PC Ed Faulkner
PC Louis Thompson 
PCSO Martin Hylands 
Sovereign Harbour Neighbourhood Panels News
02nd September 2010
The next Sovereign Harbour Neighbourhood Panel meeting will take place on 7th October 2010 7pm at Haven School.
28th August 2010
Two Arrested for Attempted Robbery in Eastbourne
Two teenagers were quickly arrested by officers investigating an attempted robbery in Eastbourne. A 17-year-old male and 15-year-old male were arrested at 11:50pm on 27th August following a police pursuit.
An attempted robbery was reported to police at around 11:25pm by a 23-year-old woman who had been approached in Pacific Drive by a male who demanded money. The teenager, who had his face covered, was disturbed and ran to a car which had another male inside. The pair then drove off.
Police followed the vehicle until it crashed on the A259 at Newhaven. The two teenagers were arrested as they tried to escape from officers. Several vehicles were damaged following the collision, including a police car, but no-one was injured.
As at 8:30am on 27th August, the pair remain in police custody on suspicion of attempted robbery and taking a conveyance.
Chief Inspector Charlie Connaughton said: "Because the victim called the police immediately after the incident officers were able to track down the car and follow it, resulting in two arrests."
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 1958 of 26/8 or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
5th July 2010
"Stomping for the Swamp"
On Sunday 4th July, residents and visitors thronged through the Sovereign Harbour Waterfront to take part in a free concert, "Swamp Aid 2010" which was held to raise money in support of the small Louisiana fishing communities that have been affected by the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. These people had still not recovered from the devastation cause by hurricane Katrina when they were hit my the oil spill.
PCSO's Tony Holland and Andy Monico kept a watching brief on the event, but their intervention was never necessary. Everybody has a great time and the day passed off without incident.
For more information, or to purchase a CD of Cajun music produced specially for the event, visit the Swamp Aid website.
4th March 2010
Community working together to make real difference
Latest crime figures for the residential area of Sovereign Harbour have shown a real reduction in the number of victims.
The statistics, released after a request from the Neighbourhood Panel, showed that in 2008 there were 183 crimes recorded in the residential area of the harbour. These were wide and varied in nature and those that took place in the business area of the Crumbles are not included.
In 2009 the number dropped to 148. Whilst any crime has a devastating impact on the victim, this reduction shows that the strong partnership working between the Neighbourhood Policing Team, Neighbourhood Panel, SHRA, and local Council is beginning to have to a great effect on crime in the area. The Harbour, whilst being a relatively new community, is working to ensure criminals know they are being watched, and will be caught.
Neighbourhood Constable for the area, PC Ed Faulkner, said "This is great news; joined up thinking involving all the community is exactly what is needed to tackle all sorts of crime. These figures are a tribute to the work and dedication put in by residents who are prepared to go that little bit further to help out their community. We intend to continue this close working to drive down the figures for 2010. I know that stats aren't everything but these are a measure of our work".
Chairman of the Sovereign Harbour Neighbourhood Panel (SHNP), Jan Weeks, said "These statistics show that co-operation within the community - residents, police, the Borough Council and harbour stakeholders is essential, and has had a positive effect in keeping crime down. The harbour is a beautiful and safe environment in which to live; working together we can keep it that way.
We have to thank the Neighbourhood Policing Team for being visible and approachable, and the issuing of personal mobile numbers has made contacting Neighbourhood officers easier than ever before. This means residents are able to speak to somebody they know and who knows their area; not just a faceless voice.
The SHNP has been operating since May 2008 and, by prioritising residents' issues, has been an influential factor in the production of these excellent results."
15th February 2010
Keep Communal Areas Secure
There has recently been an increase in dwelling burglaries where access has been gained via insecure communal doors. PC Ed Faulkner said:
"The Harbour has a very high concentration of blocks of flats and whilst we regularly give advice over security of these properties I would like to remind everyone who lives in a block of flats that, when you come and go, to ensure the door closes properly behind you.
Also if you see any doors which are insecure, close them as soon as possible. Similarly if you have balcony doors or windows, ensure that they are secured when not in use. Burglars take every opportunity they can, and so let's not give them any. Help protect your property and that of your neighbours. Keep doors and windows secure."
4th February 2010
Pacific Drive Traffic Speed Survey
In response to concerns about excessive speeds on Pacific Drive, a survey was conducted in November. The results, derived from installed speed sensors at two positions on Pacific Drive monitoring 24 hours/day over a 7-day period were presented at the January meeting of the Sovereign Harbour Neighbourhood Panel by members of the East Sussex County Council (ESCC) Highways Department.
It was explained that ESCC receives more requests for traffic calming measures than they can resource. Each is prioritised on it merits with the overriding intention of preventing road casualties and this process occurs once per year. There are several criteria used in the assessment, but a key one is whether there have actually been accidents/casualties in the area concerned. Other criteria include whether vulnerable road users are involved, presence of cyclists and identified walking/cycling routes, horses using the road, schools in the vicinity and the number of pupils, and the speed of traffic flow. The assessment of each request/scheme leads to a score used to rank it against others and the list is presented to the Council cabinet member responsible. There were 32 potential schemes in 2009, but limitations on funds meant that only 2–3 of these could be progressed.
The report (ref. A4413), presented first, was of data from the Speed Detection Radar (SDR) attached to lamp post number 22, adjacent to Samoa, and addressed both north and southbound traffic. Over a 24-hour period the Mean Average for both north and southbound traffic ranged from 28.5 to 32.8 mph. It can be concluded that generally just over half the traffic using Pacific Drive exceeds the 30 mph speed limit to some degree. Very clear peaks in traffic volume were visible between 07:00 – 09:00 for northbound, and between 15:00 – 19:00 for southbound traffic.
The second report (ref. A4414) presented had been generated by the SDR attached to lamp post number 29 towards the Boardwalk end of Pacific Drive. Over a 24-hour period the Mean Average speed for both north and southbound traffic was less than at the other site, ranging from around 22 to 27 mph during times of significant flow. As anticipated the peak times of traffic flow were consistent with the other report, but less pronounced given that the SDR was closer to the far end of the Pacific Drive cul de sac.
A further survey will be conducted in Atlantic Drive when resources are available.
4th February 2010
Bicycle thefts
There have been a number of bicycle thefts in the Sovereign Harbour area, the majority of which have been from Midway Quay, and Centauri Court in Particular.
If you have any information regarding these thefts, please call the Police Non-emergency Contact Centre (0845 60 70 999) quoting Serial 1053 22/8/09.
If you own a bicycle, please don't become a victim of these crimes; ensure your bike is securely locked when not in use.
Ed Faulkner's Blog
3rd March 2010
We have had a busy month on the Neighbourhood Policing Team, with various activities and meetings taken place to try and move forward the agenda of local residents. We have continued to focus on anti-social behaviour and meeting with residents. We have held a large number of street meetings to allow members of the public to speak with us directly.
One success that we have had in the last month is that a local resident has caused a lot of problems and directed abuse towards her neighbours. This has been going on for some time with crimes being dealt with on an individual basis, however with the help of the Anti-Social Behaviour Officer I have connected all these offences in order to make an ASBO application on this person. This application will have strict conditions to try to prevent further impacts on local residents and reduce problems.
I am yet to hear whether this application has been successful however this is a good example of justice being done for our local community.
Search the crime statistics for your ward > >
4th February 2010
January has certainly arrived with the weather causing a lot of work for the Neighbourhood team. The snow fall meant that we were required to work to keep our community safe. Additionally a lot of complaints were received regarding snowballs being thrown to cause nuisance to residents. This is a common occurrence when the weather is bad however its effect is not diminished. Also I am sure we all heard in the news about children playing on ice which is very dangerous. Hopefully the weather will improve and this problem is not return for some time.
My colleague PCSO Tony Holland has formed a very successful Neighbourhood Panel for the Langney Point area. It was very well attended and I believe that this will be a strong panel working to try and resolve some of the long term issues that affect the area. We always welcome more people and so if you would like to get involved in your local Panel please get in touch.
We have continued to hold our street meetings throughout the area, please keep an eye out for your local one.
One success that we have had in the last month is the we had a spate of graffiti in the “Birds estate” area of Langney. It was clear a youth had walked through the estate with a can of blue spray paint drawing on anything they could find. I got in touch with each resident that had damage caused and offered to get the graffiti removed free of charge using one of the “graffiti removal kits” that we have. Enquiries continue on identifying the people responsible but this is a great example of us working to resolve not only crime, but environmental issues in the community.
As always, please get in touch if you have anything you would like us to look at.If you wish to become involved in your local Neighbourhood Panel please contact me via my contact details on the last page. The next Neighbourhood Panel meeting is Sovereign Harbour on 4th February at 7pm.
Martin Hylands Blog
19th July 2010
Find out here about local priorities in your area, and what is being done about them. Neighbourhood Panels throughout our area list priorities which they would like Police and other agencies to address. Here I will give you an update on those priorities and our actions to tackle them. These priorities were set at the last Neighbourhood Panel meeting which was on 15th July 2010.
Priority 1
What you said: Anti-Social Behaviour
What we did: You identified areas in the harbour where anti-social behaviour was occurring. Your Neighbourhood Policing Team listened to concerns of local residents and increased high visibility patrol in those areas. I have advised people to have consideration for the Harbour residents.
What happened: I will hold a number of community meetings to gauge our success in addressing this matter.
Priority 2
What you said: There is too much litter and dog mess on the pavements and in the local area.
What we did: Sue Criddle (Dog Warden), Nicky Fenner (Environmental Health), Council Enforcement Officers and I have worked together to identify hot-spots in the area and target persistent offenders.
What happened: Fixed penalty notices have been issued to some offenders and we continue to monitor this issue. We rely on the public to provide information regarding offenders. I would like to thank responsible dog owners who have listened to our advice.
Priority 3
What you said: Bike Thefts on the Harbour.
What we did: Your Neighbourhood Policing Team has carried out a number of operations in the area to identify and prosecute persons responsible bicycle thefts and, to deter criminal activity. Op Pedalo 1 and 2 were successful operations.
What happened: Over the period of 3 days no bike thefts were reported. We intend to run the operation in your area again.
I will update these priorities as they change. If you would like to suggest any for your area please let me know.