An app to alert Rye’s businesses about scams, shoplifting and anti-social behaviour was launched on Monday January 20. Using new technology to report offending will also help convict criminals, said Sussex Police, who are encouraging local firms to join the new system.
At Monday’s meeting at the Mermaid Inn, Rye’s shopkeepers and business owners saw a demonstration of the new DISC app from the Rother Crime Business Crime Partnership and software developers Littorallis.
The app allows businesses to alert each other about criminal behaviour through an instant messaging system, with all information shared with Sussex Police. A website features galleries of known offenders and email alerts to participating firms. Photographs and videos of potential offenders can also be uploaded to the system, which are then shared after checking from a central team.

The meeting heard that the system is already in place and used successfully in many other parts of the UK, including elsewhere in East Sussex. Inspector Amanda Hart from Sussex Police said the app was an invaluable way to report crime. “It helps us build up a pattern of offending which allows us to use our resources more effectively. The alert system really works. For example if we know a prolific offender has been seen in Rye all the shops and businesses on the system will know about it straight away.”
“Criminals will get caught,” said Carol Studley, Rother District Council’s community safety co-ordinator. The council is one of the partners in the scheme. “It’s not just about taking people to court, the new system helps us to make other interventions, working with social services and housing associations as well as Sussex Police.”
The Disc app is a secure way of sharing information and much safer than social media according to Inspector Hart. “This system is monitored and contained which means all the details we’re given can be used in court if we need them. Using social media or WhatsApp groups is risky, not least if you are taking pictures of young offenders. You put yourself at risk of criminal investigation and you could also cost us a trial by sharing details and pictures on other sites.”
The meeting was organised by Rye and District Chamber of Commerce. Chair Jane Brook encouraged as many local businesses as possible to join up. “It’s so much more powerful if more people take part. We can only make this work if we support this as a business community.”
The app is free to local businesses for the next two years and is funded by government money raised by Rother District Council. For more details how to join the Disc app, which is restricted to local shops and businesses, please contact Rye and District Chamber of Commerce.
For a demonstration of the DISC app click here.
Image Credits: Rye & District Chamber of Commerce , DISC .