Editorial

Wealden Prevention Inspector Jonathan Gross said: "We recognise the impact being a victim of crime can have on a person. We are visiting every victim of burglary in Wealden, and all viable lines of enquiry for each individual case have been - and continue to be -  investigated.

"We understand the community's concerns and are working across all the towns, parishes and villages in Wealden to engage with residents. We also work very closely with councils and other authorities in Wealden, and regularly share intelligence with other districts within Sussex Police, and other police forces, in a bid to identify those responsible for crimes in the area and bring them to justice.

It is such a great shame that Wealden Police DO NOT share local crime figures with Willingdon Neighbourhood watch.

Sussex Police are working hard over Christmas to keep you and your family safe, but here are a few simple steps you can take to protect your home, presents and loved ones this festive season.

When you are out shopping please remember:

•   Keep valuables in inside coat pockets or internal zips in bags to prevent pickpockets

•   Only carry the cash you need, do not carry large amounts with you

•    Avoid going back to your car to drop off presents part way through your trip, if you do keep presents in the car ensure they are well out of sight and the car/boot is locked

When you’re out in the evenings:                                                                                                       

•   Never leave your valuables unattended in public area

•   Avoid walking home alone in the dark, and never with someone that you do not know

•    Drink responsibly, never drink and drive, arrange for a taxi or a designated driver for the evening

When you are at home:

•   Don’t leave presents under your Christmas tree if they are visible from windows or doors

•   Never keep large amounts of cash at home

•   Check you have adequate home insurance to cover high value items

•    Make sure your home looks occupied, leave a light on or a timer light or radio playing

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After Christmas:

•   Avoid becoming an easy target for post-holiday burglars/robbers by not leaving boxes for new electronics and other items outside your wheelie bin; break down boxes, and remove labels before putting inside a wheelie bin

•    Register your newly gifted items with your home insurance provider and with property registering websites such as www.immobilise.com - 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 thieves.

Apply for a free call blocker today: www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/callblocker

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An elderly Chichester resident has been one of the latest victims of a spate of doorstep thefts including rogue traders, a crime which doubled across Sussex during July.

The 76-year-old man was approached during July by a visitor suggesting that work was needed on his house.

He left a 'flyer' leaflet offering tree and hedge trimming and any interior and exterior work, but with just a mobile number and email, and no landline number or actual address
The resident handed over a total of £45,000 for work which began but was never continued, and the man who started the work, and who said that a further £25,000 would be needed, cannot currently be contacted.

Police are investigating and anyone who has been approached for such work should contact the police online or by calling 101, quoting serial 0500 of 05/08.

This type of crime across Sussex, together with other cold callers saying they are variously from the water companies or drain clearance companies gaining access and gaining cash, has increased.

There were 67 similar reports in July, compared with 31 reports in June, 32 in May and 29 in April.

38 of the July reports were in West Sussex, 12 in East Sussex and 17 in Brighton and Hove.
So far in 2019 there have been 261 such reports altogether and in 153 of the cases residents lost money, totalling £600,629.

154 of the 2019 reports were in West Sussex, 58 in East Sussex and 49 in Brighton and Hove.

The average age of victims was 80 years, with the oldest being 97.

In another recent case, in Brighton, a 71-year-old resident was wanting to have her garden redone. She had a flyer through her door for a gardner or landscaper so called him for a quote. The man visited and quoted £2700 for her garden to be tidied and turf to be cleared. He said he would need at least £1700 to get started with materials etc. She gave him the full amount expecting him to return the next day and start as agreed. He never never returned or contacted the victim.

In yet another case, in Hailsham, two men called saying they were there to unblock the drains. She had previously received letters from Southern Water explaining that drain work was to be completed at some stage so she assumed this was genuine. Both men said it would cost £130 to unblock the drains and she handed this over. They then returned asking for £200 for a camera to be put down the drain to check the issue and find out what work needed doing - again the victim paid. The men then asked for £300 for further repairs and equipment to start the work, which was handed over. They then left and never returned.

In yet another case, in Horsham, an 84-year-old man was approached by two men at his door asking if he wanted his gutters cleaned and trees cut back. They quoted him £460 and they agreed. The men then changed the price to £5850. They left the rubbish from their work and said they would come back tomorrow to clear it and get the money.

Meanwhile the unsuspecting resident went to his bank wanting to withdraw £6000 for this work. Thankfully bank staff found this suspicious and overpriced so contacted the police.
PC Bernadette Lawrie, BEM, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer at Sussex Police. said;

"We urge residents to remain vigilant and to report anything suspicious to us. It’s also important to remember to challenge any unknown callers for ID.

"Not sure? Don’t open the door!

"Never have work done by anyone who cold calls. No reputable trader ever approaches a customer in this way.

"If visitors are present and you feel at all unsafe dial 999 at once. Otherwise report online or ring 101 quoting Operation Signature."

For further advice see the Sussex Police Operation Signature website.