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Protect Your Home 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. A Friendly Reminder for Dog Walkers Thank you for helping keep our countryside safe and enjoyable for everyone, including the newest arrivals in the fields this spring.
🚓 Top Tips to Stop Vehicle Break‑Ins As your local neighbourhood policing team, we want to help you keep your vehicle, and your belongings safe. Most vehicle break‑ins are opportunistic, and small changes can make a big difference. Here are our five top tips: 1. Always lock your vehicle Even if you’re parking on your driveway, outside your home, or only leaving the car for a moment, make sure all doors, windows and the boot are locked. Offenders will try door handles looking for an easy opportunity. 2. Remove valuables, or anything that looks valuable Never leave items such as wallets, handbags, laptops, phones, tools or shopping bags in you vehicle or on display. Even a coat or empty bag can make a criminal think there’s something worth stealing inside. 3. Keep keys safe and away from doors or windows Keyless entry vehicles are particularly vulnerable. Store keys well away from the front door and consider using a signal‑blocking pouch (Faraday pouch) to prevent relay theft. 4. Park smart Choose well‑lit, busy areas whenever possible. If you have a driveway, consider using outdoor lighting or CCTV as a deterrent. Criminals prefer dark, quiet spots where they won’t be seen. 5. Don’t leave your vehicle running unattended If you’re defrosting your car or popping back into the house, switch the engine off, take the keys with you and lock the vehicle. Many thefts happen while vehicles are left running, even for a few seconds. If you see anything suspicious, please report it to us straight away on 101.
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 daffs are out – spring is officially here! Before you rev off into the sunshine, give your bike a little TLC, especially if it’s been sitting out the colder months. A few quick checks now can make sure your first ride of the season is a safe and enjoyable one: 🔧Pre‑ride check‑in: Even when the sun’s shining, remember to ride to the weather and road conditions. Months of rain have left many roads in a sorry state (yes… potholes, we’re looking at you!). And those early mornings can still bring unexpected frost or icy patches, so stay sharp. 👀And for all other road users: Let’s make this spring a safe one for everyone on the road. 🌼🏍️ Stay alert, stay safe, and enjoy the ride!
Operation Spotlight is now underway, as part of a national campaign focused on improving road safety. We are joining police forces across the country to remind all motorists of the five leading causes of death and serious injury on our roads: 🚗 Speeding Our Roads Policing Unit continues to target these offences every day as part of our commitment to keeping the public safe and reducing harm on our roads.
Hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable weekend. In addition, as part of Operation Spotlight, a national campaign running from 1–30 April aimed at improving road safety and tackling the Fatal Five offences, we made: These results reflect our ongoing commitment to keeping our communities safe and tackling criminality across Hastings & Rother.
Neighbourhood Policing Action – Ravenside Retail Park On Monday, officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team attended Ravenside Retail Park following multiple reports of vehicles being driven at speed, excessive horn use, deliberate contact with other vehicles, and ongoing anti-social driving behaviour. We engaged directly with a group of young men and women drivers at the location. As a result of their actions, eight individuals were issued with Section 59 warnings for driving in an anti-social manner. A Section 59 warning can be issued to: This power is used when a vehicle is driven in a way that causes alarm, distress, or annoyance, or is involved in anti-social behaviour. A warning can remain in place for up to 12 months. If a second warning is issued within that time, the vehicle can be seized by police. This action sends a clear message: anti-social driving will not be tolerated. We will continue to carry out patrols, take enforcement action, and respond to concerns raised by the community to keep shared spaces safe for everyone. If you experience similar issues, please continue to report them to us, call 101 or report online at www.sussex.police.uk.
Neighbourhood Policing in Bexhill Town While on patrol around Bexhill Town, Officers from our Neighbourhood Policing Team opened the Police Pod, giving people the chance to stop and chat. We’re always happy to help with a wide range of queries, from “When’s the next bus” to offering advice and support, around mental health. We also have useful information available for anyone who needs it. One of the best parts of neighbourhood policing is meeting the community. Recently, we enjoyed speaking with Margaret Hayles, 85, a local photographer whose books and calendars celebrate Bexhill and have raised over £2,000 for a children’s charity. Some of her photographs are displayed on Bexhill railway bridge. Whether you see us at the Police Pod or out on patrol, please feel free to stop and chat, we’re here to help and keep Bexhill safe.
Our neighbourhood policing patrols in Bexhill Town Centre today gave us a valuable opportunity to spend time with local residents, shoppers and business staff. Being visible and approachable is important to us, and we know how much local people value the chance to stop, have a chat, seek advice or share any concerns about their community. We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to speak with us; we had some positive and constructive conversations. It was also great to pop into local stores to discuss issues and how we can best support them.
Neighbourhood officers spent time at Ravenside Retail Park, popping in to speak with store and security staff to check in and discuss any concerns in the area. Tesco staff advised that while there are no current issues with shoplifting, there have been occasions in the evenings where groups of young people entering the store and behaving in an anti‑social manner. We’re keen to support the businesses operating at Ravenside, and evening patrols will continue to regularly check in with stores across the park. Officers will be on hand to provide reassurance, address any ASB issues, and engage with any young people causing disturbance, helping to keep the area safe and welcoming for staff and customers alike.
This week, Rother neighbourhood policing officers carried out preventative speed monitoring on Ninfield Road at the junction with Beacon Hill, using a hand‑held speed detection device. A small number of drivers were spoken to after being recorded travelling at speeds of 37 and 39 mph in a 30 mph limit. Officers provided words of advice, taking the opportunity to educate drivers about the importance of staying within speed limits. Prevention and education are vital when it comes to road safety. We know that speeding significantly increases the risk of serious injury, particularly in residential areas. With local children still on their school holidays, we are asking all drivers to be especially mindful and drive with extra care. These checks are part of our ongoing work to keep our communities safe and to address concerns raised by local residents. Please be aware:
Local Rother officers have been out and about in Battle during the evenings over the past few weeks, particularly at weekends, engaging positively with people enjoying nights out and supporting those working within the local nighttime economy. Officers spent time speaking with door supervisors, venue staff and local food businesses that were open. Throughout the evenings, officers remained visible and approachable, available to chat with local patrons, provide reassurance and address any concerns. Advice was also shared around drink safety and the risks of drink spiking, helping people to enjoy their time in Battle safely. Where needed, officers assisted individuals who had consumed too much alcohol, ensuring they were able to get home safely by taxi. We remain committed to working closely with local businesses and the wider community to ensure everyone feels safe and supported in Battle, whether visiting during the day or enjoying the town’s nightlife.
Rother Neighbourhood Policing Team recently spent time with residents at Yvonne Robertson House on Hastings Road, Bexhill, to offer advice and support around staying safe from scams. We had some really valuable discussions about the different types of scams currently affecting our communities, including phone scams, computer and email scams, doorstep callers, and fake banking or parcel messages. Residents shared their concerns, and we talked through practical ways to spot the warning signs, such as: We also handed out easy‑to‑follow leaflets with guidance and support contacts and answered lots of great questions from residents about how to stay one step ahead of scammers. Keeping our most vulnerable residents safe is at the heart of neighbourhood policing, and these sessions help build confidence and awareness across our community.
👮 Neighbourhood Policing at the Veterans Drop‑In Event Our Neighbourhood Policing Team attended the recent Veterans Drop‑In hosted by the Bexhill & Rural Rother Primary Care Network, bringing together a wide range of organisations dedicated to supporting veterans in our community. The event featured stalls offering help with NHS services, energy support for bills and debt, and practical assistance such as boiler and cooker checks. Representatives from East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and the Royal British Legion were also on hand to offer advice and guidance. We spoke with attendees and other agencies about the vulnerable individuals we work with, and how strong partnership working helps ensure people receive the right support at the right time. We provided personal safety alarms, along with scam and fraud prevention materials, and had some really constructive conversations around community safety and safeguarding. All in all, it was a productive and positive few hours, and we appreciated the opportunity to support the event and continue building links with our veteran community. 💙
Happy 100th Birthday, Peggy! When your grandmother turns 100 and her only birthday wish is to see you in your police uniform, it’s an easy one to grant. PC Hills (EB636) made a special visit on 10th April to celebrate this incredible milestone with her grandmother, Peggy, bringing the police car, wearing her uniform, and sharing plenty of smiles and pride. Here’s to a truly remarkable 100 years. 💙🎉
One Sunday morning, PCSO Nasir was pleased to attend a service at Beulah Baptist Church. PCSO Nasir joined the congregation in Bexhill, alongside Senior Pastor Rev John Lockwood and was honoured to witness the baptism of four people during the service. Beulah Baptist Church also plays an important role in supporting members of the Ukrainian community, reflecting the strong community spirit and care shown across different faith groups. As Sussex Police’s Worship Liaison Officer, PCSO Nasir regularly visits a wide range of places of worship across Rother, working to foster positive and supportive relationships with people of all faiths and denominations. Neighbourhood policing teams remain committed to engaging with all communities and faith groups, listening, learning, and working together to help keep everyone safe.
Following a community event on Tuesday, PCSO Nasir spent time at the Parish Church of St Stephen with Rev Kevan Robinson. While there, PCSO Nasir spoke with members of the community attending the church coffee morning, taking time to listen to any local concerns and engage in open, informal conversations. He also shared information about his role as the local PCSO, and the work neighbourhood policing teams do to support and work alongside the community. PCSO Nasir’s visit highlights the ongoing commitment of neighbourhood policing to building strong, positive relationships within the community, including continued engagement with local faith organisations.
Our Neighbourhood Youth Officer spent the morning at Bexhill Academy working with Year 7 and Year 10 students, offering support and guidance around knife crime with a presentation around Charlie’s Promise. We recognise how vital it is that children and young people feel supported, listened to, and educated about the very real dangers of knife crime. Carrying a knife can have devastating and lifelong consequences, not only for victims, but also for those who carry weapons and their families. By talking with young people early, we aim to help them understand the risks, challenge misconceptions, and empower them to make safe and positive choices. It is equally important that children know they are not alone and that concerns about knife carrying can and should be shared. Information can be passed to a trusted adult such as a teacher, parent or guardian, reported directly to the police, or shared anonymously via Fearless, the youth service of Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Supporting and educating our children is key to preventing harm and keeping our communities safe.
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