Ever had someone at your door saying, "We’re working nearby and noticed a loose tile on your roof; we're offering a special price if you agree today; I’ve just completed a job for your neighbour; and we have leftover materials"? 

These could be distraction burglars or bogus callers. They aim to mislead or distract you to gain entry or charge exorbitant prices for “repairs.”

Rogue traders often offer home and garden repairs, overcharging victims and delivering substandard work. If a workman suggests repairs, inform them you'll obtain quotes from other companies and get back to them. Never agree to buy anything at the door, and don't let anyone into your home unless you are certain they represent a legitimate business.

Remember:

-LOCK ALL DOORS: Pairs of distraction burglars may use the back door while you are occupied at the front.

-NOT SURE? DON'T OPEN THE DOOR: It's okay to say NO and ask them to leave. Keep the chain on if you need to open the door. Avoid engaging with cold-calling traders and never feel pressured to agree.

-ASK FOR ID/PASSWORD: Bogus callers may use fake IDs. Genuine callers won't mind if you verify their identity by contacting their employer. Use a pre-set password if available.

-COMMON EXCUSES: Energy suppliers, waterboard or council access, plain clothes police officers, lost dogs, balls, telephone calls, or water requests, and unsolicited repair notices.

-WHAT TO DO: If an unknown caller makes you feel threatened, call 999. Report doorstep criminals by calling 101.

Elderly and vulnerable individuals, who are more trusting and often frail, are primary targets, so please share this message, and if possible, look out for your neighbours.

In early January snowfall turned Battle into quite an adventure. While snow is beautiful and rare, it turned Battle High Street into a winter challenge.

We were heading back to the police station when we spotted dozens of vehicles having trouble in the snow. With our own vehicle stuck in the snow, we decided to jump out and help. Together with some wonderful people, we pushed cars, cleared paths, and even made way for an ambulance racing through to Hastings with its lights flashing.

It wasn't your typical evening on duty, but seeing everyone pitch in made the best of a tricky situation. We really hope everyone made it home safe and warm.

During routine patrols in Bexhill, we visited local businesses to discuss any issues they faced and how our regular presence helps address these concerns.

We also discussed the recently implemented DISC system in Rother and its benefits. It's encouraging to hear that those using the system report that it has had a positive impact on their business.

DISC enables Rother retailers to share information about known offenders with other participating businesses in the area. By strengthening communication between local establishments, we've made it considerably more difficult for repeat offenders to operate undetected, demonstrating our commitment to protecting both businesses and our community.

In response to reports of suspected drug activity and anti-social behaviour, we have increased police patrols around Church Lane and St. Mary's churchyard in Ninfield. Officers are conducting regular patrols during both daytime and evening hours to reassure our community.

We encourage anyone who suspects suspicious activities in their community to contact us.

For emergencies or crimes in progress, always dial 999 immediately.

As always, we appreciate you taking the time to contact us. If we know about an issue, we can deal with it.

The Bexhill After Dark 2025 event, organized by '18 Hours', transformed the streets of Bexhill into a mesmerising spectacle on Saturday evening. 

The annual celebration featured an enchanting light show accompanied by music, magical performances, and artistic installations throughout the town.

This yearly tradition continues to draw crowds of all ages, bringing together the whole community. The atmosphere was electric (excuse the pun) as everyone explored the illuminated streets and enjoyed the performers' entertainment.

One of the highlights included an encounter with Luma, a magnificent 9-meter-long illuminated snail, and we all got to reach for the moon!

It was a great event with a lot of community spirit, providing a wonderful opportunity for residents, visitors, and us to connect and share in a lovely experience.

It's important for communities to feel heard, and one way to accomplish this is by talking to those living and working in the area.

We increased patrols in Bexhill Town Centre and Egerton Park on in the week to provide high visibility presence after receiving reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.

Our patrols also gave us the opportunity to chat with local shoppers, residents, and businesses, allowing us to discuss issues they face and promote the newly introduced business DISC system in Rother.

It was great to see so many people out enjoying the sunny weather.

PC Fielder took to the streets of Rye, to chat to local residents and businesses about any issues they may be experiencing that affect them or their community.

Our community plays a vital role in helping police identify where patrols are most needed, enabling us to allocate our resources effectively. 

Recently, we received reports of young people engaging in anti-social behaviour along Cinque Ports Street and nearby garages in Rye which has prompted local officers to step up patrols in the area.

We encourage residents to report any concern at the time, remember, we can only address problems when we're made aware of them. 

You can contact us by calling 101, or you can report online at www.sussex.police.uk, online reports are treated with the same importance as calling 101, and maybe quicker.

The Bexhill & Battle Foodbank serves as a vital lifeline in our community, powered by the incredible dedication of volunteers and the generosity of local donors. 

Their mission is simple but profound: ensuring no one in our area goes hungry.

During our visit, we had the privilege of speaking with Michelle and her remarkable team of volunteers, who shared insights about their services and ways the community can get involved in this essential work.

As Michelle explained, many families face challenging circumstances. The foodbank offers compassionate, judgment-free support to anyone struggling to balance household expenses with putting food on the table. Their approach is both practical and empowering – you can reach out directly for immediate assistance, and their team is ready to provide longer-term support through trusted referral partners. Their dedicated Financial Capability Advisor can also work alongside you to develop sustainable solutions for your situation.

Support is just a phone call or email away: reach out via info@bexhill.foodbank.org.uk or call 07866 570468 / 01424 736515. Together, we're building a stronger, more caring community where everyone has access to the support they need.

During our high visibility foot patrols in Hastings, we also visited our local schools in the area.

We got to speak to parents outside Christ church Primary school, St Mary Star of the Sea and St Paul’s Academy during our patrols and taking in the adjoining streets.   

Help us keep Sussex safe

If you saw or heard anything, or have any information about any incident in this message please contact us online, 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

You can also visit our website at www.sussex.police.uk where you can find our easy to use online forms to report all non-emergencies to us.

On our website you can also find police advice to keep you safe and help you understand the law, and also browse our crime prevention pages for first-hand knowledge, industry best practices and practical crime prevention advice from officers and specialist teams all across the police.

Have you ever had a policing question that doesn't actually require direct police involvement to answer?

Ask the Police is a great online source of information for the most frequently asked policing questions, visit www.askthe.police.uk/ for more information.

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Get the latest crime statistics and advice, help us with appeals for information and find out what we’re doing to tackle crime in your area online here.