Good afternoon Residents

The festive season is well and truly here and whilst you are enjoying the festivities, we are continuing to work to keep you and your communities safe. 

It is also a time where people can feel alone and vulnerable and it is important that we take some time to check in with people around us. Within this bulletin, we will provide some support numbers should you or someone you know need them.

Appeals

Appeal for witnesses to fatal collision in Worthing 

A man who was seriously injured in a collision in Worthing earlier this month has sadly died. 

Officers were called to the collision involving a Mercedes Vito van and a pedestrian on the A27 Crockhurst Hill near to the junction with the A24 Offington roundabout around 4.10pm on Friday 6 December.

The pedestrian, a 75-year-old man from Worthing, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died on Thursday (12 December). His family have been informed. The driver of the van was uninjured.

Officers are investigating the full circumstances of the incident and are appealing for any information or dashcam footage.

If you have any information or footage, please email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk quoting Operation Pike.

Appeal to locate witnesses in connection to drunk and disorderly incident 

Police investigating a report of a man being drunk and disorderly in Lancing are seeking to locate two witnesses.

It follows a report of abusive behaviour by a man in North Road, Lancing, at about 10.15am to 10.30am on December 5.

Officers arrived swiftly and a 39-year-old man was arrested.

But they are seeking to locate two witnesses who may have seen incidents the suspect was linked with.

The first is described as an elderly woman wearing a long dark blue coat with the hood up, wearing black trainers and carrying a floral patterned shopping trolley.

The second is described as a man with a grey beard and glasses, wearing a black beanie hat and black coat without a hood on.

Any further witnesses who saw what happened are asked to contact Sussex Police online or call 101 and quote serial 400 of 05/12.

Appeal after dirt bikes stolen from Shoreham garage

Police are appealing for information following a burglary in Shoreham.

Offices were called to a report of the incident at 11.30pm on 25 November, where it is alleged four men entered Westbourne Motors, Dolphin Road in balaclavas and stole three dirt bikes and one moped.

Anyone who has any information or footage is asked to contact police online or call 101 quoting serial 1391 of 25/11.

Police offer £10,000 reward as part of renewed appeal for missing father and son

Sussex Police are renewing their appeal for information relating to a father and son who disappeared in Spain five years ago. 

Daniel (Danny) and Liam Poole have not been seen since travelling to Malaga in 2019, and in 2022 the decision was made to treat their disappearance as a murder investigation.

Sussex Police are now offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and charge of any person responsible for Danny and Liam’s disappearance.

Please read the full appeal here https://www.sussex.police.uk/news/sussex/news/witness-appeals/police-offer-10000-reward-as-part-of-renewed-appeal-for-missing-father-and-son/

Crime Reports

We continue to receive reports of thefts from vans across the district, along with burglaries. Garages and garden sheds continue to be targeted, so where possible ensure there is lighting and CCTV focused on access points. 

For other ways to improve your home security, please visit Secured by Design for up to date crime prevention advice https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice. 

News

You can find out about local news from Sussex Police here https://www.sussex.police.uk/news/sussex/news/?newsCategory=News

Crime Prevention and support signposting

Property security

It’s a busy time of year for many that often sees people out and about, whether it’s for Christmas shopping or away visiting friends and family🎄 But don’t forget about your home security amid all the festive excitement! It’s vital at this time of year that you consider how secure your home is and protected from burglars’ prying eyes👀 Homes are often left vacant and vulnerable in December. So, remember to always secure windows and doors before you leave the house and consider leaving a lamp on if out during the evening🔆

Action Fraud's 12 Frauds of Christmas

🎁 Last festive season, online shopping fraud cost victims over £11.5 million. 👉 Follow these top tips to help keep your money safe and out of the pockets of criminals https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/12frauds

Op Hope

Domestic abuse can come in many forms and may not always be obvious.

If you are controlled or physically, sexually, economically or emotionally abused by a partner, ex-partner or family member, this is domestic abuse.

Our service does not stop, and our teams continue to work 24/7 to be here when you need us. You are not alone.

In an emergency, always dial 999.

Find information and support here: Advice about domestic abuse | Sussex Police or visit https://www.sussex.police.uk/police-forces/sussex-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/domestic-abuse/

Support Organisations

If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, these organisations are here for you over the festive period.

Samaritans - If you're struggling to cope this festive season

“With the extra pressure that the festive season can bring, our worries and fears may seem worse this time of year. It's important you check in on yourself and look after your wellbeing. Here are some small tips to help you cope over the festive period. And remember, Samaritans volunteers are here for you whenever you need us, every day of the year.”

Contact - https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Mind - If you find this time of difficult, then MIND have some tips to get you through https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/christmas-and-mental-health/christmas-coping-tips/

Age UK has a range of information and support, including financial advice - https://www.ageuk.org.uk/

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.

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/

Careers

If you're looking at a new career that is challenging and rewarding, then visit our careers page here https://www.sussex.police.uk/police-forces/sussex-police/areas/careers/jobs/

I wish you all a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Kind regards

Kelly