POLICE PANEL PROMOTES E-MAIL CRIME ALERTS

Turners Hill and surrounding district is a relatively safe and crime-free area. The Police Neighbourhood Panel*, in liaison with Sussex Police, want to keep it that way by briefing households on crime and how to guard against it.

Traditionally, crime awareness/prevention initiatives have largely been the preserve of Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) based on a system of volunteer district co-ordinators. Ways are being sought to rejuvenate this established practice. In the meanwhile, however, the need for a much simpler, faster, more direct approach has been identified.

Known informally as 'NHW-Lite,' it centres on a new Community Messaging e-mail service developed by Sussex Police to which residents are invited to sign up. NHW-Lite provides e-mail updates from the Police on any current criminal activity and issues of concern in the area. After signing up to receive the service, there is no commitment other than to be aware.

All the residents at Turners Hill Park have been invited to provide their email address so that they will receive these updates automatically and without the need to sign up.

*The Police Neighbourhood Panel is a consultation group covering Turners Hill, Crawley Down and Copthorne set up by the Police, in association with Sussex Fire&Rescue, to discuss issues of concern and address priorities aimed at improving safety, security and overall well-being in the community. The Panel comprises up to five representative residents from each village, one of whom is Geoff Gant [geoff.gant@yahoo.co.uk - t 01342 713581 m. 07973257412].