Sussex Police Monthly News Bulletin

Sussex Police Monthly News Bulletin

Good evening Residents

I hope you have been enjoying the warmer weather today, with more to come over the next few days. A pleasant change from the autumnal feel that has been around over the last week or so.

The Summer holidays have crept up on us all again, with excited children and young people looking forward to a well deserved break. This can be a time where many people feel anxious about seeing groups of young people around more often throughout the day. However, the majority of children and young people are just spending time together and although can be noisy and energetic, is not necessarily antisocial behaviour (ASB)

Antisocial behaviour is defined as 'behaviour by a person which causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress to persons not of the same household as the person' (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/12/contents).

What is Antisocial Behaviour?

There are three main categories for antisocial behaviour, depending on how many people are affected:

Personal antisocial behaviour is when a person targets a specific individual or group.

Nuisance antisocial behaviour is when a person causes trouble, annoyance or suffering to a community.

Environmental antisocial behaviour is when a person's actions affect the wider environment, such as public spaces or buildings.

You can find out more about ASB and how to report it here https://www.sussex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/asb/asb/antisocial-behaviour/what-is-antisocial-behaviour/

APPEALS

Appeal for information after serious collision on A24 Horsham

Police are appealing for witnesses and relevant information after a serious collision on the A24 near Horsham.

Emergency services were called to the scene near the Hop Oast roundabout at about 10.45pm on Saturday, July 13.

A single vehicle Audi S1 left the southbound carriageway during the incident.

The driver, a 20-year-old local man, was taken to the East Surrey Hospital with serious injuries. The passenger, a 17-year-old boy, was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton with serious injuries.

Officers are investigating, and want witnesses or anyone with relevant information such as CCTV or dashcam footage of vehicles in the area at the time to come forward..

Information can be reported to Sussex Police online or by emailing: collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk and quote Operation Winston.

Appeal after teenager sexually assaulted in Billingshurst

We are appealing for information after it was reported that a 14-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in Billingshurst.

On Friday (June 28), it was reported that the victim was walking in Saville Gardens at around 10.30am, when a man, described as being between 60 and 70-years-old and wearing a dark beanie hat, walked behind her and sexually assaulted her, before walking off.

Since the report, PCSOs have been carrying out targeted patrols in the area.

If you witnessed what happened, or have CCTV or dashcam footage from the area, we ask you to make a report.

You can contact police online, or by calling 101 quoting reference 612 of 28/06.

CRIME REPORTS

BURGLARY - During the past month, there have been fifteen reports of burglaries from homes and sheds/garages. Break ins have occurred when the property has been occupied across various times of the day, with one incident of a break in happened whilst the occupant was at home.

BURGLARY PREVENTION

Please make sure your outbuildings and garages are locked and secure. We are continuing to investigate these burglaries and if you see anyone acting suspiciously around a property, please report it to us on 101 or 999 if you are witnessing a burglary in progress.

Home security advice can be found here https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime- prevention-advice/home-security

Protecting your home when you are away

Make it more difficult for burglars by ensuring you protect your home, belongings and by checking your outside security before you go away.

More information can be found here https://www.sussex.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

VEHICLE CRIME - Over the past month, there have been thirteen reports of vehicle crime which includes theft from a motor vehicle, damage, thefts of registration number plates and thefts of a motor vehicle/bike.

Vehicle Crime Prevention

Information on how to keep vehicles safe from theft or damage can be found here https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/vehicle-crime

Information on marine security can be found here https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice/vehicle-crime/marine-security-advice-project-storm

NEWS

Man arrested following 50 mile police chase pursuit across Sussex

A man has been arrested following a police pursuit of around 50 miles in Brighton and West Sussex.

At around 4.30pm on Thursday (4 July), police were alerted to a suspected stolen motorbike which had earlier failed to stop for police.

Officers engaged with the motorcyclist on A29, who continued to ride away.

Police pursued the vehicle into West Sussex, with support from National Police Air Service (NPAS).

The pursuit passed through Storrington, Pulborough and Steyning before returning south to Brighton.

Mother's support for Sussex Police's summer road safety campaign

The mum of a boy who was tragically killed by a dangerous driver has shown her support for a Sussex Police summer road safety campaign.

Throughout July, officers from Sussex Police are joining forces across the UK to shine the spotlight on the “fatal five” factors which are considered the main causes of serious injury of fatal collisions on our roads.

These factors are dangerous or careless driving, driving while distracted such as by using a mobile phone, drink or drug-driving, driving at excess speed, and not wearing a seatbelt.

Harry Dennis was just 11-years-old when he was involved in a collision with a scaffolding lorry at Hooe, East Sussex, on December 15, 2022.

The lorry driver had failed to secure the load being carried, and a scaffold board became loose before striking through the windscreen of the vehicle Harry was travelling in, causing fatal injuries.

His mum Maria Dennis is now supporting Operation Spotlight, Sussex Police’s campaign to improve road safety and catch offenders who pose a risk to themselves and others on the roads.

Police Sergeant “overwhelmed” to be nominated for a national award

Credit: Anderson Photography

A Police Bravery Awards nominee says he felt “overwhelmed” to be recognised nationally for his heroics.

Sergeant Alec Barrett, of the Brighton Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), was among a select few officers shortlisted for the prestigious event, after he put himself in harm’s way to protect members of public from serious violence.

Without any consideration of his own safety, he intervened when he spotted a group of men attacking innocent people in Brighton in April 2023.

He received multiple blows as he tackled the offenders, which resulted in life-changing injuries including a fractured eye socket.

Special Constable Recruitment

Could you be a Special Constable? Sussex Police are looking for dedicated individuals who are confident, trustworthy and passionate about our county.

Special Constables volunteer their time to work alongside Police Officers and PCSOs when not in their regular career.

People from all walks of life apply either to take care of their county or experience what joining the regular police force would be like.

Your shifts could include being first on the scene, making arrests, safeguarding the vulnerable, community engagement, educating young people and more.

We are proud to protect Sussex. We are Sussex Police. You could be too.

To find more information about the role, visit the Sussex Police website at, https://www.sussex.police.uk/police-forces/sussex-police/areas/careers/jobs/special-constables/.

Economic Crime Unit recognised at national awards ceremony

Members of the Surrey Police and Sussex Police Economic Crime Unit (ECU) have been recognised for their accomplishments at an annual national awards ceremony.

The Keith Hughes Awards for Excellence in Financial Investigation were held at The Guildhall in London on Friday 28 June.

Among the nominees were individuals assigned to the ECU’s Recovery of Assets, Investigation and Disruption (RAID) team, which uses financial intelligence to investigate, disrupt and tackle criminality across the two counties.

Since it was set up last year, the RAID team has successfully frozen almost £2 million in suspected criminal proceeds.

Dozens of new officers recruited to Sussex Police

Dozens more individuals are beginning a new career with Sussex Police.

A further 36 individuals were welcomed to the force at a recent attestation ceremony, following on from the 67 new starters in January and 59 new starters in April.

The event was held on Wednesday 26 June at East Sussex National Hotel in Uckfield.

Reponse officers celebrated in week of action

Sussex Police has joined other forces across the country in celebration of its response policing teams.

From 24 June to 30 June, a national Response Policing Week of Action took place to highlight the difficult, demanding, and unpredictable work that response officers and staff do to keep people safe.

Response officers are the first to respond to danger, and often, the first point of contact that members of the public will have with the police. It is a role that requires huge amounts of skill, professionalism, expertise, courage, and resilience.

Find out more about our Response teams here https://www.sussex.police.uk/news/sussex/news/force-news/response-officers-celebrated-in-week-of-action/

SUMMER SAFETY

BBQ Fire Safety

Find out how to remain safe when using a barbecue.

During the summer we want everyone to enjoy the warm weather and having a barbecue with family and friends is a great way to enjoy the sunshine. However, barbecues pose a huge fire risk, so please follow our advice to help keep yourself, your loved ones and your surroundings safe.

Read more about keeping yourselves and your surroundings safe here https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire-emergencies-and-crime/west-sussex-fire-and-rescue-service/home-fire-safety/barbecue-fire-safety/

Tomb Stoning – 'Don't jump into the unknown'

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) have provided some life-saving guidance surrounding this activity. Tombstoning is an activity which has occurred around the coast for generations, unfortunately over recent years it has gained attention for the wrong reasons, with a number of people killed or seriously injured. The title was adopted because of the way a person falls and plunges into deep water, in a similar way a stone would. Tombstoning can be fatal or result in serious life-changing injuries and if you are worried about your child or young person becoming involved in this activity, you can find out more guidance here https://www.rospa.com/leisure-water-safety/water/advice/tombstoning #RespectTheWater

Coastal Safety

During hot weather, it is often tempting to take a dip in the river or sea. However, it is easy to find yourself in deep unpredictable waters and the RNLI have provided this life saving advice. If you found yourself struggling in the water unexpectedly, your instinct would tell you to swim hard. But cold water shock could make you gasp uncontrollably. Then you could breathe in water and drown. Instead, you should Float to Live. The best way to float is to tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Try to relax and breathe normally. You can gently move your hands to help you stay afloat if you need to. Spread your arms and legs out to improve stability – and it's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. Once your breathing is under control, call for help or swim to safety. #FLoatToLive

Counter Terrorism

Do summer safely

We are working with Counter Terrorism Policing to help keep everyone safe this summer. We are supporting their summer campaign, encouraging the public to stay alert and report anything that doesn’t feel right to security.

We all have a role to play in keeping each other safe. Your safety is our priority!

You can play your part by trusting your instincts, and if you see something that doesn’t feel right, tell security. Our teams will take every report seriously. You won’t be wasting their time.

Here are some quick tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable time:

· Arrive early, allowing more time for security checks and measures

· Be patient with security checks. It might seem inconvenient, but they are in place to help you.

· Keep it simple and minimise what you carry. Fewer bags to search will speed up entry.

· Stay alert and look out for each other. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, tell security. Don’t leave it to someone else.

· Don’t leave bags unattended. Never agree to look after a stranger’s bag, no matter how genuine they seem.

· If there is an incident, listen to staff and any announcements.

In an emergency, always call 999.

Have an amazing time, and if you see something that doesn’t feel right, report it to security straight away. Thank you for playing your part.

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSON SUPPORT

If you have children and young people in your family or you have friends that do, we are providing information and access to dedicated support services, if they feel they are unable to speak to their relatives or teachers.

The summer holidays can be a time where children and young people loose the structure and support they rely on through educational facilities. We have provided details below of support organisations targeted to children and young people.

Is this OK?

Is This Ok? is a free, anonymous, and confidential service, bringing trained professionals together to provide support to young people through a chat service. You do not need to provide your real name (a nickname is fine for us!), and we don’t need to know your address.

The service is available for children and young people aged 13 - 18 years old and you can find out more here https://www.isthisok.org.uk/

Fearless - Crimestoppers

It can be a frightening time when children and young people hear of a crime being planned, witness a crime or are being exploited. Fearless enables young people to pass on information about crime 100% anonymously. The Fearless website is available here https://crimestoppers-uk.org/fearless/what-is-fearless

Crimestoppers

Crimestoppers is speaking up about neighbourhood crimes. Robbery, theft, and burglary harm communities and have a long-lasting impact on their victims. People not only suffer from the loss of their possessions, the invasion of privacy and violation of personal space, but some may experience emotional distress or be left with physical injuries.

Local crimes can stigmatise the community, creating negative perceptions of safety both within and outside the area. This intensifies feelings of fear and concern and adds to the trauma, both for the victim and for the people around them.

Victims of crime may experience long-term adverse effects, from feelings of strong emotions to physical effects including a lack of sleep or falling ill. For some, the trauma can force them to change their ordinary daily routines, out of fear of repeat victimisation.

If you have witnessed an incident of robbery, theft, or burglary, or have information about a crime, tell Crimestoppers and remain 100% anonymous.

Call free on 0800 555 111 or visit here https://crimestoppers-uk.org/news-campaigns/campaigns/speaking-up-about-neighbourhood-crime

Victim Support

If you have been a victim or witness of a crime, you are not alone. If you need help after a crime, get in touch with Victim Support for independent, free, and confidential advice:

· Call Supportline on 0808 1689 111

· Text Relay: use the https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/download-app.html or contact us in BSL

· Start a https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/live-chat/

· Fill out our online form on the website https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

We hope you have an enjoyable and safe summer!

RECRUITMENT

Take a look at the various roles within Sussex Police, currently open for applications Careers - join us as an officer, staff member or volunteer | Sussex Police

I hope you have an enjoyable and safe summer.

Kind regards

Kelly

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Kelly James
(Police, District Engagement Officer, Adur, Worthing and Horsham)