Message from Sussex PCC

Dear Subscriber,

I am now almost one month into my new role as Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner and I have certainly had to hit the ground running. I am pleased to have already met with a huge variety of people from the public to partners and the police. I have also begun to look at the budget for next year and have started to draft my Police & Crime Plan.

Some people have questioned how one person can do all this or if I am going to be working full time. To this I say I am absolutely working full-time in my role as PCC and I have a small team of people supporting me, who transferred over from the previous Police Authority's administration.

There has also been much comment on the election turnout but we have to remember that although some people may have stayed away from the polls, almost 200,000 people made their mark in this historic election - and that told me that they care about policing and crime in Sussex.

My success as PCC will depend on my understanding of Sussex and you, its residents, and shaping the police force accordingly. I want you to know I am an accessible Commissioner and a strong voice for local people in the fight against crime.

With this in mind and as I set about drafting the policing budget and the Police & Crime Plan I want to know your priorities - what matters to you and what I can do to make you feel Safer in Sussex. I will be attending street surgeries over the coming months so I can meet as many local people as possible but in the meantime you can contact me via my website www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk, where you can also sign up to my email newsletter to keep updated on what I’ve been up to. Alternatively you can call 01273 481561 or email me spcc@sussex-pcc.gov.uk to have your say.

I look forward to hearing from you.

With very best wishes

Katy Bourne
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner

Action Fraud

Police have received reports from people who have been contacted by fraudsters claiming to be from Action Fraud [19 December 2012]

Conmen frequently impersonate officials in an attempt to convince people that their offer is genuine. We are aware of a recent scam where fraudsters impersonate an Action Fraud representative to trick people into sending money.

The caller states that they are from Action Fraud and that the person they are calling is entitled to compensation from a recent incident. The scammer then asks for money to be sent via a Ukash voucher in order to process the compensation claim. The amount asked for is usually in the range of £200 to £400.

Action Fraud is warning people not to pay these bogus telephone callers; there is no way to retrieve Ukash payments as they are in effect cash transactions. This is a scam. You will lose your money.

Action Fraud is in no way affiliated with these scammers and would never under any circumstances be involved in processing claims for compensation. The genuine Action Fraud is the UK’s national fraud reporting centre where consumers can report if they have been scammed or defrauded.

You can report fraud online using Action Fraud’s reporting service.

Community Safety

Break ins

Serial 1314 of 14/12/12 relates to a break to a shed in Old Holbrook, Horsham.

Sometime between 1800 hours on Wednesday 12^th December and 1600 hours on Friday 14^th December a shed has been broken into in Old Holbrook, Horsham.

The shed had been left unlocked.

The only item taken was a key which was in the ignition of a quad bike. The quad bike was not stolen and no other items were stolen.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to call 101 quoting 1314 of 14/12/12.

************

Serial 0268 of 14/12/12 relates to a theft from a vehicle in Jockey Mead, Horsham.
The vehicle had been parked in Jockey Mead, Horsham and was broken into sometime between 1300 on Thursday 13^th December and 0820 hours on Friday 14^th December.
Access was gained via the driver’s door which had been bent.
Items taken include; Bosch electric plane worth £220, Mkiter cordless drill set worth £300, a Fein tool worth £260 and a pair of black female’s boots worth around £65.

Police are appealing for any witnesses to call 101 quoting 0268 of 14/12/12.

EMMA ATVARNIEKS
Neighbourhood Policing Team, Horsham Police Station
Tel: 101 Ext. 30214 Mobile: 07747531745 Twitter: @Horsham_police
PCSO Public Engagement Officer

Potential Scam

Dear Colleagues

This message is being sent out to all NHW coordinators on behalf of the Sussex NHW Federation.

Dear Friends,

 

I have been advised  of a potential Scam and concerned it  may spread in to your areas, the information below, came from a NHW colleague that works in the Energy Efficiency Sector  and by the end of December a certain funding scheme called CERT/CESP is coming to an end which so far offered free Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation.

 

As of 28th January a new double - funding scheme starts called Green Deal and ECO.

This means that certain household are eligible to free installations (ECO), some subsidised (ECO) and some other can be installed for the household and repaid through their electricity meter (Green Deal).  It is a simplified explanation but it covers the basics.

 

Now there are many companies out their scamming the more vulnerable into buying energy efficiency measures such as External Wall Insulation or Solar PV installations under what they call "the Green Deal".  These companies promise residents that they can take out a credit agreement with them under the government scheme or they tell the customer to pay up front and reclaim via Green Deal.

 

All of that is complete nonsense (in Red) 

 

The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) have published some quick guides on Green Deal and ECO (seehttp://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/tackling/green_deal/gd_quickguides/gd_quickguides.aspx) explaining the situation in plain English.

 

Essentially, any person who is contacted by any company trying to sell them Green Deal or any other energy efficiency measure should contact the ESAS - Energy Saving Advice Service run by the Energy saving trust http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Organisations/Government/Energy-Saving-Advice-Service!  They are independent and are able to advise the customer if they are being scammed and also what they should do next.

 

Please feel free to pass on to your family and friend’s.

 

Seasonal Greetings

 

John

 

John Wright
Chairman
Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation.
( Mobile:     07917 385213
(   Business:    01444 247368
š  Email:john.w.wright@btinternet.com
š   Web:   www.sussexnwfed.org.uk

Avoid opportunistic burglars

Dear Colleagues

This message is being sent out to all NHW Coordinators on behalf of the Sussex NHW Federation.

Dear Friends,

Please find below a statement from a victim in Brighton who was burgled, whilst this may not be in YOUR area it COULD be. Please don’t become a victim. Be safe , Be Vigilant.

 

http://www.sussex.police.uk/whats-happening/latest/news-stories/2012/12/06/brighton-homeowner-advises-people-to-avoid-being-a-victim-of-opportunistic-burglars-this-christmas/

Brighton homeowner advises people to avoid being a victim of opportunistic burglars this Christmas

06 December 2012

A mother who had all her family's Christmas gifts stolen is advising others to take a few precautionary steps in order to avoid the same fate.

In a video interview for Sussex Police Jo Thomas from Brighton said: "We had gone away for a short break to Bruges and came back with all our Christmas gifts beautifully wrapped. On our return to Brighton we were delayed and it was really late when we finally got home. We left the presents in the lounge didn't draw the curtains or deadlock the door. That night whilst we were  asleep our house was burgled and every single gift was taken along with the family car that was parked outside the house."

"The whole experience left us all feeling angry and violated and consequently ruined our Christmas. These were gifts that had been carefully chosen and paid for by our own hard earned money - it left such a bitter taste and I would not want anyone else to experience this type of burglary which we could have so easily avoided by deadlocking the door and drawing the curtains. I never thought I would be a victim of an opportunistic burglar but since it happened we now take no chances with our home security. I would advise all homeowners to get an intruder alarm fitted, always lock windows and doors and don't leave your house or car keys in view and pull your curtains if you have gifts on display. Do everything you can which would make it more difficult for a burglar to get into your home."

Detective Inspector Jacqui Shaw from the Priority Crime Unit in Brighton & Hove said: "With only 19 days until Christmas, we are focused on trying to protect people from burglars who target homes filled with gifts over the festive season. It is important that homeowners take simple precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

"In the run up to the festive season, criminals are on the lookout for signs of expensive purchases such as visible presents underneath Christmas trees, packaging on display or old electronic goods left outside suggesting new replacements have been bought. Anyone can become a victim of burglary but poor home security is the factor that makes people most vulnerable. 

"We have seen an increase in the number of burglaries taking place in Brighton & Hove recently and we are working to target prolific offenders. Already this year a number of significant burglars have been charged and are behind bars serving considerable sentences.

"We know that burglary is a crime which can have a lasting impact. As well as the financial implications, having your home burgled can leave people feeling really vulnerable.

"Don't hesitate to pick up the phone and talk to us if you notice anyone acting suspiciously in your area - you can help us to prevent these offences by calling our non emergency number, 101, or dialling 999 if a crime is in progress.

"The most effective way to prevent becoming a victim of burglary is simple: secure your home and always remove high value items from view."

Follow the tips below to keep your home safe and secure this Christmas:

 

• Avoid leaving presents under the tree, particularly if visible from windows or doors.
• Make use of free and secure registration websites to register items of value such as I.T., mobile phones, cycles, electrical items such as TVs, games consoles etc.
• Dispose of present packaging carefully as empty boxes left outside can advertise that you have new and desirable goods inside your home.
• Never keep large amounts of cash at home.
• Ensure that all doors and windows are locked - use a dead or double lock on outside doors.
• Lock up sheds and garages so thieves cannot gain access to ladders and tools which they could use to gain access to your home.
• Never leave keys anywhere near the front door; burglars know where to look.
• When you go out at night, consider leaving the lights on with curtains drawn so it looks like someone is home.
• If you are away from home for extended periods of time then ask a friend to make regular visits and use a timer so that the house looks occupied.
• If you do arrive home and notice signs of a break-in:
• Don't go in or call out - the intruder could still be inside.
• Go to a neighbour's to call the police.
• Don't touch anything or tidy up.

 

 

Seasonal Greetings

 

John

 

John Wright
Chairman
Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation.
( Mobile:     07917 385213
(   Business:    01444 247368
š  Email:john.w.wright@btinternet.com
š   Web:   www.sussexnwfed.org.uk

Rural burglaries

Police are increasing patrols in rural areas due to an increase in daytime house burglaries. A number of burglaries occurred on Thursday 5^th December in an area between Barns Green and Cootham south of Pulborough.

 

Police are asking that that homes are left secure, that lights are left on (consider use of a timer). If you leave a car at home consider parking it in a prominent position so as to give the impression someone is at home. Do not leave car keys at home.

 

Jewellery is a favourite target, so if you have precious items consider removing them, especially if they are irreplaceable.

 

If you see any suspicious activity contact police IMMEDIATELY on 101 and quote Op MALLOY or if you suspect a crime is taking place dial 999.

Message from Katy Bourne - PCC

This is a message from Katy Bourne, the new Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner

Hello,

It has been a busy second week in office. Please follow the links to read my latest news and find out what I've been up to:

 HYPERLINK "http://www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/wp-content/plugins/newsletter-pro/do.php?a=r&nr=Mzs1Nzg7Rmlyc3QgbWVldGluZyBvZiB0aGUmbmJzcCBTdXNzZXggUG9saWNlICZhbXAgIENyaW1lIFBhbmVsO2h0dHA6Ly93d3cuc3Vzc2V4LXBjYy5nb3YudWsvbmV3cy9maXJzdC1tZWV0aW5nLW9mLXRoZS1zdXNzZXgtcG9saWNlLWNyaW1lLXBhbmVsLw%3D%3D" \t "_blank" First meeting of the Sussex Police & Crime Panel

 HYPERLINK "http://www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/wp-content/plugins/newsletter-pro/do.php?a=r&nr=Mzs1Nzg7U1BDQyBhdHRlbmRzIE5GVSBXZXN0IFN1c3NleCBBR007aHR0cDovL3d3dy5zdXNzZXgtcGNjLmdvdi51ay9uZXdzL3NwY2MtYXR0ZW5kcy1uZnUtd2VzdC1zdXNzZXgtYWdtLw%3D%3D" \t "_blank" SPCC attends NFU West Sussex AGM

 HYPERLINK "http://www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/wp-content/plugins/newsletter-pro/do.php?a=r&nr=Mzs1Nzg7Q29tbWlzc2lvbmVyIGF0dGVuZHMgUmlzZSBMaXZpbmcgTGlicmFyeTtodHRwOi8vd3d3LnN1c3NleC1wY2MuZ292LnVrL25ld3MvY29tbWlzc2lvbmVyLWF0dGVuZHMtcmlzZS1saXZpbmctbGlicmFyeS8%3D" \t "_blank" Commissioner attends Rise Living Library

 HYPERLINK "http://www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/wp-content/plugins/newsletter-pro/do.php?a=r&nr=Mzs1Nzg7U3QgSmFtZXMgU3RyZWV0IENvbW11bml0eSBNZWV0aW5nO2h0dHA6Ly93d3cuc3Vzc2V4LXBjYy5nb3YudWsvbmV3cy9zdC1qYW1lcy1zdC1jb21tdW5pdHktbWVldGluZy1mcmlkYXktMzB0aC1ub3ZlbWJlci0yMDEyLw%3D%3D" \t "_blank" St James Street Community Meeting

As your PCC I want to hear your views and experiences of policing and crime in Sussex. It is important that I stay connected with the people and communities I serve.

You can contact me at  HYPERLINK "http://www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/wp-content/plugins/newsletter-pro/do.php?a=r&nr=Mzs1Nzg7c3BjY0BzdXNzZXgtcGNjLmdvdi51azttYWlsdG86c3BjY0BzdXNzZXgtcGNjLmdvdi51aw%3D%3D" spcc@sussex-pcc.gov.uk to have your say.

 INCLUDEPICTURE "http://www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/katyBourne_sig.png" \* MERGEFORMATINET 

Katy Bourne

Burglary - Lower Beeding

Serial 0820 of 02/12/12 relates to a burglary in Trinity Fields, Lower Beeding.

 

Sometime between 1400 hours on Friday 30^th November and 1530 hours on Sunday 2^nd December a property on the new build estate in Trinity Fields, Lower Beeding was broken into.

 

The offender/s were able to gain entry by pulling the rear patio doors which frames were made of wood off the hinges.

 

They have then gained entry to the property and stolen a Whirlpool gas hob and a Whirlpool electric oven.

 

Police are appealing for any witnesses to call 101 quoting 0820 of 02/12/12.

 

EMMA ATVARNIEKS

PCSO Public Engagement Officer
 

Neighbourhood Policing Team, Horsham Police Station

Tel: 101 Ext. 30214 Mobile: 07747531745 Twitter: @Horsham_police

Burglaries/Break ins

Serial 0928 of 02/12/12 relates to an attempted burglary in Honeysuckle Walk, Horsham.

 

Sometime between Saturday 1^st December and 1600 hours on Sunday 2^nd December an attempt has been made to break in to a property in Honeysuckle Walk, Horsham.

 

It would appear the offender/s tried to gain entry by using an unknown tool on the front door. 6 tool marks were found above and below the lock.

 

No entry was gained to the property and no further attempts were made.

 

Police are appealing for any witnesses to call 101 quoting 0928 of 02/12/12.

 

*********

 

Serial 0397 of 30/11/12 relates to a break to a garage in Waverley Court, Bishopric, Horsham.

 

Sometime between Saturday 24^th November and 0940 hours on Friday 30^th November a garage in Waverley Court, Bishopric, Horsham has been broken into.

 

It would appear the offender/s gained entry by cutting through two locks, one which had been located at the top of the garage door and the other which also had a large bolt at the bottom of the door.

 

Nothing appears to have been taken. Damage caused is approximately £60.

 

Police are appealing for any witnesses to call 101 quoting 0397 of 30/11/12.

 

*******

 

Serial 0368 of 01/12/12 relates to a theft of a bike from a garden shed in Clarence Road, Horsham.

 

Sometime between 0900 hours on Sunday 25^th November and 0800 hours on Saturday 1^st December a bike has been stolen from an insecure garden shed which was in the back garden of a property in Clarence Road, Horsham.

 

The bike which was stolen is described as a specialised brand mountain bike. The bike has a white frame, 27 gears, metal pedals, a red bottle fitted to the frame, a light on the front, no mudguards, no chain guard, disc brakes, straight handlebar and a standard saddle, it is valued at around £800.

 

Police are appealing for anyone with information to call 101 quoting 0368 of 01/12/12 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

EMMA ATVARNIEKS

PCSO Public Engagement Officer
 

Neighbourhood Policing Team, Horsham Police Station

Tel: 101 Ext. 30214 Mobile: 07747531745 Twitter: @Horsham_police

Digital Stalking

Digital stalking: a guide to technology risks for victims

 

30 November 2012

Women's Aid has teamed up with national stalking charity Network for Surviving Stalking to launch a practical guide for victims of stalking.

Digital stalking: a guide to technology risks for victims is an important resource for all stalking victims. It explains the wide range of technological risks for those being stalked, including use of Spyware on personal computers, tracking devices on mobile phones and tracking of information through social networking sites.

With over 18% of women and 9% of men experiencing stalking since the age of 16, stalking affects a wide range of people and this guide is relevant to everyone.

You can read the full article, download the guide and download mini-factsheets from this page on the Women's Aid website.

Seasonal Greetings

 

John Wright
Chairman
Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation.
( Mobile:     07917 385213
(   Business:    01444 247368
š  Email:john.w.wright@btinternet.com
š   Web:   www.sussexnwfed.org.uk