The darker nights are now with us as the clocks have changed and I would ask all neighbourhood watch members to remind the public to leave a light on within their premises if they go out in the evening.
Drawing the curtains and leaving a light on gives the impression that someone is at home and helps prevent burglary. This is a simple precaution.
It is true to say that burglary has reduced considerably in the last few years and that Sussex is one of the safest places in the country. Having said that one burglary is too many for us.

As we approach Christmas many of you will be going out buying presents. Can you also remind your members to make sure these presents are not left on display in vehicles in our town centres. This gives the opportunist thief the incentive to break into vehicles. Everything should be locked out of sight in the boot. The best advice is not to leave anything valuable in your car. Keep it locked up in your house. Remove any sat nav gadgets and hide them within your vehicle. I still see people leaving cars with the sat nav stuck on the windscreen.

If you require any crime prevention advice please contact your local officers who will be happy to assist. Your local Neighbourhood teams are there to assist. Do not hesitate to contact them.

Best wishes


Dick Coates
Chief Inspector, Head of Neighbourhood Policing Branch
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