Steps to tackle anti-social behaviour are having a real impact in Rye according to the local police commander. Chief Inspector Simon Yates was speaking at a meeting at the Tilling Green Community Centre on Friday 12 December.
Thirty local people also shared their concerns over intimidating behaviour, speeding, noise and online bullying at the meeting organised by Hastings and Rye MP Helena Dollimore, a follow up to one held in June.
“Our ability to engage with the public and invest time problem solving in the local community has increased significantly,” said Chief Inspector Yates referring to funding changes and restructuring. “Covering the whole Rother area has been a challenge, but we now have more officers.”
While recent efforts had been concentrated on shoplifting in Bexhill, he said he expected further patrols in the wider Rother area, including Rye, in the new year. A focus on rural crime is also likely.
As well as Chief Inspector Yates, two more local officers attended the meeting: Inspector Simon Whitehead and Sergeant Jessica McNab – the Rye neighbour officer. A new government initiative requires each area to have a named local officer. Sergeant McNab can be contacted by email – jessica.mcnab@sussex.police.uk
The meeting also heard how Sussex Police has targeted what were described as crime hotspots including tacking vandalism at the station toilets in Rye. Extended term-time patrols have also been taking place.
CI Simon Yates urged people in Rye to continue to report any criminal activity. “It really helps us to build up our knowledge on what is happening. All calls to 101 are logged and help us build up a pattern.”
A further event is planned in six months time.
Image Credits: Sussex Police .