28th November 2014 FRAUD ALERT

 28th November 2014 FRAUD ALERT

If you have been contacted by telephone from someone claiming

to be a Police Officer, please read this notice:

The Police will NEVER contact you by telephone and ask

you to disclose any details of your bank account

The Police will NEVER ask you to send them your bank

cards

The Police will NEVER ask you to key your PIN numbers

into the telephone keypad

The Police will NEVER ask you to transfer your funds

between your accounts

The Police will NEVER ask you to pay cash into an account

'for safe keeping' or in the interests of an investigation into

fraudulent activity within a bank

If you have been asked to do any of the above, please inform

your bank and the Police at your local Police Station.

We URGE you not to continue with the transaction that you

have been asked to complete until we can confirm that the caller is genuine.

 Message #4 Tracking Stolen Mobile Devices:

Mobile phones are owned by over 80% of the UK population - these expensive items are very attractive to thieves.

Sussex Police are encouraging people who own a mobile electronic device, for example, mobile phones, tablets and laptops, to install tracking software, most of which are free to the public and easy to download and operate.

There are many benefits of having tracking software on your mobile device should it get stolen or lost. For example the owner can trace its location. By registering your device, some trackers will send you an e-mail alerting you that someone has tried to unlock it. A map with a location, informing you of the time and date of the attempted access to your device will also be e-mailed to you. Some applications will even send you a photo of the possible suspect, taking an automatic 'selfie' while the possible suspect stares at the screen!

This is all evidence gathering, helping us to catch criminals and helping you to get your property back!

To help you find free tracking applications for your electronic devices, type 'mobile tracking software' into Google or your phone may even have an 'apps store' icon allowing you to search and download a tracker that suits you.

For more information regarding how to report your phone stolen or lost, or for further guidance and tips on how to keep your phone safe, please visit our website -
Mobile phones

 End of Message #4

 Message #3 Tackling burglary in Sussex - register your property today

Sussex Police launched Operation Magpie last year, and Sussex Neighbourhood Watch has been involved since the outset.

Operation Magpie is our shared ambition to make Sussex a 'no go' area for burglars.

Sussex Police officers, staff and volunteers are working with our partners to make it impossible for burglars to operate in the county, and now we are asking for your help.

When officers respond to reports of burglary, they often cannot get enough detailed information about the items which have been stolen - without old boxes for electrical items or photographs of jewellery for example it can be very difficult to accurately identify what has been taken.

Better information not only helps police to get a better picture of where burglaries may be part of a series, it also greatly increases the chances of being able to reunite stolen property with its rightful owner.

Immobilise.com is a free website where you can register the details of your property. The site isn't just for mobiles and electrical items with serial numbers; you can register absolutely anything using a photo and description.

It is totally secure and is recommended by police forces around the UK.

Police officers access the system when they deal with lost property or items which are believed to have been stolen.

If property is registered on the site then we can identify who the lawful owner is.

If your house is burgled or if you are a victim of theft, then you will have a greater chance of being reunited with your property. Registering helps to catch burglars and people who trade in stolen goods - giving police the evidence they need to prove that property is stolen.

25 million people use immobilise and, every week through the site, hundreds of people are reunited with their lost or stolen property.

Please help us to promote Operation Magpie and tackle burglary in Sussex by taking a few minutes to register your property on immobilise today: www.immobilise.com

To see a video about the system and how it works, please click here. Neighbourhood Watch gets a mention!

#3 end of mesage.

Message #2 Mid Sussex District Monthly Police Update July 2014

We deliver policing to Mid Sussex District under three main strands;

Crime & Community Safety, Victim Focus and Public Confidence.
To reflect this, my update will be structured alongside key themes supporting these areas.

Crime & Community Safety
Three men believed to be involved with organising a rave in the Burgess Hill area were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a public nuisance. It is believed that the suspects have connections with a previously organised rave that took place in the Brighton area, all three men have been bailed pending further enquires.

A public house in East Grinstead was the location of an attempted robbery. A scuffle ensued when the suspect demanded the manager open the safe. A guest at the premises then interrupted the scuffle to which the suspect fled the scene. A description of the suspect was given and subsequently a man was later arrested and charged with attempted robbery.

A number of caravans stationed themselves in numerous locations in Burgess Hill; complaints were made by local residents, which police promptly acted upon. Some of the caravans later voluntarily left the sites, whilst others had to be evicted using police powers. Local residents thanked police on how the situation was dealt with and how well they conducted themselves.

A van was stolen from South Street Cuckfield and used to ram entrance gates at Croudace development site in Burgess Hill. A police dog tracked a man who was hiding nearby and who was subsequently detained by police. Later a second man suspected of being involved in the same incident was stopped by police in the Burgess Hill area, both were arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft of a motor vehicle. It is also believed they have possible links to four other break-ins.

A 42 year old man from Haywards Heath was charged with racially abusing a shop worker and assaulting a police officer, he is currently on bail to appear at Crawley Magistrates Court.

A man was caught shop lifting in a local food store in Haywards Heath, staff at the shop witnessed the man place food items in his clothing, flee from the shop and drive off. The male was located and admitted taking the items and subsequently arrested and charged.

A couple were caught shop lifting in a garden Centre in the Hassocks area, they were seen taking numerous items and proceeded to the check out only paying for one of the items, having concealed the rest. On leaving the store the couple were stopped by a member of staff. Police were called and the couple were summonsed.

#catchingcriminals
West Sussex Division have launched a social media campaign to highlight the good work we do in our endeavour to catch more criminals and cut crime.

Introducing Sergeant Allan
Hello, my name is Peter Allan and I am the Hate Crime Sergeant for Sussex Police.

My role is to increase the awareness and reporting of hate crime and its effects among Sussex Police staff and the communities of Sussex.

Although we saw an increase in the recording of hate crime over the last year we know that many victims still suffer in silence. There are many reasons why victims don't report, including:

· They don't think it is serious enough to report.

· They don't believe anything will happen.

· They are fearful of retribution.

· They are not comfortable going to a police station or speaking to a police officer.

· They don't really hate me; they just did something I didn't like.

My clear message is, “Don’t worry about whether the behaviour you have just suffered fits any definition of hate, just tell us what happened and how it made you feel and we will do the rest. You don't have to report by speaking to the police directly, you can report online via our website.

“I am particularly concerned about abuse suffered by disabled people as recorded levels of disablist hate crime are very low.

“If you want to know more about hate crime you can visit the national True Vision website http://www.report-it.org.uk/home or contact me directly on 07867 501150 or peter.allan@sussex.pnn.police.uk.

"Don't Suffer In Silence, Report It."

Public Confidence

Police Hero
Sergeant Richard Hornsey provided an escort to the Princess Royal Hospital for a lady in labour on Sunday 15^th June, during the London to Brighton bike ride. Sergeant Hornsey of the Road Policing Unit at Lewes headquarters said:

“I escorted the car straight down to accident and emergency as I wasn’t sure how imminent the arrival might be and after attending hospitals as a police officer for over 21years, that is the part of the hospital that I know best.”

“I went in and told the staff that a pregnant woman was outside and asked them to bring a wheelchair, “I wished the family good luck before they were whisked away and I went back to police the cycle ride.”

Well done Sergeant Hornsey!

To read the full article from the Mid Sussex Times click the following link: http://www.midsussextimes.co.uk/news/local/cyclists-crashed-when-they-saw-me-in-labour-1-6139104

St Wilfrids Primary School Fair
Pcso Nicola Green and Pcso Jamie Johnson attended St Wilfrids Primary School fair in Haywards Heath on Saturday 28 June. They took a police car to the event along with Police hats and jackets for children to try on and sit in the police car. They also answered questions from the general public. They received a big thank you at the end of the event.

Work Experience
During week commencing 7 July, students from Oakmeads Community College in Burgess Hill and Chailey Secondary school in Chailey spent a week involved in work experience with us. They spent time at Haywards Heath, East Grinstead and Burgess Hill Police stations, where the students got a taste of life as a police officer and police staff. All three students got involved with front office duties and shadowing staff liaising with the public about criminal and/or community issues. They spent time with Police Officers and PCSO’s including trips out in to the community in police cars. They also had time to observe the police dogs and spend time with the dog handlers asking any questions.

West End Meadows Community Day Burgess Hill
On Saturday 19 July PCSO Karen Iles and PCSO Teresa Bevan from Burgess Hill Police Station attended a community fun day at West End Meadows, Burgess Hill. They attended with one of the district’s police car’s and children also had the chance to get their finger prints taken.

August Mid Sussex 999 Fun Day
At 11am on the 30 August at Worlds End Recreation Ground, there will be a 999 fun day. There will be plenty to do and see for all the family! Including rides on Ridleys Fun fair, the chance to get your bicycle MOT’d by Halfords, you could even enter the treasure hunt with a chance to win a brand new bicycle from Halfords!

There will be demonstrations including police dogs (both response and drugs dogs), police officers captor spraying, door bashing and a crash scenario, where the fire brigade cut the roof of a car and an ambulance will rescue the person trapped inside. There will also be ‘free’ sporting activities and we would also like to raise alcohol awareness in order to promote health and well being. In addition, the Sussex Safer Roads Policing Team as well as the local neighbourhood watch team will be attending the event, giving you the opportunity to have a chat and discuss any issues in your local area.

It’s the school holidays so come along and join in the fun!

Victim Focus

Immobilise.com

Sussex Police are launching a campaign to encourage people to register their property on immobilise.com – the world’s largest property register. This campaign follows work undertaken within the Force to encourage people to make use of the National Mobile Property Register (NMPR).

These are the reasons why we are encouraging the public to sign up to immobilise:

· If your house is burgled or if you are a victim of theft, then you will have a greater chance of being reunited with your lost or stolen property

· Immobilise helps us to catch burglars and people who trade in stolen goods – giving us the evidence we need to prove that property is stolen

· Immobilise gives you an instantly accessible list of all your property and serial numbers and the facility to print off certificates of ownership for insurance companies

· Immobilise.com is a free national property registration website, any property can be registered on the site using photos and descriptions

· Registering your property is simple and only takes a few minutes

· The system is totally free and enables you to create a secure online inventory of all your property

For further information please click on the following video clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XZ66WEER_c&feature=youtu.be

Details about the campaign and how immobilise and the NMPR come together to reduce the market for second hand goods can be found on: http://www.sussex.police.uk/policing-in-sussex/your-community/operation-magpie

#operationmagpie

Hajj fraud

With the recent end of Ramadan we would like to offer advice on those travelling on pilgrimage to Hajj, warning our communities to be vigilant when booking their pilgrimage to avoid falling victim to scams. In recent years a growing number of people have fallen victim to Hajj fraud, with many losing thousands of pounds on planned trips to Mecca. Many victims have suffered significant financial losses, in many cases losing their life savings.

For more information please click the following link:

http://www.sussex.police.uk/media/488047/hajj_leaflet.pdf

Scams, be aware
Sussex Police are reminding all residents, especially the elderly and anyone living alone, not to be taken in by a new type of scam that has been reported in the West Sussex area.

If you or any of your relatives or friends are (or have been) telephoned by the Ministry of Justice and told you qualify for a refund on payment protection insurance (PPI) this will be a scam. The scammer will ask that in order for your claim to be processed you have to pay a percentage of your payout up front and that this should be in the form of UKASH vouchers. They then send a courier to attend the home address of the victim and collect the vouchers or access the code for these vouchers in order to claim the money. These scammers may call you on more than on one occasion and be persuasive or persistent in their calls. They may also suggest you call them back in order to 'prove' their identification. Please do not be taken in by these tactics.

To date there have been three reports of this particular MO; in Bognor, Littlehampton and Midhurst. If you have received a call of this nature or know anyone who has, please contact Sussex Police on 101 and report it to action fraud. In an emergency always dial 999.

The members of the community who seem to have been targeted are the elderly. Please make sure that if you know of any elderly residents who may not receive messages through community messaging that you inform them to be vigilant of this particular type of scam.

Make sure you and your family do not become a victim of this or any type of SCAM! http://www.sussex.police.uk/media/480981/sussex_police_the_little_book_of_big_scams_online_22.03.13.pdf

Burglary prevention
Most burglars are opportunist don’t give them the opportunity to burgle you!

· Always double lock doors and windows (even if only going out for a short time)

· Think about locking doors whilst upstairs or in the garden.

· Keep keys in a safe place, away from doors and windows.

· Draw your curtains after dark.

· Never leave spare keys outside.

Be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour or persons on 101 or for a crime in progress 999

Vehicle Crime Prevention
Tips on how to reduce vehicle crime:

• Try to park in well lit safe areas
• Don’t leave any valuables on display
• Shut windows
• Shut and lock all doors

You can come and collect leaflets saying “No tools left in van overnight” or “On the advice of Sussex police I have left no valuables in my vehicle” from Haywards Heath front office. Opening times 10am – 2pm and 3pm – 6pm.

If you wish to be kept even more up to date with communities news and issues in your area sign up to community messaging.

http://www.sussex.police.uk/policing-in-sussex/your-community/community-messaging

Please share this message with your family and friends - thank you.

Regards

Chief Inspector Simon Beardwell
Mid Sussex District Commander
West Sussex Division

#2 end of mesage.

Message #1 - Operation Magpie: New initiative launched to prevent burglaries across Sussex

August 2014

Residents living near burglary victims are to be visited by police to help them avoid becoming a target.

From August, officers and Neighbourhood Watch volunteers across the county will visit people living close to the scenes of break-ins within days of the crime to warn them about what has happened, show them how they can make sure their home is secure and gather information that could help catch offenders.

The tactic has been trialled in Hove where a dramatic reduction in burglaries in the area has followed and is now being rolled out across the force.

It is part of Operation Magpie, Sussex Police's crackdown on burglary across the county.

Inspector Nick Dias said: "Burglars try to maximise the amount they get from their crime while minimising the time they have to find looking for a house to break into and the chance of them being caught.

"By warning local people when there has been a burglary we cannot only reduce the chance of them becoming a victim but also force the offender to take more of a risk to commit crime.

"That means the burglar may move to an area they do not know well so they are more likely to leave evidence behind at the scene or to be caught in the act.

"Everyone can help us tackle burglary in Sussex by taking every step possible to keep their home secure. Simple measures like double-locking your front door and using window locks have been proven to be effective deterrents against offenders.

"Also, every burglar we take off the streets means fewer victims of burglary so we would encourage members of the community to contact us if they see anyone acting suspiciously in their area. We can all work together to make Sussex a no-go area for burglars."

During the 24-week trial in Hove from August 2013, the number of burglaries fell by 51% compared to the same period a year earlier - a drop from 263 to 120.

Across the rest of the force the number of burglaries fell by 21% during the same period.

In Hove, 90% of people visited said they were more likely to report suspicious behaviour to the police after the trial and 70% increased their home security following a visit from police.

The county's Police & Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, has welcomed the initiative, which maximises face-to-face contact between the public, the police and community volunteers.

She said: "I know burglary is a concern for local people, not least because it has a deep, personal impact on victims.

"I am pleased to see Sussex Police using innovative crime-fighting techniques that help catch burglars and sees officers working with Neighbourhood Watch to advise the public on how they can protect their property.

"I urge residents to follow this advice to help avoid being affected by burglary.

"I will continue to keep a watchful eye on how the police are tackling this issue."

John Wright, the chair of Sussex Neighbourhood Watch Federation, said: "The main aims of Neighbourhood Watch are to prevent crime, reduce the fear of crime and improve safety. It's about people looking out for each other, crossing barriers of age, race and class to create strong cohesive communities that benefit everyone.

"Neighbourhood Watch acts as the eyes and ears of the community. As a result it has been shown that Neighbourhood Watch areas are far less likely to be targeted by criminals.

"Neighbourhood Watch has been involved in Operation Magpie since it started. I am delighted that we are taking an active part to help our partners in Sussex Police in keeping our homes and streets safe; places where crime cannot flourish, with communities that care."

If you have any information about burglaries, please call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.

For crime prevention advice visit www.sussex.police.uk.

If you see or hear a burglary taking place call 999 immediately.

#1 end of mesage.