Local News

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Savers and those reaching retirement age are being warned to protect their pensions and look out for criminals trying to catch people out of their life savings, with Action Fraud revealing a total annual loss of £17,567,249. This equates to roughly £48,129 lost to this type of fraud per day in 2024.

Data reveals there were 519 reports of pension fraud in total and £17,567,249 lost in 2024, with an average loss of £33,848 per person.

Action Fraud, with support from the Pension Scams Action Group (PSAG), launched a pension fraud awareness campaign, warning people to take extra measures to protect their pension scheme accounts and to be cautious of investment opportunity offers from criminals that could be targeting them.

How can you protect yourself against Pension fraud?

Secure your online pension account: the account you use to manage your pension should have a different password to all of your other accounts. Use three random words to create a strong and memorable password, and enable 2-step verification (2SV).

Ignore unsolicited calls about your pension: cold calling about pensions is illegal and likely a sign of a scam. If you’re thinking about changing your pension arrangements, you should get financial guidance or advice beforehand.

Investment opportunities: don’t be rushed into making an investment. Remember, legitimate organisations will never pressure you into investing on the spot.

You should treat investment opportunities with extreme caution if there’s:

• Pressure to invest (for example: time-limited offers).
• Downplayed risk of losing your money.
• Promised returns that sound too good to be true.

Remember to Stop! Think Fraud and find more information on how to protect yourself from fraud here: Stop! Think Fraud - How to stay safe from scams

What can you do if you have been a victim of pension fraud?

Report pension scams: if you’re worried about a potential pension scam or you think you may have been contacted by a criminal, report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

If you have made a payment: inform your bank or pension provider as soon as possible, they can help you prevent any further losses. Monitor your bank and pension statements regularly for any unusual activity.

What Really Happens?

We often hear the myth that Operation Crackdown just means “a warning letter and nothing else” – but that’s not the case. Here’s the truth:

Every report is reviewed and logged. Repeated reports about the same driver or vehicle can lead to police visits, penalty notices, or even prosecution when evidence supports it.

PCSOs have Section 59 powers. If a vehicle is used anti-socially, a PCSO can issue a formal warning. If the same driver or vehicle is reported again within 12 months, the vehicle can be seized.

Your reports matter.

They help us identify hotspots, dangerous drivers, and tackle behaviour before it escalates.

So, if you see careless or anti-social driving, please keep reporting it – your information makes a difference!

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Collision appeal

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision involving two motorcycles in Crowborough on Wednesday, 28 May.

Emergency services were called to the A26 Eridge Road at around 11.05pm to a report of a motorcyclist having fallen from his vehicle. The rider – a 79-year-old man – was taken to hospital with serious injuries, where he remains. His next of kin have been informed.

The victim was riding a Honda 740XD-m motorcycle from north to south along Eridge Road. He was understood to be riding with another motorcyclist, on a BMW R850, who stopped at the scene.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or any of the events leading up to it, or has relevant dashcam/CCTV footage, is asked to contact collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk, quoting Operation Twain.

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Dog attack appeal

Officers are appealing for witnesses and information after a ten-year-old boy was attacked by two dogs in Polegate.

The incident took place on Monday, 26 May at around 2.40pm when the boy was on a walk with his mum in Abbot’s Wood. He was bitten on the legs by the dogs and was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries, and has since been discharged.

The dogs have been described as small, possibly a Terrier, Jack Russell or Patterdale breed. One of the dogs is thought to be named Molly.

We are also appealing for identification of the dogs’ owner who did not remain at the scene. She was described as a woman with blonde hair tied in a ponytail and wearing a light coloured top and black leggings.

Inspector Anthony Oakensen said:
“We understand that this was a distressing incident for the child and his mum. Fortunately, he is now recovering at home. We are exploring a number of lines of inquiry and are appealing for witnesses to come forward. We are keen to understand the full circumstances of this incident, and would encourage the woman involved to come forward to assist with our enquiries. Anyone with relevant information such as mobile phone or CCTV footage is also asked to come forward."

Information can be reported to Sussex Police online or by dialling 101, quoting serial 721 of 26/05.

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Volunteers week!

It's Volunteers' Week

To celebrate, we're saying a special thank you to all the volunteers who work selflessly to support Sussex Police!

A huge thank you; not just today, but everyday to all our of volunteers across Sussex, who give their time freely to perform tasks which complement the duties performed by police officers and staff, and whose help means more time freed up for officers and staff to focus on key operational duties and more support for your communities.

Looking to volunteer with Sussex Police?
Click here 👉 https://orlo.uk/kkJ4R

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Knife Arch

On Wednesday 21st May, officers took our Knife Arch to Hailsham Community College during #OpSceptre – an intensification week around tackling knife crime.

Officers spent the day discussing knife crime with the students and the dangers of carrying knives. Typically, those who carry a knife do so because they think ‘everyone is’ – which is simply not the case. Carrying a knife puts you at greater risk of being hurt.

We’re pleased to report that all students engaged well with officers, asking questions and listening well. Many seemed very clued up on the dangers of knife crime, and were appreciative to have us there raising awareness.

We were delighted to work closely with Hailsham Community College staff in delivering this important message to students and would like to thank the students for engaging so well!

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Local community engagement

On Sunday 1st June, PCSO Tilbury attended the annual Music in the Park event arranged by Willingdon and Jevington parish council.

It gave us the chance to meet many of the councillors and residents within the area, and it was lovely to see so many people enjoying the event and the nice weather.

A crucial part of our roles as PCSOs is to know our communities well, and events like this are a great way to do exactly that!

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Contact us

For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, visit:
www.sussex.police.uk
(If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call).

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

Speak to us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at:
www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.

Arrests

Bank holiday arrest round up.

We hope that you all had a chance to rest and recharge over the Easter weekend.

Whilst most kept themselves out of trouble, the same can't be said for the 14 individuals who found themselves under arrest...

On Friday, we arrested a driver for being over the alcohol limit in East Dean.

Saturday saw 4 people arrested, for assault, criminal damage and drink driving.

Another driver was arrested in Heathfield on Sunday for also driving whilst over the alcohol limit, whilst 3 others were arrested for assault in Polegate, Uckfield and Crowborough.

There were a further 3 arrests made on Monday, for separate assault offences

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‍Speedwatch in Heathfield

Speedwatch is just one of the many ways we aim to reduce anti-social driving, such as speeding or dangerous driving, throughout the district.

Yes, we're still out catching criminals - policing comes in many different forms, and keeping our roads safe is one of our many priorities.

We aim to act as a deterrent, ensuring that drivers are following the speed limit in areas that are prone to speeding, as well as:

- Reduce death and injury on the roads.
- Improve the quality of life for local communities.
- Increase public awareness of inappropriate speed.

You can also report ASB driving via Operation Crackdown here Operation Crackdown

If a crime is in action, or there's an emergency, please call 999.‍

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Stalking Awareness Week
For National Stalking Awareness Week 2025 (22-25 April), our aim is to highlight the importance of recognising the signs, knowing what to do, and understanding how we are helping to protect victims of stalking.

We will be raising awareness throughout the week of not only how to recognise stalking and harassment, but also the channels available to ALL victims where they can report and find support.

Experiencing stalking can be incredibly distressing. It's crucial that individuals receive the support they need.

We take stalking reports very seriously, and we encourage anyone affected to come forward so we can provide help as soon as possible.

There is lots of support available for victims, many of which can be found here https://orlo.uk/Y3oUP

What is Stalking and Harassment?

Harassment may include:

- sending abusive text messages or images
- posting abusive messages on social media
- neighbour disputes that involve abusive behaviour or damage to property
- repeated antisocial behaviour
- making unwanted or offensive phone calls

It's harassment if the unwanted behaviour has happened two times or more and made you feel distressed or threatened.

Stalking may include:

- following someone
- going uninvited to their home
- hanging around somewhere they know the person often visits
- watching or spying on someone
- identity theft (signing-up to services, buying things in someone's name)
- writing or posting online about someone if it's unwanted or the person doesn't know

It's stalking if the unwanted behaviour has happened two times or more and made you feel scared, distressed or threatened.

It's important that you get the support you need if this is something you're experiencing. If you're not ready to report to us, that's OK, there are other organisations that can give you advice and help

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‍Anti-social behaviour
PCSO Park and PCSO Thompson patrolled Pevensey yesterday (23rd) on foot.

A visit was paid to the castle following reports of anti-social behaviour, with officers speaking with staff and providing crucial crime prevention advice.

Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, and our officers work hard to prevent and deter ASB every single day. It's crucial that the public continue reporting ASB to us, to help us direct our patrols where they're needed most.

For more info on ASB, including the various types and where to report it, see here  https://orlo.uk/QD2NV‍

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Motorcycle theft

Help protect your motorcycle, moped or scooter from theft

With warmer weather we see more bikes on the road, and subsequently more bike thefts . We urge moped, scooter or motorcycle owners to help reduce their risk of becoming a victim by taking steps to layer their security.

As well as locking, chaining and covering, owners may wish to consider these further security measures following reports of theft across the town this week.

- An alarm can be a deterrent to thieves - consider implementing an alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab and movement sensors can help protect and trace your vehicle.

- Property mark the parts - marking as much of your bike as possible will make it more difficult for criminals to sell parts on, and therefore less attractive to steal; it will also help police identify parts and return recovered stolen bikes.

- When at home the best place to keep your motorcycle, moped or scooter is in your garage or shed - fit a garage door defender or upgrade garage door locks; consider garage and shed alarms as well as low level dusk to dawn lighting will also enhance security or by using a ground anchor which will also provide extra security.

Contact us

For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, click  www.sussex.police.uk,  (If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call). 

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

Speak to us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area. 

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.

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Message Sent By

‍Ria Robertson

(Police, District Engagement Officer, Neighbourhood Policing Team)