Local Crime

This year, make sure you don’t get conned out of Christmas, by thinking twice before you click and taking some simple precautions. That way, you can make sure it’s a festive season to remember… for all the right reasons.

But Christmas is also a favourite time of year for criminals, well aware that you’re busy online and have too many other things on your mind to think about safeguarding yourself, your family and your finances.
Top ten tips for a safe and happy festive season online:

SHOP, SHOP, SHOP​
If something seems too much of a bargain, it’s probably poor quality or doesn’t even exist. Always check payment pages are secure, and log out when you’ve finished shopping online.

AUCTION BARGAIN … OR NOT?
When making a purchase from an auction website, use insured payment methods like PayPal and never do a bank transfer to people you don’t know. Do all you can to check the seller or buyer are authentic. And look out for fake goods: they’re illegal and cost livelihoods.

JUST THE TICKET
Buying gig or event tickets as a gift, or for yourself? To avoid fraud, buy only from official sources, and never pay by direct transfer.

COME FLY AWAY…
Whether you’re planning a break at Christmas or next year, make sure the holiday or flight is genuine by researching it thoroughly, and check travel agents for an ABTA/ATOL number.

WHO’S ASKING?
Scam emails, calls, texts and posts are getting cleverer and you’re bound to get some over Christmas. Think twice before you get talked into anything, however busy you are.

YOUR PASSWORD IS YOURS. KEEP IT THAT WAY!
Passwords that are easy to guess, that you use for more than one account or that you share with others, are a no-no!

SECURELY CONNECTED?
Secure Wi-Fi is vital for your privacy. At home, check your router security settings. Out and about, never use free Wi-Fi hotspots when what you’re doing is private.

GREAT OFFER, OR SUBSCRIPTION TRAP?
Don’t sign up for ‘free’ or ‘low-cost’ trial goods without thoroughly reading the small print. You could be signing up for massive direct debits.

SEASON’S GREETINGS
Don’t open attachments or click on links in festive (or any other) emails you’re not expecting, as they could be scams. And be careful with ecards as they can be fraudulent too.

AVOID THOSE NASTY CHRISTMAS VIRUSES
And we don’t mean coughs and colds! Always have internet security (antivirus) software and apps switched on and updated.


Help us keep Sussex safe

Seen something suspicious or have information about a crime or incident? Please contact us online, email us at 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Please be vigilant and don't be afraid to question someone who comes to your property claiming to be from a company, such as Southern Water. Always ask for identification and if they are legitimate, they will not mind waiting whilst you call the company to check. If you saw or heard anything, or have any information about the below incident please contact us online, email us at 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting the reference number provided.Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org 

Reference: 1596 10/07 

Location: Mayfield

Details: A male approached a property claiming to be from Southern Water and stated he was there to change the locks on the Southern Water meter door. When the resident called Southern Water, they stated there were no such works going on in that area on that day. Visit our Website for burglary prevention advice  

Links and attachments: Sussex Police will only ever link you to secure web-sites we trust. We will only send you attachments where we believe it is absolutely necessary. 

Message Sent By

Tabitha Baker (Police, Prevention Support and Engagement Officer, Sussex)

Police are currently appealing for witnesses following a number of insecure vehicles being targeted over the Bank Holiday Weekend in Willingdon.

Incidents have occurred between Monday 28th May 2018 22:00 to  Tuesday 29th May 2018 0400.

Among the areas targets were Downs Valley Road, Anderida Road and Park Croft.

Officers would like to speak to anyone who was or heard anything suspicious or who may have information concerning who was responsible.

Majority of this type of crime is opportunist and occurs when valuables have been left on view or the vehicle left insecure. Please ensure you secure all windows, including sun roofs. Take valuables with you or lock them out of view. For further crime prevention advice please visit our website.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Sussex police Online, or by phoning 101, quoting serial 313 29/05/2018.