Eastbourne Neighbourhood Panels News

Eastbourne Neighbourhood Panels News

	8th February 2010 Information Kiosks A message from your Eastbourne Neighbourhood Inspector Insp. Rachel Barrow 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. There are 3 across the town at the following locations: Hampden Park Health Centre Brodrick Close, Hampden Park, Eastbourne, BN22 9NQ Wastbourne District General Hospital Main Reception Kings Drive Eastbourne BN21 2UD Willingdon Trees Children’s Centre Oakwood Primary School Campus Magnolia Drive Eastbourne BN22 0SS I hope that you find them useful With kind regards Rachel Barrow Inspector 5th February 2010 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. PC Keith Rockingham and PCSO Anita Edwards cleaning graffiti. 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. Officers teamed up with over 30 members of partner agencies, DVLA clamped 15 vehicles, following speed checks 35 letters of advice were sent to the registered owners of the vehicles. Local Beatboxing group played to the youth club, East Sussex County Council’s, sex drugs and rock & roll bus had an advice evening for the local teenagers. Local residents took advantage of pet checks and bike safety advice. On the Saturday morning 31 bags of rubbish was collected by the team of litter pickers. The dog warden conducted a number of home visits and dog fouling patrols. The intention of the operation was to reduce the level of crime and for local residents to have the opportunity to share their views and concerns. This is an issue that will never be solved by enforcement alone and we need to work hard towards a solution and diversion for those responsible. Sgt Fiona Munro, Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "My team have worked very hard since the start of this operation, thank everyone involved in the action week and I am proud to have joined officers who have achieved a great deal in a short time. "The input of the local community is vital to tackle these issues effectively. Residents have an in-depth knowledge both of local problems and, specifically, who is responsible for these crimes. "This operation ran alongside other community commitments and the results were only made possible thanks to the close working agreements my team forged with other partner agencies. “This is further evidence of our drive to reduce crime in Eastbourne. We will continue to target areas to ensure less people in Eastbourne become the victims of crime.” Donna Hood, Chair for the Old Town Neighbourhood panel and Chair of the Old town area panel said: “It was a great week with many people accessing different services. My highlight was seeing relationships built and barriers coming down, a real sense of unity in the community happening. A huge thank you to everyone that was involved behind the scenes that helped to make this community event happen.” Emma Jordan, Community Enforcement Officer said: “It is good to see local residents taking part in community initiatives like this one. A great deal was achieved during the week, most importantly, residents and agencies were brought together to build a stronger sense of community and good existing relationships were further enriched.” Stephen Brown, Old Town Community Church, said: “During this week of action I believe it united the community and giving them a sense of responsibility.” Co-ordinator of the Crime Reduction Partnership, Bob Gough, said: “These operations form an important aspect of our drive to further reduce crime and disorder across the town. It demonstrates our commitment to improving life for the community and reaffirms our message to those who break the law that their anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.” ASBO for Leo Lirette On Friday the 8th January 2010 at Eastbourne Magistrates Court, the Police were successful in an application for an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) against 66 years old, Leo Lirette, from Holly Place, Eastbourne. The order imposed remains in force until further notice. Leo Lirette PC Ginny Jupp, ASBO Co-ordinator said : “"This is an excellent result for the people of Eastbourne who have been subjected to the intimidation by this man for a period of time. This is another string to our bows in our aim to combat anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime. Any person who sees Leo in breach of the above orders should contact the Police." CONDITONS OF ASBO ARE AS FOLLOWS Entering any premises from which he knows with written confirmation he has been banned. Entering the Arndale Centre, Eastbourne 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. All of the County Council's libraries are taking part in the campaign which is being replicated by Trading Standards across the UK with the support of the Office of Fair Trading. This follows a similar campaign held by the Council last year. Read full Press Release > > 21st January 2010 A word from Eastbourne’s new Inspector Inspector Rachel Barrow As the newly appointed Police Inspector for Eastbourne’s Neighbourhood Policing Team I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to the community and all of our partners. Having taken on the role in November from Inspector Tony Wakefield, I hope to continue his good work bringing about increased communication, accountability and results for the residents & businesses of Eastbourne. Read Complete Message > > 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 Visit the Sussex Probation Service website for more information on Community Payback. 12th January 2010 A Message from the Divisional Commander “New Year, new plans and ideas to Serve Sussex – that’s what we’re aiming for in 2010. CS Robin Smith 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. With that in mind, I thought you’d like to know that East Sussex Division are teaming up with members of Sussex Police Authority to launch an innovative community engagement event – a Police Virtual Question Time on January 21st, when we will answer public questions on community issues, live across the web. Read Complete message > > District Commander's January Message CI Jayne Dando “New year is a perfect time for reflecting on what has happened over the previous 12 months and thinking about where we are headed in the months to come. I have spoken many times about the successes of the past months and whilst I remain so proud of what we have achieved, I am keen now to re-focus and concentrate on our aims for the coming year. Read Complete Message > > 23rd December 2009 3 Year ASBO for Jemma Bradshaw Eastbourne street drinker Jemma Bradshaw, 29 of no fixed abode, was issued with a 3 year ASBO at Eastbourne Magistrates Court on Friday 18th December 2009. Read full article > > 17th December 2009 Arson – Eastbourne Police are appealing for information following an arson at a block of flats in Ceylon Place, Eastbourne, just before 2:00pm on Tuesday, December 15. Ceylon Place was briefly closed while East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service extinguished the fire. There was minor damage to a communal hallway on the top floor of the building. Nobody was injured. Detective Constable Julian Harris said: "This could have been a very damaging fire and as such we are treating this incident very seriously. We urge anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious around the time of the fire to contact us." Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999, quoting Serial 860 of 15/1 Reduce the risk of losing your purse The Crime Reduction Partnership and Eastbourne Police are encouraging the public to take more care of purses and bags in the run up to Christmas. The loss of a purse is frustrating at any time of the year but as we approach Christmas it is one extra pressure people could do without. Purses become lost for a number of reasons, they fall out of bags, get left on car roofs and are occasionally stolen by opportunistic thieves. The Crime Reduction Partnership has purchased a supply of purse buddies which provides an attachment between the purse and handbag and will alert the owner should the purse either fall out or be stolen. Neighbourhood Police Inspector Rachel Barrow said, “The purse buddies provide peace of mind and we are giving these away to people who feel they might benefit from the extra security. You can obtain a purse buddy by popping into the Police Station at Grove Road or contacting your local Police Community Support Officer on 0845 60 70 999”As Christmas approaches we are asking the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Police straightaway by dialling 999." Eastbourne Crime Reduction Partnership consists of Eastbourne Borough Council, Sussex Police, East Sussex County Council, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, Sussex Police Authority, NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald, Sussex Probation Service as well as a number of voluntary organisations who, working together, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour as well as the fear of crime across Eastbourne. 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 Christmas presents 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 Eastbourne Operation Reindeer Eastbourne Police, Eastbourne Business Crime Group and the town's Crime Reduction Partnership are joining forces to warn residents about criminals who target shoppers and steal from them in the run up to Christmas and into the New Year. Trish Pybous, Eastbourne Business Crime Group manager said: “People in the town are very busy with their Christmas shopping. However, there are undoubtedly a number of opportunistic thieves using this as a perfect way to commit crime and get away unnoticed. Local businesses are working closely with Sussex Police and warn shoppers to zip up handbags and pay a little more attention to security in the run up to Christmas in the Town Centre.” Eastbourne Neighbourhood Police Inspector Rachel Barrow said; “We are making Eastbourne safer in denying criminals the opportunity to profit over the Christmas period by ensuring we have more officers on patrol and enhancing our town centre patrols under the umbrella of ‘Operation Reindeer’. Please be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour straightaway by dialling 999 and asking for the police or by reporting in person to any of the police patrols. Should anyone wish to take advantage of the www.immobilise.com facility to register their property, officers will be available in the Arndale Centre to help & guide members of the public through the process on Saturday 19 December”. Immobilise.com is a website where anyone can create their own personal and secure account, and register their mobile phone or any other property free of charge. Anyone who can offer information about people committing crime in our town can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or the Sussex Police non-emergency call centre on 0845 60 70 999. If a crime is in progress, always dial 999. Further crime prevention advice > > 13th December 2009 ASBO Bobby Burnett Eastbourne Magistrates issued a two year ASBO to Bobby Burnett, 21, from Westham Drive, Pevensey on Friday December 4. Read full article > > ASBO Elliott Moore Eastbourne Police are continuing to target local youths engaging in anti social behaviour and have obtained an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) for Elliott Moore, 17, of Val Princept Road, Pevensey Bay. The order was granted by Eastbourne magistrates on Friday 27th November. Read full article > > 'Safe Space' in Eastbourne for Christmas period A range of safety initiatives will be in place in Eastbourne town centre over the Christmas period, Funded by NHS East Sussex Downs & Weald, the East Sussex Safer Pubbing and Clubbing Group and the Department of Health, 'Safe Space' is designed to make the town centre a healthier and safer place. The projects aim to promote responsible drinking, reduce attendance at A&E and emergency ambulance call outs, and to ensure that people have a safe place to go if they get into trouble or need assistance and advice. Read full article > > Couple arrested for cultivating cannabis A couple from Eastbourne have been arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis. Officers entered premises in Beatty Road, Eastbourne, on Monday 23rd November with a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act. They recovered over 80 cannabis plants and hydropnics equipment. Insp. Rachel Barrow, from Eastbourne said: “This is all part of the ongoing offensive against drug dealers in Eastbourne. We’re determined to wipe the town's streets clean of alleged dealers and keep them that way. If we as a community keep the pressure on, new dealers will think twice before they re-establish these networks." The 56 year old man and 45 year old woman have both been released on police bail until February 21 and December 8 this year, respectively, pending further enquiries. 14th October Donation to Eastbourne Seniors Club PCSO Anita Edwards donated a cheque to the Eastbourne Seniors Club in Cornfield Lane, Eastbourne. The cheque for £650 will be to purchase an indoor bowls mat. Lesley Penfold and PCSO Anita Edwards Lesley Penfold, Club Secretary from the seniors club said: “Eastbourne Seniors Club has been fortunate in obtaining a grant from the Police Community Fund. This will enable this very active Club to purchase a Short Mat Bowls mat. The Club's members were very grateful to the Police for the interest they have taken in the Club and for their generous funding.” The Eastbourne Seniors club was opened in 1954. It enables the over 50s to participate in a variety of interests. The activities and events are run by Club members themselves. We meet everyday at Alice Croft house in Cornfield Lane, we are open from 9-30am to 4-15pm Monday to Friday where we do different activities everyday like carpet bowls, darts. Spanish, whist, short mat bowls, line dancing art, kurling, snooker, T'ai Chi, French, table tennis, bingo, computers, creative writing and choir practice. PCSO’s Anita Edwards said "It is good to see that the proceeds of the PPAF is being spent in the community to support local initiatives and for local people." The money has been provided thanks to the Police Property Act Fund who support many community projects across Sussex through the selling of unclaimed property. David Wood, ASBO, Eastbourne Eastbourne police have again been successful in the Magistrates Court with obtaining an Anti-Social Behaviour Order on a local persistent street drinker. Read full article > > 13th October 2009 Taking the Community to the Community Fire Station On the 26th September 2009, Eastbourne Community Fire Station hosted a joint event with Eastbourne Cultural Communities Network (ECCN). The day was a tremendous success, and included musical and dance performances from people from many different cultures and communities. Read more > > 30th September 2009 Two year ASBO for Dennis Lewis Dennis Lewis, a prolific street drinker last week became the sixth to be granted a full Anti-Social Behaviour order at Eastbourne Magistrates Court. The order is to run until 18th September 2011, on Dennis Lewis, 47, of no fixed abode. Read full article > > 29th September 2009 Countering Anti-Social Behaviour in Princes Park Eastbourne Police has teamed up with Eastbourne Borough Council in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour in Princes Park following an increase in complaints from local residents. Sgt.David Kent and Cllr. Steve Wallis Working with the council, the Police will be enforcing bye-laws which, in addition to a number of other bye-laws, prohibits access to the park outside of opening hours. Those found to be in breach run the risk of being prosecuted. Read full story > > 5th August 2009 On Wednesday 29th July, PCSO Zoe Ayres presented a cheque to Old Town Community Church. Left to right: Len Reeves, Carolyn Lewis, Stephen Brown, PCSO Zoe Ayres, Ted & Jenny Young A spokesperson for Old Town Community Church said: “We are very grateful for this grant. It will enable Old Town Community Church in conjunction with PARCHE to continue providing a subsidised service for disadvantaged and older people. The minibus is used primarily for taking residents of care homes to various events and on trips out. We believe the service we have offered now for over six years has played a vital part in the lives of many hundreds of older people. This can now continue with the help of this grant.” PCSO Zoe Ayres said “I am very pleased to be presenting this cheque as I know it will benefit The old Town Community Church greatly”. The money has been provided thanks to the Police Property Act Fund who support many community projects across Sussex through the selling of unclaimed property. 17th July 2009 Crime prevention advice, Eastbourne Eastbourne Police are warning residents to take precautions when parking their vehicles in the town to avoid falling prey to opportunistic thieves. Following a spate of thefts from vehicles, Eastbourne police are reminding vehicle owners to consider the following crime prevention advice when leaving their vehicles: When you park at home, park on your driveway. If you have no driveway, park the vehicle where there is good lighting. Make sure the vehicle is parked in a location where it is in clear view of other people, not obscured from sight by trees or shrubs. Always keep your keys in a safe place. Always remove your sat-navs, tools or any loose change. Make sure you always close the windows and lock the doors. Don’t leave any valuables on display. Never leave your vehicle’s documents inside the vehicle. Van drivers should clearly display a ‘No tools are kept in this van overnight’ poster. Register your property for free on Immobilise.com Police are responding to this with plain clothes patrols aimed at catching the offenders. Insp Tony Wakefield, Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “ By taking these few simple steps, you can ensure that your vehicle and your valuables are less at risk. We will continue to target areas to ensure less people in Eastbourne become the victims of crime. If you do see anything suspicious please call us there and then and do not leave it until later, this will help us to catch those responsible” “If you have any information regarding these or other thefts then please contact the police. Should you notice anything untoward, take down the description of the person and contact the police with your suspicions at the time. Information can be left either by phoning our non-emergency number, 0845 60 70 999, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If a crime is currently taking place always phone 999.” For further information regarding ways to safeguard your property please contact your local Crime prevention officer via the Sussex Police website 10th July 2009 Justin St. Pierre sentenced, Eastbourne Justin St. Pierre, 24, of Kingsway, Hove, was today sentenced to three years imprisonment at Lewes Crown Court after a jury found him guilty on charges of robbery and attempt theft on 5th March, 2009. Justin St. Pierre A robbery took place at M Jewellers in South Street on Thursday 5th March, at around 3.40pm, when St. Pierre broke into the jewellers. Diamond rings and necklaces were stolen. Earlier that day he had also attempted a theft at Charlwoods Jewellers in Langney, at around 3pm but was unsuccessful. DI Ian Williams, Eastbourne CID said: ”I would like to praise the professionalism and dedication of the officers involved in the enquiry and the thoroughness of the investigation. I am pleased that he will be unable to harm our communities for several years. This is another example of the public helping the police in the apprehension of criminals engaged in crime in this town. Eastbourne remains a safe place in which to live, work and visit.“ 5th June 2009 Street drinker, Kevin Holbrook, breached his ASBO yesterday by associating with another street drinker with whom he was not allowed to associate, and his arrest was instigated by PCSO Kathryn Hill. Today the Magistrates court remanded him to prison for sentencing until 26th June. This is a very positive action by the courts and is evidence that our ASBO's will tackle the street drinker issue. 1st June 2009 Five year ASBO For Kevin Holbrook At Eastbourne Magistrate Court on Friday 29th May, 2009 an Anti Social Behaviour order was granted on Kevin Holbrook, 28, of no fixed abode. The order is to run until 29th May 2014. Read full article > > Speed Checks in Shinewater Members of the Shinewater Neighbourhood Panel, identified speeding as a priority. In response, officers used a Speed Intervention Device (SID) which targeted motorists one morning in Larkspur Drive, junction with Carisbrooke Close, Eastbourne. Read complete article > > 23rd May 2009 ASBO for Reece Holmes On 22nd May 2009, Sussex Police successfully applied for and obtained an Anti Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), against Reece Holmes, 19, of Pensford Drive, Eastbourne, until May 2012. Read full article > > Distraction burglaries Recently there have been distraction burglaries on the Districts around Eastbourne but none so far in Eastbourne. Persons purporting to be from the water board knock on the doors of the elderly and gain entry to the premises and distract them in order to steal any valuables within. Whilst there have been none recently in Eastbourne and the offences on other districts have not involved any violence, clearly we need to put on guard our elderly to the possibility of these criminals attempting to commit an offence in Eastbourne. The message to the elderly and vulnerable is simple. " Do not open the door to any unarranged visits, keep the person waiting outside with the door closed and telephone the company for confirmation that they are a genuine official, always check ID. If the person is genuine they will happily wait outside for these checks to be completed. If you can arrange for a family member, friend or neighbour to be present during any pre arranged visits do so. If in doubt always call the Police. If the person is at the door and has acted suspiciously call 999. 12th May 2009 Jay Georgiou, ASBO On Thursday 7th May, 2009 Eastbourne Magistrates imposed a two year anti social behaviour order (ASBO) on 14 year old Jay Georgiou of Northbourne Road, Eastbourne. Read full article > > !8th March 2009 Mini-moto warning Capable of traveling at high speeds – with loud, potentially disruptive engines – mini-motos are anti-social, and dangerous to both the rider and members of the community if not used responsibly and legally. Mini-motos are frequently ridden on roads and pavements and in other public places such as parks. This is almost always illegal, and, more importantly, such activity is very intimidating and dangerous to pedestrians and residents. Riding on the road can cause even more danger as drivers of roadworthy vehicles have to contend with illegal bikes ridden by those who have no concern for road safety laws, and which sit so low on the ground that they are barely visible. Reckless drivers of mini-motos who disrupt and damage communities could receive points on their licence (even if they haven’t yet got one), face a driving ban, a fine or even have their vehicles crushed As well as the prospect of having their vehicle crushed, offenders can expect to receive points on their licences, including children not old enough to currently hold one. Sgt Fiona Munro said: “Misuse of mini-motos is dangerous and is causing misery in too many of our local communities. These vehicles are not toys and I know people are experiencing increasing problems from the menace of misused mini-motos. This must stop. It is not acceptable to ride these vehicles on our streets or parks and irresponsible use will be punished.” Mini-motos are classed as ‘motor vehicles’ and therefore must comply with road traffic and vehicle taxation law. As such it is illegal to ride unregistered mini-motos and similar off-roading vehicles on pavements, in parks and on public highways. Consequently, for a mini-moto to be legally used on roads, not only would it need to meet construction requirements, but it would also require the following: registration with the DVLA;road tax rider aged 17 or over a suitable safety helmet appropriate insurance a driving licence that authorises the use of that vehicle They would also need to meet the mandatory European construction requirements to be ridden on roads. The majority of mini-motos are not manufactured in such a way that allows them to meet these requirements Aerial views on this site from http://maps.live.com/