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News and Updates for Hastings


News and Updates for Hastings

 

Knife Crime Awareness Week – Busting the Myths

Advice to share with young people or teens in your care.

Carrying a knife or any weapon isn’t a good idea. Some think ‘everyone else is’ — but that’s not true. In fact, 99% of young people in the UK don’t carry a knife.

Some believe carrying a knife will keep them safe. The reality is, it puts you at greater risk of being hurt. You could be seen as threatening, and you might end up injured by your own weapon. It’s also illegal to carry knives or other weapons.

You might think you’ll gain respect or be feared by carrying a weapon. Instead, it puts you, your friends and your family in danger.

Know the consequences.

  • Carrying a knife is illegal.
  • Carrying a knife increases your risk of being injured.
  • It also raises the risk for those around you and can cause your family serious distress.
  • Police can stop and search anyone they believe is carrying a weapon.
  • A criminal record could stop you getting into college or university, finding a job, or travelling to countries like the United States.
  • You could face up to four years in prison just for having a knife, even if you’re carrying it for someone else.
  • In the worst cases, you could face life imprisonment for murder.
  • Walking away can be hard, but it’s the safest choice and keeps you out of trouble with the police.

    Visit Fearless for advice, real stories from people who left knife crime behind, and information on where to find more help and support.

     

    COMMUNITY MEETING ALERTS! 

    Join us for a community meeting with your local Neighbourhood Policing Team, where we’ll discuss key issues affecting St Helens and Baird wards.

    📍 Location: The Firs, Elphinstone Road, Hastings 

    📅 Date: Wednesday, 21st May 2025 

    🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

     

    Meet Your Local Neighbourhood Officer meeting for Gensing and Central Ward. 

    📅 Saturday, 31st May 2025 

    ⏰ 5:00 PM –7:00 PM 

    📍 St. John the Evangelist Church, Pevensey Road, St Leonards

     

    Meet Your Local Neighbourhood Officers for Ashdown Ward

    📅 Friday, 23rd May 2025 

    ⏰ 17:30 PM –19:00 PM 

    📍 Baldslow Memorial Hall, Harrow Lane, St Leonards

    Join us, for a dedicated community meeting for Ashdown Ward. We want to hear directly from you.

     

    These are a great opportunity to raise concerns, ask questions, and work together towards a safer, stronger community. Your voice matters! Spread the word and bring your neighbours! Let’s come together to make a difference. We look forward to seeing you there! 

     

    We have continued with our daily and evening foot patrols throughout Hastings Town Centre and along the seafront.

    We paid particular attention to Robertson Terrace following complaints regarding anti-social behaviour, and specifically monitored the shelters in the area, where large groups had been reported gathering and consuming alcohol. On both the 26th and 28th of April, we encountered groups drinking beer in these areas; however, they complied with our requests to move after we confiscated their alcohol. Whilst the area was clear during our check on the 29th, we again found individuals consuming alcohol in Robertson Terrace on the 30th. We gave further words of advice, explaining the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in effect for the area, and moved them from the location.

    Throughout the week, we have also been speaking to local businesses and we’re pleased to hear that shoplifting has reduced due to our constant presence in the area.

    Daily patrols will continue with officers on hand to tackle those issues that matter to the local community.

     

    We have maintained regular high visibility foot patrols throughout the Old Town, Hastings, during both daytime and evening hours.

    Following reports of aggressive begging in the area, we spoke to a male who was displaying a sign requesting money. We approached the male, explaining the regulations regarding begging whilst offering support services and guidance should he require assistance.

    It was great to see local businesses actively preparing for the upcoming Jack in the Green festivities scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday. Their enthusiasm and preparation reflect the vibrant community spirit of our area.

     

    INCREASED POLICE PATROLS IN BOTTLE ALLEY 

    Following reports, we have continued with patrols throughout the weekend in Bottle Alley, to address issues of anti-social behaviour, graffiti, street drinking, and criminal activity.

    What’s Happening? We will be present regularly to ensure safety, deter disorder, and respond to community concerns. These patrols aim to create a secure space for residents and visitors.

    Community Support Matters! If you witness any issues, please report them to the police as they happen via 101 or online at www.sussex.police.uk. Your input helps make Hastings safer for everyone.

    Let’s work together to keep our community a safe. 

     

    Honouring all those who lost their lives in conflict this #VEDay 

    80 years since the guns fell silent across Europe as the Second World War drew to a close.

    On VE Day, Hastings Police observed a two-minute silence outside the police station to pay tribute to those who gave so much, and to all who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom.

    This afternoon, officers attended a poignant memorial service on Winkle Island, commemorating the courageous individuals who fought for our liberty. It was a privilege to reflect on their sacrifices and to stand together in remembrance.

    Lest we forget.

     

    On VEDay, while patrolling in Hastings, we had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful residents of Robertson Terrace celebrating the day. It was great to introduce ourselves as the local town centre police team to those we hadn't met before.

    When we asked about any concerns in the area, many mentioned issues with anti-social behaviour, particularly large groups drinking in the shelters. However, they also noted that things have been improving recently. We shared that we've been increasing our patrols and dealing with those causing the ASB. We encouraged everyone to continue reporting any further issues to us.

    A special highlight of the day was meeting a lovely lady in her late 90s who was eager to have her photo taken with us!

     

    🚗 Speed Checks on Battle Road, Hastings 🚗

    Today, we conducted speed checks along Battle Road, Hastings to ensure motorists are driving safely and responsibly. As part of our ongoing efforts to promote road safety, we were reminding drivers about the importance of adhering to speed limits.

    Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents on our roads, putting lives at risk. We urge all motorists to slow down, stay alert, and drive responsibly—not just to avoid penalties but to protect themselves and others.

    A few key reminders for all road users: 

    ✅ Speed limits are there for a reason—always adhere to them. 

    ✅ Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in residential areas. 

    ✅ Stay focused—avoid distractions while driving. 

    ✅ Give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination safely.

    Let's work together to keep Hastings' roads safe for everyone! 

     

    Whilst on our routine foot patrols in Hastings Town Centre, we were approached by staff from Costa Coffee. They reported that a known shoplifter—who was already banned from the premises—had just entered, stolen food, and behaved in a verbally abusive manner.

    Staff explained that this woman had been repeatedly stealing from the shop, causing ongoing problems. We located the suspect nearby; she was clearly intoxicated and with a group acting abusively in public. When we spoke to her, she admitted to the theft and we were able to recover the stolen items.

    Further checks revealed she was also in breach of her Criminal Behaviour Order. Police officers attended the scene and the woman was arrested.

     

    Help us keep Sussex safe

    If you saw or heard anything, or have any information about any incident in this message please contact us online, or call 101, quoting the reference number provided.

    Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

    You can also visit our website at www.sussex.police.uk where you can find our easy to use online forms to report all non-emergencies to us.

    On our website you can also find police advice to keep you safe and help you understand the law, and also browse our crime prevention pages for first-hand knowledge, industry best practices and practical crime prevention advice from officers and specialist teams all across the police.

    Have you ever had a policing question that doesn't actually require direct police involvement to answer?

    Ask the Police is a great online source of information for the most frequently asked policing questions, visit www.askthe.police.uk/ for more information.

     

    Your local teams

    What's happening in your area?

    Get the latest crime statistics and advice, help us with appeals for information and find out what we’re doing to tackle crime in your area online here.


    Reply to this message

    Message Sent By
    Sharon Eldridge
    (Police, District Engagement Officer, Hastings & Rother)

    Neighbourhood Alert Cyber Essentials