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Local News February |
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Local News for February
Protect Your Home This Winter Burglary can have a real impact on your wellbeing and sense of safety. While we can’t be on every street at all times, your vigilance and simple security steps can make a big difference in keeping you, your home, and your neighbours safe. Top 3 Tips to Stay Secure 🔐 Lock up and stay secure 👪 Make your home look lived‑in 🎁 Keep valuables out of sight We’re Here to Help, But We Need Your Eyes and Ears Too If you see or hear anything suspicious, no matter how small it may seem, unusual activity, unknown vehicles, someone trying door handles, please report it to us right away. A few minutes spent securing your home, and one quick call if something doesn’t feel right, can make all the difference.
Sheds / Garages / Outbuildings We urge all residents to keep their sheds, garages & outbuildings locked at all times, especially when not in use. They often contain valuable tools, bikes, or expensive equipment that are attractive targets for thieves. 👮♂️ Crime Prevention Tips: • Use robust security padlocks or deadlocks on doors, consider a surface mounted garage door lock. • Fit an alarm system, motion sensor lighting and/ or CCTV • Keep expensive items secured inside using lockable cabinets, ground anchors, or chains. • Consider trackers for high value machinery. • Avoid leaving tools or ladders outside - they can be used to gain access to your property. • Mark valuable items with your postcode using a UV pen or property marking system. DNA marking kits can be collected from Hastings or Battle Police stations free of charge. • Register valuable equipment at https://orlo.uk/wsg5o to help police return stolen items if recovered. Let’s work together to make our sheds, garages & outbuildings as difficult to access and unattractive to criminals as possible. See or hear anything suspicious, call 101, for crime in progress, call 999 immediately. Drink or Drug Driving? It’s NEVER worth it. ✅ Plan ahead, book a taxi or arrange a lift. Your choice. Your responsibility. Don’t risk it.
The January 2026 Police Fraud Newsletter is now available to read. In this edition, we highlight the nationwide transition from Action Fraud to Report Fraud, explain what this means for victims and reporting processes, and share practical advice on avoiding online scams, including tips for safely booking holidays and short breaks. There’s plenty more inside to help our communities stay informed and protected against fraud. You can read this edition here Fraud Newsletter January 2026 | Surrey Police
The February 2026 Police Fraud Newsletter is now available to read. Romance fraud continues to be one of the fastest‑growing and most emotionally damaging forms of cyber‑enabled crime facing communities across the UK. Check out our newsletter for support and advice on how to avoid a scam. You can read this edition here Fraud Newsletter - February 2026 | Surrey Police
We are appealing for information after a suspected road rage incident in St Leonards this week. Police received a report of a collision on the Combe Valley Way at the junction with Queensway at about 5.40pm on 10 February. The driver of a red Volkswagen Golf reported being in a collision with a white Ford Transit at the lights. No injuries were reported, but the driver of the Golf was left shaken by the incident. Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone who saw the vehicles in the area at the time to come forward. This includes anyone with dashcam footage. Information can be reported to Sussex Police online, quoting serial 1101 of 10/02.
A 42-year old man has been sentenced to seven months in prison for multiple shop thefts and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). The man from Stonehouse Drive, St Leonards on Sea, was arrested and charged on 9 February with six counts of shoplifting and six breaches of a Criminal Behaviour Order. He was remanded in custody. He appeared at Brighton & Hove Magistrates' Court on 10 February, where he pleaded guilty to all charges. He was sentenced to seven months' imprisonment and ordered to pay £187 in compensation. Inspector Matthew Chapman said: “This outcome reflects the sustained efforts of our officers working with local stores to bring a prolific offender to justice. We understand the impact that repeat shoplifting has on local businesses and the wider community. Our priority is to protect local businesses, support victims, and maintain a safe community.”
Despite our regular daily arrests continuing as usual, #HotSpotPatrols in Hastings Town Centre have resulted in a further 8 arrests in just 10 days, all involving prolific shoplifters operating within the town. Between these individuals, the following offences were recorded: These figures are in addition to all other arrests made during the same period as part of our ongoing daily policing. #WinterOfAction Great to meet with our partners at the Conquest Hospital yesterday. We welcomed the opportunity to speak with staff about how we can continue working together to tackle violence and anti‑social behaviour directed at emergency workers and NHS colleagues. No one should ever face abuse or violence simply for doing their job. We spoke with many doctors, nurses and hospital staff to reinforce our full support for them and the incredible work they do every day. We also provided personal safety alarms, shared practical advice, and answered questions around staff safety. A big thank you to the hospital for allowing us the opportunity to spend time with staff and discuss these important issues. We truly value the partnership and their openness in working with us to keep everyone safe.
Last week, we visited Christ Church, Blacklands & St Andrew as part of our regular patrols in St Leonards. We met with the church wardens for a catch‑up and were pleased to hear that there were no current concerns. It was also their coffee morning, giving us a great opportunity to speak with local residents, and we were delighted to meet Oliver, the therapy dog, who was definitely a hit with everyone there.
We were pleased to join Martin Cosser from Charlie’s Promise at The St Leonards Academy, where he spoke with parents about the devastating impact of knife crime following the loss of his son, Charlie. It was a powerful and emotional session, and we are grateful for Martin’s continued dedication to educating young people and supporting our communities. As Martin says, it's not about snitching, it's about it’s about protecting friends, preventing harm, and saving lives. If there's one thing we'd like you to take away from his presentation its talking to the children in your care, and letting them know that information about knife carrying can be made to teachers, police, parent/guardians or anonymously to Fearless, the youth service of Crimestoppers.
Our Neighbourhood Policing Team had a fantastic time visiting Churchwood Primary Academy this week. The children were brilliant, full of enthusiasm and curiosity. They even had the chance to explore our police vehicle and asked some excellent questions about the equipment we use and the work we do every day. A big thank you to the staff and pupils for welcoming us so warmly. We hope to be invited back soon for more conversations, learning, and shared fun.
Our community meetings and local events are an important way for neighbourhood policing teams to stay connected with the people in our area. It was great to speak with the residents who came along, and we had plenty of positive and constructive conversations. The meeting went well, and residents expressed that they were pleased to see a visible police presence. A range of questions were raised on several topics, and both our team and Councillor Collins helped ensure everyone left well informed. We will continue daytime and evening patrols in the area to maintain engagement, offer reassurance, and address any ongoing concerns raised by the community.
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