Rother District '“ December 2008 Update

As we develop our work to tackle crime and continue to improve the public's confidence in policing and the criminal justice system, we should acknowledge the excellent reductions in crime in Rother over the past 3 years.

Crime in Rother has fallen 24.4% over the last 3 years '“ far exceeding the 15% target set by the Government Office of the South East in 2005. This reduction includes a 60% drop in domestic burglary, a 48% fall in theft of vehicle and a 47% reduction in theft from person. These massive drops in crime in Rother amount to 1,041 fewer victims of crime in the 2007/08 performance year compared with the baseline year (2003/04).

This is something we can all celebrate as we have achieved our results together. Our aim is to reduce crime by a further 10% by 2011.

What's in a name?

The names we use for our district-based neighbourhood teams are changing.

For historical reasons Sussex Police had ended up with 'Neighbourhood Policing Teams', who weren't actually the people specialising in the local engagement and problem solving that are the foundation of Neighbourhood Policing (those staff were called 'Neighbourhood Specialist Teams').

From December, therefore, we are changing the names of our teams, so that:

Neighbourhood Policing Teams will refer to our dedicated local problem solving teams, and

Neighbourhood Response Teams will refer to our 24/7 district based response teams.

The overarching name covering both of these resources will be:

Neighbourhood Teams

I wanted to inform you about this change so that, if you do see any reference to it, you will know that our commitment to neighbourhood policing is not slipping '“ in fact we are continuing to develop neighbourhood policing as the bedrock of policing in Sussex.

Every ward now has its own visible, contactable, and accountable Neighbourhood Policing Team, working with local people to keep their community safe. We have 3 new neighbourhood police officers; Roy Warren - Bexhill, Simon Knight - Battle and Paul Fielder '“ Rye, and I am already seeing the benefit these officers are bringing to solving local problems identified by you.

Positive Work

October

Operation Quench over half term targeting sale of alcohol to young people.

Not In My Neighbourhood week in Rye Harbour. Partnership work to clean up graffiti and reduce antisocial behaviour.

November

Celebrating Specials Week '“ a week of events recognising the valuable work of our Special Constables.

Policing of Bonfires in Battle, Rye and Robertsbridge.

Community payback work supervised by the Probation Service in Johnson's Field in Camber.

Northiam's Beat the Burglar Campaign.

Reduction in burglaries to caravans in Camber (working together with the Safer Rother Partnership).

December

Op Relay '“ Christmas Drink/Drive Campaign.

Policing of Christmas late night shopping events.

Operation Thundercats (1st-14th December) targeting prevention, intelligence development and arrests for burglary to people's homes. This Op resulted in the recovery of drugs and stolen property; two successful warrants for stolen property, 14 arrests for burglary and 2 burglars remanded in custody. But despite this we still need to focus on reducing burglary in the rural areas, especially at this time of year from travelling criminals '¦

Please help us by being vigilant, DO NOT be complacent about burglary. To avoid becoming a victim of crime, please take the following steps.

Make sure your house looks occupied '“ use time-switches for lighting and closing curtains;

Keep your home secure and store your gifts out of sight in the run up to Christmas;

Be a good neighbour '“ report anything suspicious;

Don't leave goods and presents on display in your car;

Remember empty boxes outside your home advertise valuables inside.

With very best wishes for a Happy Christmas and New Year.