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Our blog carries posts of recent crime and security concerns in Mid Sussex
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Metal & Fuel Thefts
These are both increasing in recent months due to high prices. Overnight 15-16/7 a catalytic converter was stolen from a 4x4 at Horsted Keynes and a removal attempt made to van. Similar incidents have occurred across the area. Catalytic converters contain valuable metals and high vehicles such as 4x4s and vans are most at risk due to easier underside access. Where possible park your vehicle so as to frustrate access to the underside, eg. back end/side tight up against a wall. Transmission (prop) shafts and windscreen wipers have also been targeted (along with cooper piping and manhole covers) and police are working alongside scrap metal dealers. Diesel thefts have also occurred, usually by cutting fuel supply lines or even drilling fuel tanks. It's anticipated heating oil will also be targeted in the autumn as premises get deliveries for winter. Call 0845 60 70 999 with any info you have on these or similar thefts. [27-07-10]
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Posted: Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:25:35 GMT |Permalink
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Scam Begging Letters
A strongly worded letter demanding money has been received by an elderly couple in Hassocks which went on to imply 'bad things were going to happen' if money was not sent. The sender was supposedly a Dutch woman called Maria. If you receive such a letter, ignore it, don't send money and contact Sussex Police. [19-07-10]
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Posted: Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:15:15 GMT |
Hassocks Suspicious Male
A report has been received of an intimidating male who's been spotted in the vicinity of Butchers Wood/Lagg Wood in the late evenings. He wears a white plastic full-face mask and intimidates others by following or obstructing them. Police have investigated and apparently he's not considered a risk, but any sightings should be reported on 0845 60 70 999. [19-07-10]
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Posted: Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:13:02 GMT |
Hurstpierpoint 'Duster Sellers'
Door to door sellers have been reported operating in the Hurstpierpoint area. Police advice is not to answer the door and call 0845 60 70 999 giving details such as age, height, clothing, vehicles and direction of travel. [14-07-10]
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Posted: Wed, 14 Jul 2010 13:30:47 GMT |
Hassocks House Robbery
On 4/7 at around 11pm a house in Station Approach West was violently entered while occupied and a laptop, mobiles and cash taken. The three white male offenders wore masks; the first was about 25, 6' and well built with light stubble and wearing a grey tracksuit, the second was shorter and thin wearing dark clothes, and the third short and chubby, wearing glasses and dressed darkly. Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity either before or after the raid please call on 0845 60 70 999, serial 1932 refers. [09-07-10]
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Posted: Fri, 09 Jul 2010 11:11:31 GMT |
Haywards Heath Child Robbery
On 28/6 at 8am a 12-year-old girl was robbed of her bag by a youth as she walked to school. The incident happened in an alleyway running between Halfords and Barclays Bank off South Road when a boy ran towards her and grabbed her bag, punching her in the process then making off towards Gower Road. The bag was later recovered, missing a Nokia phone. The offender was a slim white boy aged about 15, 5' 4' to 5' 8' with light coloured hair and freckles. He was wearing a baseball cap, light coloured hooded top and brightly coloured shorts. Any witnesses please call on 0845 60 70 999, serial 321 refers. [08-07-10]
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Posted: Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:33:49 GMT |
Youth Disorder Adastra Park Hassocks
Over recent weekends there's been instances of anti-social behaviour disrupting the bowls club, trees damaged, fires started on benches and general public nuisance requiring police attendance. Info is requested - however small - to assist in identifying individuals involved such as descriptions, times, dates and vehicles. Police patrol activity at Adastra Park has been ramped up in response. Call on 0845 60 70 999 or to PCSO Emma Collett. [06-07-10]
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Posted: Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:20:11 GMT |
Vehicle Take-aways
The hot summer weather sees the returning incidence of vehicles being taken by opportunist thieves who jump in and drive off in vehicles left unattended with the engine running. This is just as much a risk in the summer as the winter as drivers are tempted to leave their engine running to keep the air conditioning going while just 'popping into the shop'. Don't become a victim - click this item for more... [28-06-10]
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Posted: Mon, 28 Jun 2010 15:14:54 GMT |
Hassocks Car Damage
Overnight 21-22/6 (suspected at 2.40am) damage was caused to windscreens or door mirrors on cars parked in Grand Avenue, Queens Drive, Woodsland Road and Stanford Terrace. Enquiries are continuing, but anyone who may have witnessed this damage please call 0845 60 70 999. [22-06-10]
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Posted: Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:11:52 GMT |
Horsted Keynes Quad Bike Theft
A Kawasaki 400 was stolen from a farm in Treemans Lane between 3.30pm 17/6 and 4am 18/6. A fence was cut at the rear of the farm and forcing a cattle shed door. In the previous 10 days a large quantity of fuel has also been stolen in the same area (serial 377). The offenders are likely to have had prior knowledge of the quad bike location and would have previously visited the farm and surrounding area. Serial 453 refers. If you see any suspicious vehicles, persons or activity then please call promptly on 0845 60 70 999 so prompt action can be taken. [18-06-10]
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Posted: Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:25:51 GMT |
Cuckfield House Visitor Scam
On 13/6 about 7.30pm a male was seen attempting entry at a rear gate to a property in London Lane. He showed the occupants a sign saying 'I am deaf - please buy my drawings'. Similar incidents have occurred recently in Courtmead Road; here a young female claimed to be an Israeli art student. Internet research suggests this is a scam, supported by the fact that she was seen looking round the side of the property. Antique dealers have also been reported in the area using various methods to gain entry and view valuable items; it's usually the elderly being targeted. They're often smartly dressed, well-spoken and quite charming but pushy and persuasive and carry large amounts of cash. Do not allow access to your home, ask for a flyer or leaflet instead. Also contact us to report the visit giving as much detail as possible such as a vehicle registration number. Call 0845 60 70 999 if you receive a visit from anyone you view as suspicious. [15-06-10]
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Posted: Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:02:39 GMT |
Hassocks Farm Theft
Overnight 7-8/6 outbuilding were entered in Brighton Road and power garden tools stolen along with an attempt to steal a tractor which caused significant damage. Any info please to 0845 60 70 999, serial 552 refers. [10-06-10]
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Posted: Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:58:37 GMT |
Hassocks House Burglary
On 6/6 during the early evening a property in Grand Avenue was entered and personal items and car keys taken, along with the car from the driveway. Although the occupants were in at the time, they were unaware of events. Any witnesses and info please to 0845 60 70 999, serial 1730 refers. Ensure the security of your property at all times, especially when in the garden. Click this item for some summer security tips. [08-06-10]
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Posted: Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:09:38 GMT |
Hassocks Missing Cats
Four silver tabby cats have gone missing from Hassocks, with others vanishing from nearby Hurstpierpoint and Burgess Hill. All the incidents have happened on a Friday; nothing unusual was seen or heard and all the cats are mircochipped. Local vets have been informed. Any info please call 0845 60 70 999. Report any suspicious behaviour immediately. [02-06-10]
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Posted: Wed, 02 Jun 2010 11:38:51 GMT |
Suspicious Van
A white Ford Transit reg V768 KOE has been seen in suspicious circumstances in rural locations in Cuckfield on 26/5 and Sharpthorne on 27/5. If seen please call 0845 60 70 999, serials 601 & 608 refers. [28-05-10]
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Posted: Fri, 28 May 2010 16:49:39 GMT |
Cuckfield Break-in Attempt
Overnight on 20/5 a window was broken and a flower bed trampled below during a break-in attempt to a property in Broad Street near Hatchlands junction. Please call 0845 60 70 999 if you may have witnessed any suspicious activity nearby, serial 240 refers. [25-05-10]
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Posted: Tue, 25 May 2010 11:08:13 GMT |
Distraction Burglaries
On 20/5 on three occasions two offenders called at properties claiming to be police officers looking for someone believed to have entered. The 'officers' were not in uniform and in two incidents cash and jewellery was stolen. Incident 1 was at about 12.15pm in Elger Way, Copthorne; here the householder robustly refused their entry attempt. Incident 2 happened at about 1.20pm in Boltro Road, Haywards Heath and the third 2.25pm in Grand Avenue, Hassocks. The offenders were both white, in their early 20s, one wearing a striped top, jeans and gloves with the other dressed casually. Note that all police personnel carry a photo ID and validation can be checked on 0845 60 70 999. [25-05-10]
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Posted: Tue, 25 May 2010 11:07:39 GMT |
Horsted Keynes Livery Yard Theft
Overnight 16-17/5 a quantity of saddles, bridles and ancillary items together with a yellow Karcher steam cleaner and a 6 x 4 foot open trailer were stolen from a livery yard at Cinder Hill; entry was effected by padlock removal. As stables are being increasingly targeted owners of tack are advised to keep such items at home. [18-05-10]
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Posted: Tue, 18 May 2010 13:16:43 GMT |
Lindfield Suspicious Callers
Cold callers have been targeting elderly and vulnerable residents attempting to obtain money by offering to do work at inflated prices. They are persistent and often ask for money up front and are willing to wait for the victim to go to the bank. Please watch out for suspicious activity of this nature and keep an eye out for your vulnerable neighbours. Call 0845 60 70 999 with any suspicions. [14-05-10]
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Posted: Mon, Fri, 14 May 2010 15:19:39 GMT |
Hospital Raid
On 3/5 around 10.10pm intruders at the Princess Royal Hospital were spotted on CCTV attempting to steal canisters from the gas store behind the accident and emergency area. Hospital security responded and three white males ran off across open land towards Hurstwood Lane where a resident disturbed three teenagers in a back garden and they then took off towards Hurstfield Close. The offenders were all wearing hoody style tops and track suits, one with grey bottoms. If you have any info please call 0845 60 70 999. [10-05-10]
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Posted: Mon, 10 May 2010 14:47:54 GMT |
Community Message No. 55
The latest message to the Mid Sussex community from Edward De La Rue, Chief Inspector for Mid Sussex District. It is intended to keep the local community informed and updated about key issues and developments in the area and is attached to this item (PDF file, 16 KB). [07-05-10]
[enclosure]
Posted: Fri, 07 May 2010 11:51:41 GMT |
West Hoathly Builders Yard Theft
On 4/5 at between 1 - 1.30am containers were entered at a building suppliers in Vowels Lane following entry to a small building where the keys were kept. Three or four offenders were captured on CCTV dressed in hoodies/balaclavas and gloves. Containers often indicate valuable items within; they're only as secure as the lock fitted. Locate in visible areas and fit alarms. Any info please to 0845 60 70 999, serial 65 refers. [07-05-10]
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Posted: Fri, 07 May 2010 11:35:16 GMT |
High Value Tack Theft
£30,000 worth of tack was stolen from a stables in the Bolney area overnight 2-3/5. Any info please to 0845 60 70 999, serial 330 refers. [05-05-10]
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Posted: Wed, 05 May 2010 16:17:40 GMT |
Hassocks Van Break-in
Overnight in Wilmington Close 21-22/04 a van was broken into and various power tools were stolen. Any info please to 0845 60 70 999, serial 186 refers. [26-04-10]
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Posted: Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:00:31 GMT |
Diesel Thefts
On 19/4 in Newhouse Lane, Hurstpierpoint eight commercial hire vehicles had fuel taken from their tanks (serial 351 refers) while in Bolney Road, Ansty at a stable fuel was also stolen (serial 1076 refers). Another similar theft occurred at Nutbourne on 23/4, serial 770 refers. Please ensure the security of your farm premises housing vehicles and call 0845 60 70 999 if you witness suspicious goings ons. [23-04-10]
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Posted: Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:31:26 GMT |
RSS feed launched on Hassocks NHW
The Hassocks Neighbourhood Watch website has launched an RSS feed. The site's webmaster, Mike Potter, said: "This feed is intended to provide the very latest local crime alert information and local Neighbourhood Watch news, not just for the Hassocks area but for the whole of Mid Sussex". [29-09-06]
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Posted: Fri, 29 Sep 2006 09:23:07 GMT |
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