Burglary and violent crime in decline

Chief Inspector Brookman has now taken up a permanent post within our Communications Department at HQ.

The summer has passed us by and, as a district, recorded crime compared to the same period last year (08/07/07 '“ 05/10/07) has continued to reduce, particularly burglary of peoples homes, violent crime (assaults), vehicle crime and criminal damage.

We continue to make improvements in Neighbourhood Policing:

Every ward now has dedicated resources. Together with our partners at Rother District Council we have commenced developing community profiles to help us really understand our communities and examine ways in which we can become even more visible and accessible. This will enable us to build relationships with groups that in the past we have not reached.

Neighbourhood Priority Setting Panels are going really well and a big thank you to you if you have attended a Panel or completed a Neighbourhood Survey as these are vital to shape the future of service delivery. We are already listening to your views and responding to what you have said matters locally. Speeding, parking and antisocial behaviour appear to be top priorities for many of our wards. If you would like more information about Priority Setting Panels or how to get involved making your neighbourhood safer, please don't hesitate to contact me at [email protected]

I am really keen to develop new ways of listening to the community, particularly our young people, so if you have any information about youth groups where you know the police are not currently involved, please let me know. Together with the Safer Rother Partnership and the Bexhill Consortium of Head Teachers I am examining new ways to develop closer links with young people in order to assist us with our aim to prevent young people becoming victims of crime or offenders. Over the past 3 years Rother has achieved reductions in young people being victims of crime and this is something I am keen to maintain.

Over half term we will be commencing an operation to reduce the sale of alcohol to young people and I will update you on the results next month.

Interviews have been conducted for additional Police Officers to work supporting PCSOs and you will soon notice them within your community.

PC Paul Fielder started his role in Rye this week, Battle will see a new officer in November and Bexhill in December.

Autumn brings bonfire season with Battle on November 1 followed by Rye on the 8th and Robertsbridge on the 15th. These events are fantastic family events, however, I encourage you to support all the emergency services and Rother District Council, who work together to make them safe, by ensuring you consider your own and others personal safety if you are planning to attend - particularly unsupervised young people, small children in pushchairs and usually we have a drama or two involving heavily pregnant expectant mums!

October 13-17 is 'Not In My Neighbourhood' week and my neighbourhood teams have planned a range of activities with partners across the district. If you would like to know more or get involved, please contact Inspector Mark Bright at Battle Police Station. [email protected]

'Celebrating Specials' week follows between October 31 and November 5.

Rother is very fortunate to have a number of very dedicated Special Constables, some of whom work up to 30 hours every week on top of their day jobs supporting neighbourhood policing! Keep your eyes peeled on the local press during this period as two of our regular Special Constables will be publicising the breadth and depth of what they do and how they are valued and vital members of our team. If you would like further information on how to become a Special Constable in Rother, please contact me at [email protected]

It is vitally important to us that you feel confident to report anything that concerns you in your neighbourhood. Working together we can keep Rother safe. If you suspect something is wrong it probably is, so report it!

Emergency (an immediate response is required) - Dial 999

Non Emergency - Dial 0845 60 70 999

Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected]

To give information in confidence remember you can always call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.