a view to reducing the opportunities for thieves finding outlets for stolen property and completed environmental audits of areas in need of good a clean up from litter, graffiti and drug and alcohol related debris.
Sergeant Gareth Evans, neighbourhood policing team said: "This type of coordinated approach has proved to be really successful. Officers worked throughout the day and night to target and bring offenders to justice and disrupt their criminal activities."
"In just seven days we have made 10 arrests of offenders wanted on warrant to appear at court and 14 arrests for a variety of other offences ranging from vehicle crime, burglary, assault and criminal damage. We also stopped 200 people suspected of involvement in criminal activity."
PC Jinnie Jupp, Eastbourne’s Anti-Social Behaviour Officer is particularly pleased as officers also made two arrests of well known street drinkers found in breach of their Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. Steven Smith, 38 and Jemma Bradshaw 30, have been charged and will appear before Eastbourne Magistrates on 27 and 28 May, respectively.
She said: "This type of positive reporting from the public and action by police really supports the work that we do with the courts to tackle anti-social behaviour. It also sends a clear message to people with ASBOs that their behaviour will not be tolerated and they will be arrested if they breach their ASBO conditions."
Finally, work has been taking place to disrupt people dealing drugs in Eastbourne. Chief Inspector Jayne Dando said: "This week officers have executed four search warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act, resulting in two arrests for cultivation offences and the seizure of 80 cannabis plants. We have also been helped out by our colleagues from British Transport Police who visited the train station on Friday 14 May with a drugs dog."
"A small team of officers trained in the use of a special 'Iontrack' machine visited the town centre pubs, bars and clubs on Saturday 15 May looking for drugs. They went to a whole range of venues and used specially designed swabs looking for traces of controlled substances. This type of initiative promotes responsible management of licensed premises by reducing the use and supply of recreational drugs, which can result in less drug and alcohol fuelled violence."
"Work throughout this week has been extremely productive and the team are constantly looking at new and fresh ideas to keep the pressure on the criminals, working hard to serve the people of Eastbourne."
Police hunt for Eastbourne Sainsbury's burglars
If you shopped at Sainsbury's superstore in Hampden Park, Eastbourne, last Saturday 15th May, you may be able to help police with their enquiries.The store was burgled whilst it was open to customers on Saturday afternoon. It is unclear whether the burglar(s) initially got to the roof from the exterior of the building or from within the store. The burglar or burglars then abseilled down from the roof using a number of tow ropes tied together to make a getaway. The ropes were found by staff and police who were called just after 6pm. The total amount stolen has not yet been confirmed, but is expected to be substantial.
Similar stores in the area are being visited by police and given advice to help prevent them being targeted in the same way.
Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen something suspicious at or around Sainsbury's in Hampden Park during the day on Saturday 15th May.
Please call 0845 60 70 999 and quote serial 1436 15/05. Alternatively, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Detective Sergeant James Pateman said; "The ropes went down the eastern side of the building, which we believe is where those responsible fled the scene. This area opens into an alleyway by the car park so shoppers may have seen men or vehicles arriving or leaving at that point in particular.
Monkey on the Loose?
A chap from Bexhill called police yesterday afternoon reporting a loose black and white monkey that looked bigger than a Jack Russsell. It ran across the road in front of his car and then ran over into some trees on the side of the road.
PCSO Tony Holland completed a search of the Pevensey Bay Road area but could find no trace of the monkey.
If you have any information, please call PCSO Tony Holland on 07787-685821
11th May 2010
Community Payback and Neighbourhood Panels
Unpaid Work is a sentence available to courts. It is intended as a punishment and also as a means by which offenders can make amends to the community for the harm they have caused. The scheme is known as Community Payback.
The sentence is set by the court at anything between 40 and 300 hours depending on the seriousness of the crime and the offender's record. In Sussex, offenders must work at least seven hours - or one full day - per week, either as part of a group or on a single placement. Community Payback offenders are at work in Sussex seven days a week.
The Probation Service is keen that Eastbourne's communities should benefit from the scheme and would like to work with Neighbourhood Panels to identify suitable projects.
The type of work carried out includes:
- Landscaping and forestry
- Grounds clearance
- Building and maintenance
- Painting and decorating
- Litter picking and graffiti removal
More information on Community Payback > >
29th April 2010
Chair of Ratton and Rodmill Neighbourhood Panel Passes Away
Former member of Eastbourne Borough and East Sussex County Council Michael Tunwell passed away in his sleep at his home in Ratton on Tuesday night. He was 80.
28th April 2010
Operation Echelon Update
Antony Scrase, has today been charged with the murders of Sally Anne Smith, and Lois Baxter-Smith, mother and daughter. The original date of this offence being 6th Sept 2003.
Scrase, 37 years, was arrested by detectives from the Sussex Police Major Crime Branch in the morning of Tuesday 27th April 2010. He was refused bail and remained in custody overnight.
He was presented before Eastbourne Magistrates in the morning of 28th April, where he was remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on Friday 30th April.
DCI Trevor Bowles and his team of officers are working hard to continue to support family and friends of Sally-Anne and Lois.
Sgt Gareth Evans and his team of local constables and community support officers will ensure that the residents of Beach Road and surrounding area will be supported with contact details for their local officers and high visibility patrols.
27th April 2010
Operation Echelon (Eastbourne 2003 Double murder - Arson attack)
This incident predates the formation of the neighbourhood panels but those who live in Eastbourne may recall this tragedy where a mother and daughter lost their lives in an arson attack. I am currently working on an updated Community Impact Assessment following the arrest of a suspect this morning. A press release has been published as below.
'Detectives from Sussex Police's Major Crime Branch have this morning, Tuesday 27 April, arrested a man on suspicion of a six year old double murder in Eastbourne.
Early on the morning of 6 September 2003, 38-year old Sally-Ann Baxter Smith and her 14-year old daughter Lois, were murdered in a fire which was set at their home at 5 Beach Road, Eastbourne. Post-mortem examinations revealed that they had both died from smoke inhalation. The 37-year old man was arrested in Lewes shortly after 9am today and taken to Eastbourne to be interviewed. Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles is leading the enquiry, which re-opened last year.'
You may be interested in viewing a Crimewatch feature on this incident
Insp. Rachel Barrow
23rd April 2010
Mephedrone – Now a Class B Drug
On Friday 16th April 2010, Mephedrone was classified as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Mephedrone had been one of the colloquially termed 'legal highs'. Also known as 'meow meow' or 'M-cat', it is a white or off white crystallised powder that has previously been sold on the internet and was described as plant food or a research chemical. It is usually taken by swallowing or snorting and is often sold in small plastic bags, although it can occasionally be found in capsule form.
Taking Mephedrone is dangerous. Long term effects on the human body have not been fully assessed but it is already known that people who take it may suffer from an increased heart rate and blood pressure, irritability, nausea and vomiting, fitting and headaches.
District Commander Chief Inspector Jayne Dando, “Sussex Police will follow ACPO guidelines in relation to the policing of mephedrone and will adopt a proportionate approach to enforcement - concentrating our efforts on dealers. As with other substances, it is unlikely that officers will know exactly what mephedrone is without it being tested, and therefore the suspect is likely to be arrested to allow an investigation to be undertaken.”
If you have any information about any illegal drugs or any other crimes please call the Police on 0845 6070999 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
16th April 2010
Grants for Young People - YouthBank
Have you got a great idea to make a difference to you and other young people in your community? Perhaps you could do with a new football kit for your local team, or you’d like to put on a club night for you and your mates so there’s somewhere for you to go on a Friday night?
Well, now you can apply for a YouthBank grant to make your idea happen.
What is YouthBank?
YouthBank is a national scheme where you can apply for money, and other young people decide who to give the money to. There is a local YouthBank in East Sussex.
Who can apply for a grant?
You can apply if you are 13 to 19, or up to 25 if you have special needs, and you live in East Sussex. It’s important that the idea and application form is written by you, but you will need an adult to support your application. You need at least two people in your group to apply.
19th March 2010
Thefts from Garden Sheds
Eastbourne Police are investigating a number of incidents across Kings Park and Kingsmere where several garden sheds have been broken into. Garden equipment has been targeted with mowers and tools being taken. The majority of these offences have occurred overnight.
Neighbourhood Officer for Kings Park and Kingsmere, PC Ed Faulkner said, “We have increased our patrols and are targeting our resources within the area to prevent any further offences and identify those responsible. In the meantime I encourage all house holders to check the security of sheds and outbuildings and make sure that they are secured with decent locks. We have a number of leaflets available to help advise how to make buildings more secure. Jan Newens, Chair of Neighbourhood Watch has a small supply of shed alarms should anyone wish to make use of them. These are available through local Officers and at the Police Station.
We are also concentrating on outlets for stolen goods and I urge anyone with information about who may be responsible for these offences to contact me or call crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Sgt Ed Ripley, who is responsible for Neighbourhood policing in Kings Park & Kingsmere, “We are determined to catch the people responsible for this spate of thefts but rely on the community to help us by reporting anything suspicious straight away by dialling 999. Overall crime in Eastbourne has again fallen by 8% compared to the previous 12 month period which means there are 656 fewer victims across the town. We intend to continue this reduction in crime.”
Contact PC Ed Faulkner on: 07787 685813 or e-mail Ed
15th March
Take Care at Supermarket Self Service Checkouts
Police are advising customers at supermarkets to be extra vigilant when using "Self service checkouts". Recently there have been an series of offences where customers have paid for their goods using a credit or debit card at a self service checkout. Whilst they have done 
this, and unknowing to the customer, two people have been watching them input their PIN into the card machine. A short time later, the same customer is approached in the stores car park and distracted, often by being asked the directions to the local hospital or similar, and the card is stolen from a handbag or purse. Very quickly after the card is used at the stores cash point and a the maximum is withdrawn for that day.
This is particularly nasty as is plays on the good nature of residents who wish to help others in medical need. Additionally the victim does not realise the card has gone until some time after. Enquiries are continuing as to who is responsible for this crime, but vigilance is needed by all users, especially at busy times.
Insp Rachel Barrow, the Neighbourhood Policing Inspector has said: "This type of offence is very rare in Eastbourne, but it does appear well organised. However, we are reminding people of the general advice given by banks to cover the keypad when typing in their PIN and be aware of anybody standing close-by and watching them. If an individual is acting suspiciously please call Police straight away by dialling 999".
25th February 2010
Launch of ‘Learning not Burning’ campaign – Firesetter Intervention Scheme
From natural curiosity to criminal acts, people set fires for different reasons. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has launched a programme to help them learn not to burn.
Misuse of fire is a danger not only to the individual, but to friends, family and others, it does not discriminate, it does not care. No matter how small, no fire is insignificant and has the potential to be fatal.
East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service has a team of professionals with specialist training to help individuals who abuse fire. We understand the attraction, the excitement, the comfort and the emotions that fire instills in us and provide prevention through education. Within our communities there exists a constant threat from adults and young people who are involved in fire setting incidents each year, many of which are fires caused through children playing with matches and lighters.
To tackle these problems and raise awareness of these issues, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is launching the Learning not Burning campaign on Monday 22nd February 2010.
All firesetting education is undertaken in a confidential environment.
5th February
Operation Synergy
Interacting with residents of Old Town to give the community advice and to tackle environmental, and crime related issues is the aim behind the Old Town Community Action week a multi-agency initiative that took place Eastbourne. The operation, led by Old Town Neighbourhood Panel, started on Saturday 16th January and ended on Saturday 22nd January.
High visibility police patrols took to the streets of Old Town last week providing public reassurance while addressing issues ranging from speeding cars, antisocial behaviour, community run surgeries, street cleansing, fly-tipping, graffiti, parking, untaxed and uninsured vehicles.
Read full report > >29th January 2010
New Police Powers to Tackle Underage Drinking
New Police powers to tackle underage drinking in England and Wales have now come into effect. They will make it easier for police to confiscate alcohol, move-on groups of teenagers causing trouble, and stop retailers selling alcohol to children.The powers were introduced through the Policing and Crime Act, which received Royal Assent in November 2009. They include; making it an new offence for under eighteens to persistently possess alcohol in a public place, extending the police’s powers to issue ‘directions to leave’ to include young people aged ten to fifteen, amending police powers with regard to the confiscation of alcohol, so that they no longer need to prove that the individual ‘intended’ to consume it and changing the offence of persistently selling alcohol to under eighteens from three strikes within three months to two strikes in the same period.
Councillors will now also be able tackle problem premises by calling for a review to restrict or remove an alcohol retailer’s license. Home Office minister Alan Campbell said, ‘The majority of young people are model citizens, but there are a minority that are not.
These powers will make it easier for police to take tough action against those groups whose behaviour can affect a whole community.’ Alongside this, we are challenging young people’s attitudes about binge drinking’.
The new powers are part of a wider government strategy to tackle underage drinking and associated crime and disorder.
28th January 2010
2010 - Time to Turn the Scammers In
Residents in East Sussex are once again being asked to help in the fight against con artists, criminals and scammers by taking part in a month-long 'Scamnesty' campaign.
East Sussex County Council Trading Standards is running the Scamnesty campaign during February, asking the public to hand in any suspicious 'scam' mailings to their local library.
Don't leave your car unattended with the engine running!
As the mornings turn icy, Sussex Police is reminding motorists that, while it is tempting on cold mornings to turn the engine and blower on and return indoors, it does provide easy pickings for thieves.
A police spokesperson said: "Always avoid leaving your car unattended with the engine running, to defrost your windscreen! Leave yourself a bit of extra time on frosty mornings to go out and thoroughly defrost the car windows. It may seem like an inconvenience, but it is a lot less trouble than having your car stolen, and suddenly being without transport.
"Most thieves are opportunists and if they spot your car on the roadside, or driveway, with the engine running, they won’t hesitate to hop in and steal it."
Other ways motorists can protect their property this winter include:
- Always remove sat-navs and cradles
- Never leave valuables on display, including coats and parcels
- Keep car keys out of sight (and not on a hook, or table, by the front door).
- If you have a garage, use it
- Ensure all vehicle doors and windows are locked
- If you don't have private parking, try to park in a well lit area.
Sussex Police can be contacted on 0845 60 70 999 (non-emergency) or www.sussex.police.uk