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Local News Hastings - May |
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Have a safe and enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend
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.
If you own a beach hut, please take a moment to review these simple steps to help keep your property secure: 🔒 Use strong, good‑quality locks 🚪 Make sure doors and frames are solid 🔩 Fit secure hinges 🛡️ Consider extra reinforcement 📦 Don’t leave valuables inside 🖊️ Security‑mark your property 🚨 Think about an alarm 🔦 Visit regularly
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.
Fraud Prevention Update - April 2026 Newsletter The April 2026 Sussex Police Fraud Newsletter is now available. This edition highlights how the Banking Protocol is being used to protect victims at the point of risk, preventing fraud in real time through joint working with banks and partners. The newsletter also provides an update on the latest fraud‑prevention advice and how we are working with communities to raise awareness and reduce harm. We would encourage partners and community members to share this information with anyone who may not have internet access or the ability to view the newsletter online, to help ensure these important fraud‑prevention messages reach as many people as possible. 👉 Read the full newsletter here: Surrey and Sussex monthly fraud newsletter | Surrey Police
Local Police Cadets had an exciting visit to Policing at Gatwick Airport. They got to experience first‑hand how specialist policing keeps one of the UK’s busiest transport hubs safe. From a policing perspective, the visit shows the importance of teamwork, specialist skills and rapid response in a unique environment. Cadets received an informative and interactive input from the Dog Unit, meeting police dogs Yaris and Bramble and learning how working dogs support frontline policing, detection and public safety. The excitement continued with the Firearms Unit, where cadets had the opportunity to see specialist equipment up close and understand the vital role armed officers play in protecting the public and critical infrastructure. The visit gave cadets a real insight into specialist policing roles, inspiring them and bringing to life the variety of careers and opportunities within Sussex police.
VAWG Awareness Event – Wednesday 24 June 2026, 10am–2pm Sussex Police and partner agencies will be at The Priory Shopping Centre, Hastings. Violence and abuse have no place in our communities. While this event supports our ongoing work to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG), it’s important to recognise that anyone can be affected by violence and abuse. Come and speak with officers and partners for advice, information on support services, and practical tips to help keep yourself and others safe. Free personal safety alarms, funded by Hastings & Rother Joint Action Groups, will be available. If you feel unsafe or witness concerning behaviour, you can report it online at 👉 https://www.sussex.police.uk/ or call 101.
Man charged following reported theft from St Leonards church Police were called following a report of a theft from a private area of St Leonards Church on Pevensey Road on Saturday. It was reported that a man had taken a Makita drill, battery and drill bits before leaving the area towards Warrior Square railway station. Officers attended and located a man matching the description at the station. Following a search, items believed to be the stolen property were recovered, along with a quantity of suspected Class B drugs. The man, 44, of no fixed address, has been charged with theft and possession of a Class B drug. The stolen property has since been returned to its owner. He is due to appear before Hastings Magistrates’ Court on 9 September.
🚨 Man Arrested and Property Recovered in St Leonards 🚨 Officers responded to a report of a residential burglary in St Leonards on Monday 11 May. Within 24 hours, officers from the Hastings Neighbourhood Policing Team had identified and located a suspect, making an arrest on Tuesday 12 May. As part of the investigation, a stolen vehicle, along with several other stolen items, was successfully recovered. A 34-year-old local man, suspected of involvement, was arrested for offences including burglary and taken into custody at Hastings Police Station, where he was interviewed. Following this, he was recalled to prison until May 2027 for breaching the conditions of his licence. Detective Sergeant Jake O’Reilly from the East Sussex Burglary Team said: “Residential burglary is an intrusive crime that can have a lasting impact on victims and cause significant concern within the community. I would like to thank the attending officers who quickly identified the offender, the arresting officers who located him, and my investigating team, who are now preparing the evidential case for submission to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Patrol & Speed Enforcement - Battle Road Yesterday, PC Jas Sidhu EC082 and I attended Battle Road in response to concerns raised by our Community Speed Watch volunteers, who unfortunately experienced abuse from some passing drivers. We want to reassure local residents that we take concerns about speeding very seriously. Previous Community Speed Watch data highlighted a significant number of vehicles travelling well above the 30mph limit, reinforcing the need for enforcement action to help keep this road safe for everyone. During our patrol: We remain committed to supporting our Community Speed Watch teams, who play a vital role. Their work is valued and appreciated. We will continue to carry out enforcement where necessary, alongside engagement with the community, to address speeding and improve road safety. Note: Potholes and parking issues are the responsibility of the local authority.
Speeding has been raised as a concern by residents living in the Old Harrow Road and Harrow Lane areas. As a Neighbourhood Policing Team, we work closely with our communities, and in response to those concerns, we have been carrying out regular speed monitoring in these locations. Using the Speed Indicator Device allows us to both gather an accurate picture of traffic speeds and provide visible reassurance that residents’ concerns are being taken seriously. It also gives us the opportunity to engage directly with drivers, offering advice, raising awareness of local speed limits, and explaining the real risks that excessive speed poses to everyone using the roads. Our focus is always on education and prevention first. These checks are not about issuing fines, but about encouraging safer driving habits and reducing the likelihood of collisions or harm within our communities. Enforcement is only considered where necessary, and always with safety as the priority. We will continue to monitor the situation and support local residents by addressing speeding concerns in a fair, proportionate, and community-focused way.
We had a fantastic time visiting the Ambition Links Group in Hastings last week! 🎉 Ambition Links provides brilliant support for people of all abilities, creating a welcoming space where everyone can build confidence, learn new skills and enjoy social opportunities in a supportive environment. We were warmly welcomed (and quickly recruited!) into a lively game of bingo! The real highlight, though, was showing everyone around the police car. After a tour of all the gadgets, we couldn’t resist putting the lights and sirens on for the full experience… which went down a treat! 🚓💙 A brilliant visit full of smiles. Thanks for inviting us Ambition Links!
A man has been charged after officers recovered a knife during a stop and search in Hastings. After members of the public reported a man seen in possession of a knife on Bohemia Road, PC Salter and PCSO Wood quickly attended the area, located the individual and carried out a stop and search, during which a knife was found. The man, 48, of Magdalen Road, Hastings, was arrested, charged and remanded in custody. Sergeant Seabridge said: “This incident highlights the importance of information from the public in helping us respond quickly to potential risks, and the role that stop-and-search powers can play in keeping communities safe.”
Wanted Man Arrested Hastings Neighbourhood Officers arrested a wanted man in woodland near Summerfields Sports Centre on Monday, 18 May. The man, 30, of no fixed address, was wanted after failing to appear in court in connection with a serious assault and for breaching a rehabilitation order, for which a warrant had been issued. He appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on 19 May, where he pleaded guilty to assault and was remanded in custody for 12 weeks.
🚔Tackling Heritage Crime PCSO Daryl Holter recently visited the True Crime Museum, Hastings to discuss the important issue of heritage crime and the work being carried out to help protect our shared history. From historic artefacts and cultural sites to the stories preserved within museums, safeguarding the past is important. Heritage crime can cause lasting damage, impacting irreplaceable items and the history they represent. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to engage with the museum team about the importance of protecting historical collections, raising awareness, and working together to safeguard heritage for future generations 🕵️♂️ PCSO Holter said: “It was a pleasure to visit the True Crime Museum and discuss the role we all play in protecting our heritage. By working in partnership with local organisations, we can help prevent harm to important historical items and ensure these stories are preserved.”
Mulberry Academy Hastings As part of Op Sceptre, knife crime awareness sessions were delivered to Year 8 students at Mulberry Academy Hastings, focusing on safety, legal awareness, and informed decision-making. The sessions covered the law around knife and offensive weapon possession, both in school and in public, alongside school staff search powers, with an emphasis on safeguarding. Students explored the different forms knife crime can take, including carrying, attempted purchase under 18, and offences involving harm. Discussion also focused on why people carry knives, such as fear, peer pressure, and status, challenging these perceptions and reinforcing safer alternatives. Legal defences were outlined, and knives were reframed as tools for legitimate everyday use rather than weapons. Students were signposted to support, including trusted adults, police, and the anonymous reporting platform Fearless (www.fearless.org), highlighting the importance of speaking up to keep people safe. The sessions were well received, with strong engagement and a wide range of thoughtful ‘what if’ questions from students throughout.
Supporting Emergency Workers: Keeping Staff Safe Neighbourhood Policing teams attended Conquest Hospital to support staff and address concerns around abusive behaviour directed at healthcare and emergency workers. Violence and abuse towards anyone is unacceptable, and this is particularly the case for those working to care for and protect the public. Officers spoke with security teams, nurses and doctors about practical steps they can take to enhance their personal safety and the support available to them. Clear advice was given around reporting incidents to police, with reassurance that reports will be taken seriously and dealt with robustly and swiftly. Personal safety alarms were also provided to staff as an additional measure. Police Sergeant Kieron Bracey said “This work forms part of ongoing neighbourhood policing efforts to support frontline services and ensure that emergency workers can carry out their roles safely.”
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