Sussex Alerts - Lewes and Seahaven Police

Sussex Alerts - Lewes and Seahaven Police

Friday 16th October 2026

Sussex Alerts - Lewes and Seahaven Police

Dear Residents,

Please see below the latest Sussex Alerts from Lewes and Seahaven Police, also attached is the most recent burglary and vehicle crime summary.

Working together to reduce rural crime

Keeping connected with our rural communities through regular patrols, community engagement and a visible policing presence. By speaking with residents, landowners, farmers and visitors, we continue to gather information, build relationships and encourage the reporting of suspicious activity and crime concerns.

These patrols and engagements help us better understand local issues, identify emerging trends and take action where needed to help keep our rural communities safe.

If you see anything suspicious in our rural areas, report it at the time so we can take action where needed.

Latest patrols here.

Meeting future recruits 

Earlier this month officers visited students studying the Uniformed Public Services course at Lewes College to provide an insight into careers within Sussex Police.

During the session, students were talked through the police recruitment process, what to expect after submitting an application, and the different stages involved in joining the service.

Officers also shared an overview of life as a response officer, offering a realistic look at the challenges, variety and rewards the role can bring; attending officers said:

“It was great to meet so many enthusiastic students, answer their questions, and offer advice to those considering a future career in policing.”

“Hopefully the session gave them a better understanding of the opportunities available and what life as a police officer is really like."

Find out more about a career with Sussex Police online here.

Beware of scam calls from fraudsters falsely claiming to be from the "Sussex Police Cyber Crime Unit" 

On Saturday (10 October), we became aware of scammers targeting members of the public and requesting personal information, including passwords and other sensitive details.

It has been reported that the caller ID may appear to show a legitimate police phone number, however, these calls are being made from alternative sources.

Remember, Sussex Police will never ask for your passwords, bank details, PIN numbers or other sensitive financial information over the phone.

These fraudsters may change the name of the police unit they claim to be from, so remain vigilant.

We would like to reassure the public that our phone lines are operating as normal.

If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from Sussex Police, let us know; you can do this by filling an online reporting form, alternatively, you can contact us by calling 101.

Enjoy fireworks safely and responsibly this bonfire season 

With several local firework displays coming up we'd like to remind everyone to enjoy fireworks safely and responsibly.

If you're attending a local firework display, please follow the advice of event organisers, observe any road closures, use designated walking routes where possible, and be mindful of pedestrians as roads and pathways may be busier than usual.

If you're planning fireworks at home, please follow the safety guidance, be considerate of your neighbours, pets and livestock, and make sure fireworks are used in a safe location away from people, buildings and vehicles.

By being responsible and considerate, we can all help ensure fireworks season remains safe and more enjoyable for everyone.

Fireworks and the law:

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy fireworks, and it is an offence for retailers to sell fireworks to anyone under 18.

Fireworks must not be set off between 11pm and 7am, except on certain occasions such as Bonfire Night (5th November), New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year when later curfews apply.

Fireworks can cause distress to pets, livestock and vulnerable people, so please be considerate of those around you and only use fireworks responsibly and within the law.

If you have concerns that a retailer may be selling fireworks to anyone under 18, please report it to Trading Standards.

More advice online here.

Hallowe’en advice 

Hallowe'en has become an increasingly popular celebration over the past few years for children, families and young people especially, but it is important not to have fun at the expense of others, to make it easy to see who’s welcoming of trick and treaters and who doesn’t wish to be disturbed, we have produced trick or treat posters.

These can be obtained by visiting your local Police Station or Police Contact Point, or you can download a copy from our website here.

Residents are advised to continue to be vigilant when opening the door to strangers or unexpected callers; one way to deter unwanted trick or treaters on 31 October is to print and display the 'no trick or treaters' poster.

If you feel unsafe:

-Don’t open your door if you’re unsure who is there. Use your spyhole, look out of a window, and use your door chain if you do decide to open your door.
-Have a contact number of a close relative or good neighbour to hand by your telephone, just in case you need to phone them.
-If you are part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, let your coordinator know that you will be on your own at Hallowe’en. If you are a coordinator, please identity people in your scheme that may be vulnerable and offer them reassurance.
-If you are driving on the evening of the 31st, remember that excited children may be crossing the road unexpectedly, so slow down in residential areas and take extra care.

There will be increased patrols this Hallowe’en to deter any anti-social behaviour; officers will be quick to disperse groups of people who are found to be causing a nuisance.

To report anti-social behaviour please report online or to 101 - in an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, call 999.

Reporting and contact us

For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, visit www.sussex.police.uk (all online reports are triaged and assessed in the same way as a 101 call). 

Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response, and in an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger always call 999. 

Visit us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team online* www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area where you can also find locations and opening hours for local stations/contact points.  

*To contact your local neighbourhood policing team, you can complete a simple form on our website, and the team will respond within 72 hours. 

This form is specifically for concerns in your neighbourhood and should not be used to report crime or anti-social behaviour.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, or other forms of communication difficulties.

Those with textphone can text 18001 101, or BSL users can use SignVideo to provide a Video Relay Service (here: www.signvideo.co.uk/) to report crime through a live online interpreter, who will contact the police on your behalf, when you do not require an urgent response.

In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger please use the textphone service 18000 or text us on 999.

BSL users can call 999 BSL (here: www.999bsl.co.uk/) to use a British Sign Language interpreter.

For more information on textphone and Relay UK, including help setting up the Relay APP please visit: www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html

Join your local Neighbourhood Watch 

Neighbourhood Watch is a free, volunteer-led charity that helps communities stay connected, share crime prevention advice, and receive local safety information. 

Visit the Neighbourhood Watch registration page www.ourwatchmember.org.uk to join online. 

Members benefit from community messaging, updates on local issues, and opportunities to support efforts to make their neighbourhood a safer place to live. 

For further information, please contact the Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation at enquiries@sussexnwfed.org.uk.