Sussex Police January News Bulletin - Adur and Worthing

Sussex Police January News Bulletin - Adur and Worthing

Good evening Residents

It seems like such a long time ago now, but I hope you had an enjoyable festive season and have a had good start to the new year. It's certainly been a wet and windy start to the year, but the little glimpses of spring that are starting to show through is a welcome distraction.

It's this time of year when you start to notice the bird song and evenings starting to get darker later, giving you an extra hour or so of daylight, which is certainly welcome.

In the first newsletter of 2025, I will provide a round up of Adur and Worthing news from Sussex Police, along with crime prevention and support signposting. Finally, if you're looking at changing your career, I have also included the link to the Sussex Police jobs page where you can find a range of police officer, staff and volunteer opportunities.

APPEALS

Appeal after women assaulted in Shoreham

Police investigating a report of an assault on a woman in Shoreham are appealing for witnesses and information.

The incident happened in East Street, near the junction with New Road, at about 1.25pm on January 25.

The victim, a local woman in her 50s, was left shaken by the incident, which officers are treating as an Anti-Semitic hate crime.

NEWS

National firearms amnesty launched ahead of new law change

Surrey Police and Sussex Police are joining other forces across the country and holding a four-week firearms amnesty for Turkish-manufactured top-venting blank firers (TVBFs), which from the start of March will be illegal to possess.

The amnesty runs from Monday 3 February to Friday 28 February, after which anyone found in possession of a TVBF could be subject to prosecution and face up to ten years in prison.

Drink drivers named after being convicted in court

More drivers convicted of drink driving during Sussex Police’s winter campaign have been named following their appearance in court.

Operation Limit is a national campaign to tackle drink and drug driving, which is one of the main causes of deaths of our roads.

In Sussex, police made 270 arrests during the month-long campaign which runs from December 1 to January 1.

Drugs, cash and expensive watch seized after Worthing arrests

Police seized drugs, cash, and a Rolex watch after a vehicle stop in Worthing.

Officers from the Specialist Enforcement Unit were on patrol in Tarring Road in the town on January 11.

They saw a suspected drug deal taking place, involving the driver of a Renault Twingo and a passenger.

The vehicle was stopped and the driver was arrested, while officers on foot detained the passenger nearby in Eton Road.

Two men were initially arrested, and deal bags of cannabis were seized.

Following further enquiries, a subsequent search was carried out at an address in The Drive, Hove.

Rise in drink and drug drivers arrested in Christmas campaign

Officers across Sussex made 270 arrests during the annual winter campaign to tackle drink and drug driving. Operation Limit is a national campaign supported by Sussex Police, running from December 1 to January 1.

Drink and drug driving is one of the “fatal five” causes of people being killed or seriously injured on our roads.

Arrest in connection with fires at Worthing flats

Police investigating suspicious fires at a block of flats in Worthing have made an arrest.

It follows emergency services attending a block of flats in Clifton Road at 8.50pm on January 9.

The building was evacuated while the incident was dealt with, there were no reported injuries.

A small fire was also reported at the address at 4am on January 17.

Officers are investigating and can confirm that a 41-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson on January 22.

He has been bailed with strict conditions, pending further enquiries.

Boy, 15, charged with two counts of attempted murder

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with two counts of attempted murder.

Emergency services were called to an address in Rowlands Road, Worthing, in the early hours of Monday (13 January) after a man and a woman in their 40s suffered serious injuries.

The victims were taken to hospital for treatment, where they remain at this time.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was taken into custody and later charged.

He appeared before Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 14 January and has been remanded in custody to next appear before Lewes Crown Court on 11 February.

CRIME PREVENTION AND SUPPORT SIGNPOSTING

Secured by Design - has a range of crime prevention advice that assists you in protecting your property and making life difficult for those who break the law. For more information visit their website here https://www.securedbydesign.com/guidance/crime-prevention-advice

National Business Crime Centre - Crimes against businesses have a significant impact on not only the owners and staff, but retailers. You can find vital information on how to protect your business here https://nbcc.police.uk/

Neighbourhood Watch

Ever thought about making your communities stronger and a more resilient place to live. Neighbourhood Watch is the largest volunteer led crime prevention charity, who work together to raise awareness and prevent crime.

You can find out more and how to join here Home | Neighbourhood Watch | National network | Local Watch areas | Community crime prevention groups

Support Organisations

If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, these organisations are here for you.

Sussex Police

Pegasus Scheme

Our Pegasus scheme is for people who find it hard to communicate with us – we keep your pre-registered information safe on our computer and we can access it quickly if you call us. You don't need to repeat all your details.

Who can register?

· Anyone who has a disability or illness that may make it hard to communicate with the police in an emergency or difficult situation.

· Anyone who lives in the local area. Please make sure that you contact your local police force.

Please note registration is free and you can find out more here https://www.sussex.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/contact-us/sspegasus-scheme/pegasus-scheme/

Samaritans - If you're struggling to cope

The festive period can be an isolating time, even when you are surrounding by family and friends and that feeling doesn't always go away once January begins.

If you are struggling and need support, please contact the Samaritans who are there for you when you need support.

Contact - https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Mind - Navigating mental health services can be hard, especially when you're unwell. Find information about the different types of support available for mental health problems - including crisis services, talking therapies, advocacy and more - visit MIND here https://www.mind.org.uk/

Age UK - has a range of information and support, including financial advice, find out more here https://www.ageuk.org.uk/

REPORT A CRIME

Crimestoppers is speaking up about neighbourhood crimes. Robbery, theft, and burglary harm communities and have a long-lasting impact on their victims.

People not only suffer from the loss of their possessions, the invasion of privacy and violation of personal space, but some may experience emotional distress or be left with physical injuries.

VICTIM SUPPORT - If you have been a victim or witness of a crime, you are not alone. If you need help after a crime, get in touch with Victim Support for independent, free, and confidential advice:

· Call Supportline on 0808 1689 111

· Text Relay: use the https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/download-app.html or contact us in BSL

· Start a https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/live-chat/

· Fill out our online form on the website https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SUPPORT

FEARLESS is the dedicated youth service of the independent charity Crimestoppers. They provide you with the opportunity to give information about crime 100% anonymously.

You can give information to us using our online form or by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

We cannot track your IP address or your phone number. We have no way of knowing who has contacted us.

CAREERS

If you're looking at a new career that is challenging and rewarding, then visit our careers page here https://www.sussex.police.uk/police-forces/sussex-police/areas/careers/jobs/

Have a wonderful weekend

Kind regards

Kelly

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Message Sent By
Kelly James
(Police, District Engagement Officer, Adur, Worthing and Horsham)