Sussex Alerts - Eastbourne Police

Sussex Alerts - Eastbourne Police

Friday 16th October 2026

Sussex Alerts - Eastbourne Police

Dear Residents, 

Please find below the latest Sussex Alerts from Eastbourne Police.

Also attached is the last two weeks of crime data for reported burglaries and vehicle crime across Eastbourne.

Eastbourne man jailed for rape and domestic abuse

A man who subjected a woman to a long running campaign of violence and abuse has been jailed for 18 years.

The 46 year old man from Eastbourne became increasingly controlling, lying about being a ‘police informant’ to keep his victim, who was known to him, in fear and preventing her from seeking help and support.

She reported that at times he would strangle her, assault her and threatened to kill her and that she had been subject to years of sexual abuse.

She was petrified of him but built up the courage to flee from him.

Read more on this case online here.

Partnership patrols this month

Officers in Eastbourne continue to work closely with local partners, businesses, community representatives and Eastbourne BID Security (Business Improvement District teams) to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in your town centre.

During patrols carried out over the last week, officers met with market traders on market day and spoke with local businesses and members of the community to better understand the issues affecting the area.

These patrols provide a visible police presence during busy periods, giving officers the opportunity to speak directly with businesses and the public, address local concerns, and offer crime prevention advice. Officers also shared partnership updates and highlighted tools available to help businesses prevent and report crime.

Officers also promoted the DISC platform, coordinated by the Business Crime Reduction Partnership, which helps connect local businesses with Sussex Police to help tackle retail and business crime in a more coordinated and effective way.

Alongside providing reassurance and support to businesses and the wider community, officers also identified a number of individuals linked to recent offences; as a result, two arrests were made including one in connection with a series of shop thefts.

We remain committed to working alongside our partners, communities and businesses to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour across Eastbourne; teams also continue to thank, and encourage businesses and the community to report incidents and share information with us - all reports help teams not only identify offenders but also focus these types of partner patrols where they can have the greatest impact.

Scam alert

Beware of scam calls from fraudsters falsely claiming to be from the “Sussex Police Cyber Crime Unit”.

On Saturday (10 October), we became aware of scammers targeting members of the public and requesting personal information, including passwords and other sensitive details.

It has been reported that the caller ID may appear to show a legitimate police phone number, however, these calls are being made from alternative sources.

Remember: Sussex Police will never ask for your passwords, bank details, PIN numbers or other sensitive financial information over the phone.

These fraudsters may change the name of the police unit they claim to be from, so remain vigilant.

We would like to reassure the public that our phone lines are operating as normal.

If you receive a suspicious call claiming to be from Sussex Police, let us know. 

You can do this by filling an online reporting form. Alternatively, you can contact us by calling 101.

Eastbourne Police Cadet monthly round-up - September

September was another busy month for our Eastbourne Volunteer Police Cadets, packed with learning, teamwork and community involvement.

Cadets completed a policing knowledge check, took part in team-building activities focused on communication and teamwork, and received a fascinating input from a Detective Chief Inspector who explained a murder investigation from the initial report through to the court outcome.

They also helped shape exploitation awareness messaging by providing feedback on media aimed at young people, ensuring important safety messages are clear and effective.

In preparation for upcoming Remembrance Sunday Parades across the county, Cadets have been practising drill and learning about the significance of remembrance.

To round off the month, Cadets supported the Eastbourne Runs 5K event, helping hand out refreshments and assisting runners on the day.

We're incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, commitment and maturity our Cadets continue to show as they learn new skills and support their local community.

Well done, and thank you everyone!

Enjoy fireworks safely and responsibly this bonfire season 

With several local firework displays coming up we'd like to remind everyone to enjoy fireworks safely and responsibly.

If you're attending a local firework display, please follow the advice of event organisers, observe any road closures, use designated walking routes where possible, and be mindful of pedestrians as roads and pathways may be busier than usual.

If you're planning fireworks at home, please follow the safety guidance, be considerate of your neighbours, pets and livestock, and make sure fireworks are used in a safe location away from people, buildings and vehicles.

By being responsible and considerate, we can all help ensure fireworks season remains safe and more enjoyable for everyone.

Fireworks and the law.

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy fireworks, and it is an offence for retailers to sell fireworks to anyone under 18.

Fireworks must not be set off between 11pm and 7am, except on certain occasions such as Bonfire Night (5th November), New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year when later curfews apply.

Fireworks can cause distress to pets, livestock and vulnerable people, so please be considerate of those around you and only use fireworks responsibly and within the law.

If you have concerns that a retailer may be selling fireworks to anyone under 18, please report it to Trading Standards.

Find out more online here.

Reporting and contact us

For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, visit www.sussex.police.uk (all online reports are triaged and assessed in the same way as a 101 call). 

Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response, and in an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger always call 999. 

Visit us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team online* www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area where you can also find locations and opening hours for local stations/contact points.  

*To contact your local neighbourhood policing team, you can complete a simple form on our website, and the team will respond within 72 hours. 

This form is specifically for concerns in your neighbourhood and should not be used to report crime or anti-social behaviour.

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, or other forms of communication difficulties.

Those with textphone can text 18001 101, or BSL users can use SignVideo to provide a Video Relay Service (here: www.signvideo.co.uk/) to report crime through a live online interpreter, who will contact the police on your behalf, when you do not require an urgent response.

In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger please use the textphone service 18000 or text us on 999.

BSL users can call 999 BSL (here: www.999bsl.co.uk/) to use a British Sign Language interpreter.

For more information on textphone and Relay UK, including help setting up the Relay APP please visit: www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html

Join your local Neighbourhood Watch 

Neighbourhood Watch is a free, volunteer-led charity that helps communities stay connected, share crime prevention advice, and receive local safety information. 

Visit the Neighbourhood Watch registration page www.ourwatchmember.org.uk to join online. 

Members benefit from community messaging, updates on local issues, and opportunities to support efforts to make their neighbourhood a safer place to live. 

For further information, please contact the Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation at enquiries@sussexnwfed.org.uk.