Please see this months news -letter, covering this months campaigns around Op Magpie (Burglary Crime) and Op Limit (Drink/Drug driving.)
Local News
Sussex Police to visit high risk domestic abuse victims in the run up to Christmas.
As the festive season approaches, Sussex Police and their partners are intensifying efforts to protect victims of domestic abuse during a time when they are often at their most vulnerable. Under the banner of Operation Hope, the initiative aims to safeguard individuals and deter perpetrators.
Statistics show that incidents of domestic abuse tend to rise over the Christmas period, highlighting the importance of proactive engagement with both high-risk victims and offenders. Over the coming weeks, officers and specialist support workers will carry out discreet safeguarding visits to individuals identified as being at high risk of domestic abuse.
The highest-harm perpetrators are managed through Sussex Police’s Complex Domestic Abuse and Stalking Unit (CDASU), which works to limit their ability to reoffend while collaborating with partner agencies to encourage behaviour change. Officers from the CDASU will be actively engaging with these perpetrators throughout the festive season.
Operation Hope builds on Sussex Police’s commitment to tackling domestic abuse, following its recent support for the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence—a global campaign aimed at preventing and eliminating violence against women and girls.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Lewis said: “Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration, but sadly for some people, more time at home means they are at a greater risk of violence and abuse.
“Domestic abuse devastates lives every day of the year, and we and our partners remain committed to protecting victims, whatever the occasion. For those who need extra support or protection during this festive season, our message is clear: we are here for you.
“If you are in an abusive or controlling relationship, please know that you are not alone, and help is available.”
Anyone in need of support can report to Sussex Police via 101, online, or by calling 999 in an emergency. Online reports can include instructions on how to clear browsing history to ensure safety. If calling 999 and unable to speak, pressing 55 will connect callers to the police automatically.
Sussex Police employs specialist investigative teams to handle domestic abuse cases and offers discreet video call interviews to respond efficiently to victims. Additionally, the force leads a multi-agency domestic abuse perpetrator project targeting the highest-risk, most dangerous offenders to reduce harm and repeat victimisation.
Appeal following East Grinstead assault and robbery.
Police are appealing for the identities of two people following an assault and robbery outside the Jet fuel station in London Road, East Grinstead on the evening of September 19.
At around 11.30pm, it was reported that a man was followed by two men from the Bridge Bar in East Grinstead, before being assaulted and having possessions stolen.
Officers would like to speak with the two men seen in the CCTV as they may be able to assist with police enquiries.
If you recognise those in the photos, or have information to report, we ask you to contact us online, or by calling 101 quoting reference 1580 of 19/09.
Sussex Police launch winter crackdown on drink and drug drivers.
There will be increased drug testing of motorists on our roads as part of Sussex Police’s annual crackdown on drivers over the limit.
Additional patrols will be in place as part of the nationwide campaign to tackle drink and drug driving called Operation Limit.
The focus on drug-driving follows a rise in the number of drug-driving offences detected across the country, and officers will also be continuing their efforts to catch drink-drivers as well.
Motorists are being warned that there are no excuses for drink or drug-driving as Sussex Police launch the annual winter crackdown campaign today.
Being over the limit can have fatal consequences, with drink and drug-driving being one of the main reasons why people are killed or seriously injured on our roads.
But it also has consequences for those who are caught while over the limit, such as losing their driving licence, and potentially losing their job as a result.
Speeding motorist disqualified after reaching 130mph in Sussex
A speeding motorist who reached 130mph in Sussex has been disqualified.
Stuart Chandler was driving a McLaren sports car on the M23 near Crawley.
He passed an unmarked police vehicle, and an officer was not able to keep up with him until he was slowed down by traffic.
Speeding is one of the main causes of fatal collisions on our roads.
At Brighton Magistrates’ Court on November 5, Chandler admitted driving at excess speed above the 70mph limit.
The incident happened on April 13 on the M23 north of junction 10, when PC Jordan Mitchell witnessed him reaching the high speed in the outside lane. Chandler, 53, of Wrights Lane, Kensington, told an officer at the officer that he had not realised how fast he was travelling.
PC Mitchell had travelled in excess of 130mph in order to catch the green McLaren 600LT, which was seized under the Road Traffic Act.
Chandler already had nine points on his licence at the time of the speeding.
He was disqualified from driving for six months, fined £2,500, with a £1,000 surcharge and £110 costs.
PC Mitchell said: “Chandler’s driving was reckless, and we know from experience the devastating consequences that speeding can have.
“He is lucky not to have caused himself or another road user serious harm and has now lost his licence as a result.”
Knife crime operation update
Knives seized and arrests made as part of national campaign.
Officers visited schools, checked retailers, and completed searches in Sussex as part of Operation Sceptre, a national campaign to tackle knife crime.
More than 70 weapons were taken off the streets as part of the campaign, while 23 arrests were made across the county.
Police also carried out checks on shops and retailers to ensure that staff completed age checks on restricted items such as knives.
There were also public engagement meetings held and visits to schools to engage with young people.
Sussex Police's force lead for serious violence and knife crime, Chief Inspector Jim Loader, said: "One knife on the street is one too many, and one knife can cause a huge impact on the lives of victims and their families.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to reducing weapons on the streets, with weeks of action such as Op Sceptre highlighting the ongoing year-round efforts implemented to decrease the number of people carrying knives, as well as providing interventions to steer individuals away from this lifestyle.
“Sussex is a safe place, and knife crime here is substantially below the national average by area.
"But we know there is always room for improvement. That is why we remain dedicated to enhancing safety, proactively taking weapons off of the street as well as offering educational visits to young people across Sussex and partnering with charities that provide support and guidance. Read more here
Crime Prevention Advice
With Christmas just around the corner, keep your property and presents safe with this advice!
➡️ Keep valuables and Christmas presents out of sight and hidden
➡️ Dispose of boxes and packaging carefully, particularly any from expensive items
➡️ If out and about shopping, don't leave bags on display in your vehicle
There are some things you can do online, including reporting something to us or making an application.
However you choose to make contact with us, we'll treat it in the same way.
On behalf of Mid-Sussex Police
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday, from everyone here at Mid-Sussex Police 🎄
Our teams will be working throughout the Christmas period and will be out and about across the districts keeping an eye on anyone on the naughty list! 👀
You can contact us, any time, day or night online, via 101 or in an emergency, dial 999.
