According to Sussex Police increased visible policing patrolsa and working more closele with partners working, are helping keep Hastings and Rother safe.

Hotspot policing patrols are being enhanced this summer across Sussex with a dedicated Safer Streets Summer campaign to tackle crime, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour in targeted areas.

The campaign addresses the seasonal increases in criminality to concentrate resources over the summer, with hotspot patrols in the town continuing all year round.

With the increase in policing presence, the community has more opportunities to talk to police and raise any concerns, says the local force.

District commander for Hastings and Rother Chief Inspector Simon Yates said: “Hotspot policing is us targeting areas within Sussex where we have seen the highest crime increases and the regular patrols are making a difference.

“Through patrols and proactive policing we have disrupted drug supply networks causing significant harm to vulnerable members of the community in Hastings and St Leonards.

“We are more engaged with the business community, visiting shops to ask how they are doing and they know we are in the town so they can contact us quickly.

“We are seeing an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting, which allow us to get a more accurate picture of what is happening locally and enables us to focus our patrols at peak times to reduce the harm caused.  

“We are having increased enforcement with our partners, such as public place protection orders that deal with street drinking and begging in town centres; increased and more effective response to business crime, shoplifting and assaults leading to successful outcomes and court results.

“The officers’ persistent approach has helped protect the community. However it is key that issues are reported to us so I can prepare and plot where I want my resources to be so we can provide a better service and help people feel safe.”

Local policing teams have in Hastings and Rother completed an additional 310 patrols and had 5406 engagements leading to 12 additional arrests in 6 weeks since the start of the Safer Streets Summer initiative on 30 June.  

This has put officers, staff and partners at the heart of the community at peak times.

CI Yates said: “We will be holding many engagement events across the summer with an aim to educate, enforce and protect the community from anti-social behaviour, violent crime and business-related offences.

“We are also working with the World Boxing Council to fund their summer holiday boxing programme, which is offering free walk-in boxing sessions on Mondays and Thursdays in Hastings for five weeks to the end of August. This gives young people an opportunity to learn boxing skills with trained coaches.

Councillor Julia Hilton, Deputy Leader of Hasting Borough Council said: “We really welcome hotspot policing in the town centre and Priory Meadow. Seeing a regular police presence makes a big difference and people feel safer.”

For more information about the free boxing sessions visit: WBC Cares UK | Improving lives through Boxing.