A warm welcome to your Winter/Spring 2021 District Police Community Newsletter.

We start by reaching out, and thanking our local communities for playing their part in helping to keep each other safe during the current pandemic.

We know 2020 was an incredibly difficult year for everyone, but by continuing to follow the rules set out by the Government, together soon we can hope to see a start back to a more normal way of life.

It has been a busy winter for the Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPT) of Eastbourne and surrounding wards, working hard to keep your communities safe.

We have seen a reduction in burglaries in Eastbourne during this last quarter along with a reduction in public place violent crime and some really positive and productive arrests.

Your local teams will continue many of the deployments seen over the Winter into the Spring months to keep our communities safe from drugs harm, anti-social behaviour and theft.

Please take the time to check your home security arrangements as we head into the longer days and lighter evenings, please don’t give opportunists the chance! There is lots of good advice in this newsletter to help you, as well as up-to-date advice and support available on the Police website at www.sussex.police.uk

Best wishes, Eastbourne NPT Inspector Taylor.

Stay home, save lives, protect The NHS

We know that the majority of Sussex are doing their best to follow the rules to protect both their fellow citizens and the NHS – for which we thank you.

Please continue to observe the latest advice and regulations set out by the Government:

The rules are clear: ☑ Wear a face covering on public transport and in shops unless you are exempt. ☑ Self-isolate if you are required to do so. ☑ Unless you have a valid reason, or need to flee from harm such as domestic abuse, stay at home

For the latest advice and guidance please visit: www.gov.uk/coronavirus

October – Just one week of action saw 10 arrests and more than 400 hours of patrols

More than 400 hours of patrols were carried out by police in Eastbourne during a week-long crackdown on anti- social behaviour.

Each day of the October half term, around a dozen officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) conducted targeted patrols in hotspot areas, visited vulnerable communities and took action against those committing road- related and drug-related crimes.

The team, made up of police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs), arrested 10 people for offences including drug dealing, possession of drugs and arson.

This included two people who were arrested after officers stopped a vehicle suspected of being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. This also led to a vulnerable woman being safeguarded from potential harm and cuckooing.

A wanted person was also arrested after police paid an unannounced visit to a vulnerable man who had been targeted by drug dealers in the past. Officers working to safeguard the man took proactive action to support him and in doing so, found someone who was wanted for failing to attend court.

This was one of around 10 visits paid to victims of cuckooing to ensure they are being supported and sufficient safeguarding is in place.

Five vehicles were seized during the week for having no valid insurance. All were identified by officers on patrol, and resulted in the drivers being fined and given penalty points.

Other seizures included drugs, knives, alcohol and a suspected stolen credit card. A large quantity of alcohol was seized from underage drinkers in the Motcombe area after police responded to a call from a resident.

The group had been causing a significant disturbance and impacting families nearby, but were dealt with by PCSOs using their powers of alcohol seizure.

During the course of the week's activity, police also gathered 30 pieces of intelligence around drugs, suspicious vehicles, and wanted persons.

Eastbourne NPT Acting Sergeant Ed Faulkner said: “We are always listening to the concerns of our communities, and working to address the issues that are a priority for those living and working in our town.

"This week has shown that, with officers carrying out a total of 435 hours of dedicated patrol activity in areas such as Gildredge Park, Pavilion Gardens, Longland Recreation Ground, Shinewater, Colonnade Gardens and many others. Much of this activity has been in the evenings, when anti-social behaviour often increases.

"While we always focus on anti-social behaviour and protecting the vulnerable, we stepped up our activity this week to coincide with the October half term and Halloween, and we saw some great results from this - We want to be clear that we will not accept any behaviour that affects the quality of life for our residents, and we will continue to tackle it all year round."

November – Operation Sceptre

Between November 9 and 15, joined other forces across the country to raise awareness of knife crime as part of the campaign through targeted operations, educational work with schools, patrols, weapons sweeps, knife amnesty bins and test purchasing activities.

Across the Force a total of 34 arrests and 589 weapons were removed from public circulation during Operation Sceptre week of action on knife crime. Arrests for offences including knife possession, weapon manufacturing, robbery and possession of drugs with intent to supply were made as part of proactive work carried out during the week. Eight of the 34 arrests were knife related.

Due to coronavirus restrictions officers were unable to attend schools to talk about knife crime with students and instead held virtual assemblies across Eastbourne.

Throughout the week members of the public were able to dispose of knives and bladed articles in our knife amnesty bins placed at police stations across Sussex; over 400 knives were recovered and will now be destroyed.

In over 15,000 students were reached through virtual assemblies and schools were encouraged to open up honest conversations about the dangers of knife possession and the legal and personal consequences of getting caught with one, with officers also conducting sweeps across your wards.

Across Eastbourne, your local PCSOs also took to parks, and open spaces across the district conducting knife and weapon sweeps for concealed or discarded items; areas included; Princes Park, Old Town Recreation Ground and Gildredge Park.

Superintendent Stuart Hale said: "Operation Sceptre is an opportunity to discuss knife crime in an open and honest way. We want to send the message to young people that carrying a knife is dangerous and can have serious consequences.

"It is a misconception that carrying a knife makes you safer. Carrying a knife for protection is not a defence in law and even being caught with someone carrying can result in a sentence if you are caught. Whilst we did increase our activity during this week of action, our activity to combat knife crime is part of everyday policing.

"We have year-round operations to address knife crime including engaging with young people in schools, the launch of our knife crime engagement van and work with partners to ensure people are signposted to help at an early opportunity. We also work hard to target disrupt prolific offenders, through the Tactical Enforcement Unit and are intensifying our activities through days of action - which means individuals carrying knives are increasingly likely to be caught and prosecuted.

"This anti-knife week is also a crucial reminder that there is help out there for those who do not feel safe. We always have amnesty bins in police stations where you can drop off your dangerous and unwanted blades and we will continue to work with our partners to take positive action when knife crime occurs.”

If you need to talk to someone anonymously, Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111. As always, you can report online or via 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

Operation Blitz - Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB)

Even though the recent lockdowns have helped in seeing a decrease in anti-social behaviour across the district, officers from your local NPT have continued their targeted patrols in reported areas of known ASB.

As well as anti-social behaviour, officers have been monitoring and tacking action against anti-social driving in areas of concern, and in locations reported by residents.

Operation Blitz is a designated ASB patrol, and an on-going drive each Friday and Saturday night (between 1800-0000), in which officers from your Eastbourne Neighbourhood Policing Teams take to the streets in areas which have seen an increase in ASB crimes, or youth related ASB, along with areas which have come to attention from community reports over the week.

From 1800-0000 hours, you can call officers on a designated phone number should you witness or become victim of any ASB, witness ASB driving, or youth related ASB.

The contact number for Eastbourne: 07785 372050 .

Outside of these times, please continue to report ASB to us on 101, or report online on our newly designed ASB reporting forms.

Operation Blitz – Recent patrol activities

Throughout the lockdown patrols have continued part of our ongoing effort to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town.

In the past few months officers and PCSOs on patrol have dispersed a number of groups of young people gathering at the Bandstand, disrupted a number of people suspected of being involved in drug offences and seized alcohol from people behaving in a disruptive manner in the town centre.

Officers have also deployed our Speed Indicator Device (SID) on the seafront at peak times to educate and encourage drivers to slow down, and maintained a presence at Admiral Retail Park following complaints of anti- social driving. Other patrol areas included Gildredge Park, Hampden Park, Princes Park and Old Town Recreation Ground.

Additional weekend patrols have also taken place at Shinewater Park, Princes Park, Helen Gardens, Gildredge Park, Roselands Park, Old Town Recreation Ground and Hampden Park. Where recently two arrests for burglary and a Section 59 warning has been issued to a motorist driving in an anti-social manner in the area.

Officers have also ensured a visible presence in areas that had recently seen a number of deliberate fires, and continue to patrol Beachy Head and Langney Shopping Centre following reports of noisy cars and motorbikes.

Inspector Rachel Barrow of the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We acknowledge and appreciate the distress anti-social behaviour can cause to people living and working in Eastbourne.

“Our officers have maintained a visible presence in areas where anti- social behaviour and disorder has been raised as an issue, and we’ve seen some really positive disruptions in recent months as a result.

“Our work to tackle this issue is ongoing all the time, and we encourage people to report incidents of disorder to us so we can respond. As well as the dedicated Operation Blitz phone number, people can continue to report to us online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”

November saw the launch of National Road Safety Week.

Throughout the week, your Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams, joined by volunteers from local Community Speed Watch groups took to the streets of your towns and villages, to not only enforce but educate drivers around road safety; which is a reoccurring concern for many of our communities.

Areas across Eastbourne saw officers devote many hours to road safety checks, including the use of SID, (Speed Indicator Device) Vehicle Activated Speed Signs in hot-spot areas, as well as those roads reported by your communities as regular speeding locations.

Areas included: Areas around Beachy Head, A2270 Willingdon Road, and Lottbridge Drove.

We would encourage members of the public to continue reporting anti- social driving, including excess speed, use of mobile phones to our online Operation Crackdown Teams here if they have details of vehicles who are committing these offences frequently.

Should you not have details of the vehicles and have general concerns around ASB driving on your roads, please report online or to 101.

Christmas crackdown on drink and drug-drivers results in 212 arrests across Sussex

A Christmas crackdown on drink and drug-drivers has led to 212 arrests across Sussex in just four weeks.

The campaign is run twice a year – in addition to routine roads policing 365 days a year – with the aim of protecting the public from the dangers of drink and drug-driving by educating motorists and targeting offenders.

A total of 212 arrests were made by Sussex Police during the operation, which ran from 1 December to 1 January inclusive. This was an approximate 50-50 split of drink-driving and drug-driving, names of those convicted locally have been published in the hope that this will serve as an extra deterrent to those who commit these offences, names can be found on the Sussex Police website.

Chief Inspector Michael Hodder, of the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, said:

“These statistics show that there is still a minority of people who think drink and drug-driving is acceptable, with little regard to their lives or those of other people. There is simply no excuse for this and we will always take these incidents extremely seriously”.

“Fortunately, the vast majority of road users are sensible and law-abiding but there are still some people who refuse to comply. It cannot be overstated how enormous the consequences of drink and drug-driving are. Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can impair your judgement and seriously increase the risk of you injuring or killing yourself or someone else”.

If you’re prepared to drive under the influence of drink or drugs, prepare to face the consequences. These could include the following:

•Killing or seriously injuring yourself or someone else •A minimum 12 month ban •An unlimited fine; and possible prison sentence •A criminal record, which could affect your current and future employment, and trouble travelling abroad •An increase in your car insurance costs

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

December - Tackling anti-social behaviour across the district

Police in Eastbourne increased patrols to tackle street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour in the town centre during December.

Police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) have been conducting dedicated patrol activity in hot-spot areas at 9.30am and 2.30pm every day (during December).

The patrols are an opportunity to engage with the community, respond to any concerns and address any inappropriate behaviour.

The activity has been focused on Terminus Road and the surrounding area, and has included multiple stops and resulted in around 15 alcohol seizures in the first week.

Chief Inspector Di Lewis, district commander for Eastbourne and Lewes, joined the patrols in December said: “When we speak to members of the public, the issue of street drinking and anti-social behaviour in the town centre is one that often comes up.

“We understand many people find the behaviour intimidating and unpleasant, and we are committed to addressing their concerns. Our patrols are already having a positive effect and we’ve received a lot of great feedback from the community”.

“We work hard to make our towns enjoyable and safe places to live, work and visit, and we encourage people to come and speak to us when they see us out and about.”

Please continue to report incidents of anti-social behaviour to police either online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

December also saw the re-release of our domestic abuse campaign over lockdown, and the continued work of our newly introduced initiative to encourage victims of domestic abuse to come forward

Since a new specialist unit was set up in March more than half of people reporting cases that are not immediately urgent have opted for a new special video appointment service that can be used when conversations can’t take place face to face for any reason.

The 30-strong Local Resolution Team of specially trained officers are dedicated to dealing with reports of domestic abuse which are not immediately urgent. They discuss the incident with the caller, carry out an initial investigation and provide safeguarding advice, to leave the victim feeling safer than before and to explore available investigative opportunities to prosecute and prevent domestic abuse.

Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Rayland, Head of the force's Public Protection Command said; "Our preference is to see someone face to face in private at a police station. However, in the lockdowns we recognised that restrictions such as vulnerable categories, self-isolation, or travel, might make people less able to attend so the force introduced new video conferencing technology.

(Continued overleaf)

December – Domestic Abuse Campaign (continued…)

"The officers obtain a safe contact number and send a one time text message to the caller's smartphone. Activating this link puts the caller in to a virtual waiting room where one of our officers will be able to see and talk to them so that an investigation can take place, afterwards, the caller is told to delete the text, which is disguised in the first place to hide any links with the police”.

"We have adapted to ensure we can support people at risk and find them a safe space. It’s really important people know that alongside this new initiative we also continue to respond to domestic abuse as normal in emergency situations, arresting perpetrators and protecting vulnerable people”.

“In fact, even when the first lockdown restrictions were relaxed during the summer, we found that the number of victims opting for the remote video meeting remained the same, equal to the numbers opting to visit a police station”.

"No matter what is going on around us there is no excuse for domestic abuse it simply isn’t acceptable. The police priority hasn’t changed if you are victim of domestic abuse I would urge you to contact us so that we can help.

“As well as an enhanced awareness raising during the lockdown period and beyond over the White Ribbon Campaign period (25 November and 16 Days of Action), with social media signposting to support services and further information on our website, newspaper adverts and community engagement in essential locations to reach out to those not online; we are including more targeted messaging in our awareness campaigns for the LGBTQI community following engagement with the LGBT External Reference Group, which we plan to develop in the New Year.

Recent victim surveys indicate that reporting of domestic abuse amongst the LGBTQI community may be lower than heteronormative relationships. We know that DA can happen in any adult relationship, and we want the LGBTQIA+ community to feel confident to come forward and report instances of abuse.

“But our message remains the same throughout Covid restrictions and beyond – If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. We can help break the cycle of abuse. We take all allegations of domestic abuse seriously and our staff and officers understand the complexities of domestic abuse. We want to help support victims to move forward with their lives.”

For further support, advice, and a directory of local victim support services, you can visit the Safe:Space Sussex website here: www.safespacesussex.org.uk/

Ask for ANI codeword scheme launches

In January the Government announced that as part of a national campaign, victims of domestic abuse will be able to now safely access support from thousands of pharmacies across the UK, through a new codeword scheme – offering a vital lifeline to those who are not safe in their own home.

The ‘Ask for ANI’ scheme allows those at risk or suffering from abuse to discreetly signal that they need help. By asking for ANI, a trained pharmacy worker will offer a private space where they can understand if the victim needs to speak to the police or would like help to access support services.

Any information shared will be treated confidentially, and the pharmacy staff will be able to help you contact emergency police response, a helpline, or a specialist support service.

Winter significant arrests

The safety and welfare of local communities remains our top priority throughout these challenging times.

Over the past few months (September – February) various Police teams across Eastbourne have; with your help made a number of significant arrests, resulting in removing persistent offenders, drug harm, and anti-social behaviour from your communities.

To help us help you; we continue to encourage you to report any suspicious activities, behaviour, no matter how big or small. As well as your information and reports playing a huge part in how we plan our local policing; all reports will also help us to bring the offender to justice and make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else.

If your call is not urgent and can be reported through our website, we ask you to do so in order to release the pressure on our emergency resources - online services offer you the option to self-report, which will be then be prioritised and actioned.

All emergencies, crime in action, or where there is a threat to life, always call 999.

October – Male arrested in Eastbourne following drugs found in his car. The arrest followed intelligence developed by the Eastbourne NPT on a vehicle suspected to be involved in the distribution of illegal substances.

Officers stopped the car in Langney Road and conducted a search, which revealed a small plastic tub containing cocaine in the centre console.

A subsequent search of the driver’s address led to the discovery of hundreds more wraps of suspected drugs with an estimated street value of £20,000, and around £2,000 in cash. The driver – a 41-year-old man from Eastbourne – was released on conditional bail and will later appear in court.

November - Four men were convicted of a violent assault that left the victim with life-changing injuries.

The victim, a 26-year-old Portuguese national, suffered severe injuries in the attack in St James Road, Eastbourne, back in October of 2019. A 33 year old male, unemployed, of Seaside, Eastbourne, and a 28 year old male, unemployed, of Harlesden Road, London, both pleaded guilty to wounding with intent.

Two further men of no fixed address, were both found guilty of wounding with intent by a jury following a two-week trial at Hove Crown Court.

The court heard how the four men, all Portuguese nationals, chased the victim into a dead end road before brutally attacking him by punching, kicking and stamping on his head repeatedly.

The four men left Eastbourne that same day, and were arrested in Southampton on October 11 having been stopped in two vehicles, all were remanded in custody for sentencing, and since, three of the four men convicted were sentenced on March the 2nd to a total of 35 years and eight months in prison.

Continued overleaf

Winter significant arrests (continued…)

November - Police executed a warrant at an address in Eastbourne as part of continued work to tackle drugs and drug-related harm in the community.

Officers from the Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) attended an address in Langney Rise and seized crack cocaine and heroin with an estimated street value of around £1,000.

A 17-year-old boy from London was arrested at the property on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class A drug, and was released on conditional bail while enquiries continued.

The drugs supply at the address is believed to part of a county line into Eastbourne. County lines is a term used to refer to drug networks, both gangs and organised crime groups, from large urban areas such as London, who use children and vulnerable adults to carry out illegal activity on their behalf.

Insp Barrow added: “We often see children being exploited by criminal gangs to supply drugs in Sussex. Leaders of the county lines will attempt to entice young people to deal drugs on their behalf, without highlighting the obvious dangers associated with such criminal activity.

“In this case, the county line concerned has been named Phineas and Ferb by those running it. This is a clear attempt by drug dealers at a marketing strategy that appeals to vulnerable people in our community, and they will often use well-known TV characters and nicknames as a business name.

“We will continue to crack down on drug dealing in our community, and we encourage people to report any suspicious activity to us. Even if you think it’s a small detail, it all helps to build a bigger picture of the activity ongoing in our community.

December - A cannabis factory with around 180 plants was found and dismantled by police in Eastbourne.

Officers were called to reports of a disturbance at a property in Dursley Road where they discovered large quantities of cannabis inside the address, alongside around 180 cannabis plants. The estimated street value of the cannabis seized is around £81,000.

A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of producing a controlled Class B drug, and entering the without a passport. Three men – two aged 23 and one aged 20 – were also arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary with intent and grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to the initial disturbance.

Chief Inspector Di Lewis, district commander for Eastbourne, said: “This was a significant disruption, with a large quantity of cannabis plants being seized and a factory set-up being dismantled Even though the initial call in this instance was related to another offence, our officers were diligent and thorough with their enquiries and this resulted in further offences being identified.

“We will continue to take action against those bringing harmful drugs into our communities. Anyone who sees any suspicious activity in their area is urged to report it to us so we can respond effectively.”

Sussex Police thanks public for staying in this New Year's Eve

Sussex Police wishes local residents a happy New Year and thanks the vast majority of people for doing the right thing and staying at home to see in 2021 safely.

Officers were deployed across Sussex to use the 4E's approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging the public to do the right thing which was largely successful.

In cases where this was not effective, or the rules were blatantly breached, enforcement action was taken.

In the period from 6pm on Thursday (31 December) to 3am on Friday (1 January), a total of 81 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued in Sussex.

These ranged from outdoor gatherings of groups in public spaces, to private parties; and people travelling from outside the area into the county.

During the same period a total of 44 arrests were made across Sussex for offences which included public order, assault and drink driving.

Chief Superintendent Tanya Jones said: "We know that this remains a challenging time and we are pleased to report that the vast majority of people are doing the right thing and following the regulations.

However, as we demonstrated over the New Year evenings; where people show a blatant disregard for the rules or are not willing to engage with officers, we will take enforcement action”.

"As always, we are hugely grateful to our colleagues who sacrificed seeing in the New Year with their own loved ones in order to help keep the public safe.”

Help us to help you when you need us the most – Make the right call

If you need to contact us, and your call is not an emergency; to help keep our emergency lines open for those that need us most we have made our online reporting easier than ever.

You can make reports to us online, as well as telling us about something you’ve seen or heard here www.sussex.police.uk/ro/report .

Using our website allows for each report to be prioritised, ensuring we can be where we are most needed, as well as easing the pressure on our emergency lines and emergency resources.

You can also find an array of advice, support, and potential answers to many Policing queries on our website, visit www.sussex.police.uk , as well as the website www.askthepolice.uk ; the official Police resource website for and Wales.

For matters relating to road traffic offences, including excess speed, members of the public can report a number of anti-social driving offences to Sussex Police via the Operation Crackdown website .

Communities can also find out more about their local Community Speed Watch groups here , and read more about road safety on the Sussex Safer Roads website here .

Community engagement and patrols throughout Winter

PCSOs play a key part of your local policing service; and although we haven’t been able to engage in the same ways recently, this hasn’t stopped your local PCSOs getting out safety across the district on their regular patrols, working alongside and supporting police officer colleagues in solving local problems.

Not only by working closely with local and community groups, speaking to community, religious and business leaders, providing crime prevention advice, and reassuring the public; but in also addressing local issues by getting out into towns and villages across the district on high visibility foot patrols; officers are able to gather intelligence, meet people and offer advice and support to members of the public.

What follows is just a snapshot of some of the patrols across the district in the last few months…. • PCSO Brian-Davis for the Redoubt area met (virtually and distanced) with residents from the area to introduce himself as their local PCSO and understand what crime they face in their communities • Your town centre PCs and PCSOs conducted proactive and high visibility patrols in the few weeks the shops were open in December following reports of pickpocketing and theft in the run up to Christmas • Late evening patrols continued across the town centre with your Operation Blitz PCs and PCSOs conducting various patrols through the town tackling ASB, including a number of stop checks and alcohol seizures • Hot spot areas for ASB driving and excess speed in Langney had targeted patrols conducted by local PCSOs Crouch and Brian-Davis, yielding some positive results in issuing TORs (traffic offence reports) • PCSO Walker continued her work around supporting vulnerable community members in Old Town, and secured a cheque from the Police Property Act Fund to help support local charities to continue their hard work through lockdown • PCSOs Agnew and Kerr spent time in the last few months, patrolling local parks following reports of ASB and theft. Recently 4 pedal cycles were retrieved with the help of members of public • Patrols around St Richards Church in Langney were increased in January following criminal damage to the premises. Local PCSOs were also able to secure funding from the Police Property Act Fund to help pay for repairs on the building following the damage caused • Increased patrols in Old Town were set up mid-January following reports of shed breaks in the area. Late night and early morning patrols were conducted and some still remain in place to offer reassurance and support to residents affected • A number of patrols with our SIDs (Speed Indication Devices) were conducted across Eastbourne in the last few months, with PCSO Williams heading to areas such as Beachy Head following results from our Operation Dragonfly campaign • PC Faulkner, supported by PCSOs on his section continued to carry out late night patrols of parks across the district, following reports of youth related ASB in the evenings • Officers attended Covid19 vaccination centres in Eastbourne early February to offer support and their thanks to the staff and volunteers helping to keep our town safer during the pandemic • PCSO Quinnell continued her work with local communities in Meads following reports of significant ASB in and around Helen Gardens

Eastbourne Police have issued a £10,000 fine after dozens of people gathered to film a music video in Eastbourne, in breach of the government’s Covid-19 regulations.

Officers received a report of a planned gathering at Trinity Place car park in Eastbourne town centre, due to take place between 4 and 5pm on Wednesday (January 20).

Police attended the car park and found more than 30 people present on the sixth floor, along with music and filming equipment. Most of the group were not wearing face coverings and were not adhering to social distancing.

A number of people were compliant and left the scene immediately. A man from London identified himself as the owner of a music production business and organiser of the event. He was issued with a £10,000 for holding a gathering of more than 30 persons, in breach of the current Covid-19 legislation.

A member of the group also refused to comply with requests by officers to leave the area, and he was issued with a £200 Fixed Penalty Notice.

Superintendent Julia Pope said: “While the vast majority of people in Sussex are following the government’s Covid-19 regulations, we are unfortunately still seeing a small number of people who are ignoring the restrictions and putting themselves and other people at risk.

“We ask the public to continue doing the right thing by following the government's guidance. We will continue to respond effectively and proportionately to those found to be wilfully and obviously breaching the restrictions.

“The rules and restrictions are in place for a reason – to protect the NHS and save lives. We know it’s been an incredibly difficult time, but it’s still so important that we pull together and continue doing what we need to do to stop the spread of the virus and save lives.”

Police are urging people to be vigilant after a spate of catalytic converter thefts in East Sussex.

Officers have seen an increase in reports of the thefts during the past month, including in Eastbourne, Hastings and Bexhill. Toyota and Honda vehicles have been targeted in particular.

Chief Inspector Di Lewis, district commander for Eastbourne and Lewes, said: “We are urging people to take extra precautions around their vehicles following a rise in thefts of catalytic converters across East Sussex.

“There are a number of measures people can take to deter thieves, including parking in a secure or well-lit area and considering locks or guards. We also encourage people to continue reporting any thefts to us, so we can build a picture of the crimes and respond effectively.”

Steps to protect your vehicle include parking in a garage overnight or in a secure compound. If this is not possible, people are urged to park in an area that’s well-lit and overlooked. Drivers are also encouraged to park so that the convertor can’t be easily reached by potential thieves. Vehicles that sit high above the road are particularly vulnerable.

Car owners can ask their car dealer for any advice on locks or guards that are approved by the vehicle manufacturer to keep catalytic converters safe. People are also urged to register their converter and mark it with a forensic marker, which will make it harder for thieves to dispose of. More information can be found on the Secured by Design website . Further measures on how to protect your car from thieves can also be found on the Sussex Police website.

January appeal and advice following a spate of bicycle thefts in Eastbourne.

Officers are investigating a series of recent break-ins to sheds in the Old Town and Hampden Park areas of the town, during which a number of bikes have been stolen.

Areas include properties off, Decoy Drive, Beechy Avenue, Longland Road, Victoria Drive and Roffrey Avenue, whereby unknown suspect(s) have entered victims gardens overnight or in the small hours; and used force or unknown tools to remove locks on sheds; cycles at each of the properties have been targeted.

Members of the public are being urged to stay vigilant and to take steps to protect their property, and to report any suspicious behaviour to police.

If you think a crime is in action always dial 999.

Eastbourne Police Inspector Barrow said: “We have seen a recent rise in reports of shed break-ins and bicycle thefts in areas of Eastbourne, and we are actively investigating.

“We ask anyone who sees any suspicious behaviour, particularly in areas around sheds and garages, to report it to us. No matter how small you think the information may be, it could help us piece together a bigger picture of what is happening and find those responsible.

We are particularly interested in any information relating to the whereabouts of these bicycles after they have been stolen. If anyone sees or is offered a bicycle or bicycle parts for sale in unusual or concerning circumstances, please get in touch with us.”

Police can be contacted online or by calling 101. Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

There are a number of steps residents can take to protect their property:

•Register it. Get your bike security marked and registered at BikeRegister . It’s a highly effective, visible deterrent to bike thieves. They know that if they are caught with a registered bike, the owner can be traced and they will be arrested. •Record it. Remember to record details of your bike such as the frame number (normally found underneath the bike between the pedals or where the back wheel slots in), the BikeRegister number plus any other distinguishing features, and take a photo. •Double-lock it. It can take thieves as little as few seconds to cut through some locks, so use two good quality locks, at least one of which is a D-lock. This includes when locking outdoors and inside a shed.

February – DISC app and business burlgaries

Business owners; we know you’ve invested a great deal of time, energy and money in your businesses, together we can help to prevent these types of crime, we would urge business owners to continue reporting any burglaries or suspicious activities to us either online or 999 at the time.

As well as continuing to report to the Police directly, why not join the DISC community by downloading the smartphone/tablet app DISC at discagainstcrime.com

DISC enables local crime reduction partnerships, national businesses, and large venues to self-manage low-level crime and ASB – and enables Police forces to deliver ‘join-up’ policing to the communities they serve.

SPRING Operation Magpie, burglary awareness advice.

Did you know, out of 43 UK police forces, Sussex is one of the safest places to live with low rates of burglary compared to other counties across England and Wales? With many of us spending more time indoors/at home, we have seen a decrease in the number of burglaries reported.

Although this is a positive sign, we still need to ensure our homes are kept safe from potential burglary, whilst at home complete our security check list; do all doors and windows lock, are locks in a working order? Not only indoors but check your outbuildings or sheds for wear on tear on locks following the wet Winter.

To help further protect your property this Spring, please read our crime prevention advice online: www.sussex.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/residential- burglary/

Register your belongings on the Immobilise national property register. If your valuables are stolen it will allow you to tell the police, your insurer and second-hand traders to assist in recovering your property and catch the thief. www.immobilise.com/

New Year, new relationships? Protect yourself from romance fraud scammers with our DATES tips.

Don’t rush into an online relationship – get to know the person, not the profile: ask plenty of questions.

Analyse their profile – confirm the person's identity. Check the person is genuine by putting their name, profile pictures or any repeatedly-used phrases and the term ‘dating scam’ into your search engine.

Talk to your friends and family - be wary of anyone who tells you not to tell others about them.

Evade scams - never send money or share your bank details with someone you’ve only met online, no matter what reason they give or how long you've been speaking to them.

Stay on the dating site messenger service - don't use email, phone, social media or other messaging apps until you’re confident the person is who they say they are.

Please visit: www.sussex.police.uk/romance-fraud for more information and the signs to look out for.

Scam awareness further support and advice

Residents can also view a digital copy of our latest Little Book of Big Scams and/or download a copy here: www.sussex.police.uk/SysSiteAssets/media/downloads/sussex/advice/operations-initiatives-and-watch- schemes/operation-signature/the-little-book-of-scams

Alternately you can obtain one from your local from front office/Police contact point at 1 Grove Road, Eastbourne.

The Little Book of Big Scams is a very useful booklet that covers different types of fraud and explains many of the scams currently operating in the UK, and we hope it will increase your awareness of these scams and teach you some easy steps that you can take to protect yourself, friends and family, as well as others around you.

SPRING – This Spring follow our top tips for keeping yourself and those around safe from fraud and scams.

-Be suspicious of all ‘too good to be true’ offers and deals.

-Don’t agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to get independent or legal advice before making a decision.

-Don’t hand over money or sign anything until you’ve checked someone’s credentials and their company’s.

-Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment you’re not comfortable with.

-Never give banking or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it.

-If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help. Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit Action Fraud online. Call us on 101 if you know the suspect or they’re still in the area.

-Don’t be embarrassed about reporting a scam. Because the scammers are cunning and clever there’s no shame in being deceived.

-By reporting it, you'll make it more difficult for them to deceive others. Contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at Action Fraud online. Call us on 101 if you know the suspect or they’re still in the area.

You can also visit our website for the latest scam and fraud advice, support and top tips, including a monthly fraud newsletter here: https://www.sussex.police.uk/police-forces/sussex-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/fraud/

Are you in the know? Did you know that you can sign up to witness appeals, crime updates, crime prevention advice, local Police news and more via the community messaging service In The Know?

Visit: www.intheknow.community/ to sign up today.

To further keep up to date on your local Police team you can also follow your local NPT teams on social media by clicking the icons below, for up to date community news, snapshots and events in your local area.