Businesses in Rye are getting new help to combat theft and anti-social behaviour. An app is being launched in the new year that will alert local businesses to potential shoplifters and vandals.
The plans were discussed during the Rye Chamber of Commerce AGM on Thursday, November 21 at the George when representatives from many of the town’s businesses heard from Inspector Amanda Hover and Sergeant Jon Thwaites from Sussex Police.
The app – called DISC – will allow instant messaging between businesses to raise awareness of people they suspect of shoplifting. It will also allow the police to notify shopkeepers and local venues about what they describe as “people of interest”. The meeting heard the app had been successfully rolled out in the Wealden police area in Sussex.
Inspector Hover explained how the scheme has helped with prosecution. “It allows us to spot themes and trends. It means we have a rogues gallery of people we suspect are causing trouble.” An earlier system using walkie-talkies on the High Street has been long retired.
The scale of anti-social behaviour in Rye was also discussed. Inspector Hover told Rye News “While there is no clear evidence to suggest that crime has increased in Rye, we recognise that any crime can impact people living and working locally. We have already identified a number of individuals who have been behaving in an anti-social manner, and they are soon to be issued with Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, which includes a list of prohibitions designed to prevent further offending. This is in partnership with Rother District Council and the respective housing associations.”
Sussex Police held a recent event at Rye library during Hate Crime Awareness Week.
Last week MP Helena Dollimore described the impact of anti-social behaviour in Rye. “It has plagued Rye for years yet there has been little coordinated response.” She has now written to Sussex Police and Rother and East Sussex Councils. “I urge our hard-working police officers to work closely with our local councils to stamp out this behaviour, and look at more safety measures like increased CCTV and lighting which can help. A comprehensive and coordinated campaign is essential to reduce incidents, manage affected areas, and ensure offenders are prosecuted.“
For more details on reporting anti-social behaviour click here.
Image Credits: Chris Lawson , Kt bruce .
Anything to help the town and businesses must be a good thing BUT an increase in police presence within the town and area would improve the situation too.
How often can you spot a policeman in Rye? Rarely except on Bonfire night. The police “foot soldiers” do their best but their superiors might be lacking. Let’s see a greater police presence on the ground, not just driving past.
I have heard that more police on the street does not reduce crime, that they would be on the spot when a crime was happening is very very low. the crime rates have fortunately fallen. there are more police employed, though the proportion to population is lower.
Using the police force wisely , efficiently based on research would be better for all.
There is more on line crime and also sadly more violence and sexual crime being detected and brought to court. The detective work for that is not by police on the street.
We are fortunate that there are people who do this work and that we have . In court Juries who have to listen to the evidence. what price do they, pay with their metal health.
This looks a lot like a shmoozing exercise to put the onus on business owners rather than show a police presence and get to know their local community.
Am I really so old that having a local copper who was regularly seen out and about, engaged with the community and knew who all the scamps were is just a distant memory?