More than 50 households gave their views to members of the Safer Arun Partnership, who were out and about working with East Preston Parish Council knocking on doors on Saturday.

Residents were asked what they thought about their area and whether they would be willing to get more involved in local activities to improve their communities.

A meeting has now been organised for Saturday, February 25 in the Guide Hall on Lashmar Road recreation ground at 10am to give the local residents the opportunity to learn the results of the survey and discuss with different local organisations, including the police, fire service and district and parish council, options for addressing the issues that have been highlighted as most important to them.

Richard Bartram, Community Safety Officer at Arun District Council, said: "It's really useful to get out and meet people face to face to find out the issues that cause them concern. It also gives us more opportunity to find out what they think could be done to improve things".

Peter Vincent, Chairman of the Community Engagement Committee, East Preston Parish Council, added: “East Preston Parish Council is delighted to be supporting Arun’s initiative involving our community in identifying local issues that are important to them. The outcome of this survey will feed into our forthcoming Community Led Plan and help shape the Council’s future activities.”
 

We are aware that an email entitled 'Population Census: a message to everyone - act now' is being circulated, allegedly in the name of National Statistician, Jil Matheson. This email demands individuals provide further personal information, supposedly for the Census and threatens fines for non-compliance.

This email is a scam and a hoax. It has no connection whatsoever with the National Statistician, the 2011 Census or the Office for National Statistics.

We believe the links in the email could download malware to any computer where the user clicks on the links. This could put your personal data, including financial information, at risk.

Anyone receiving this, or similar emails, should delete them, not open any links and certainly not provide any information.

For more information on how to protect yourself from this type of threat, please see www.getsafeonline.org

If you wish to, please report receipt of any such suspicious emails to www.actionfraud.org.uk
 
ONS takes the protection of personal census information extremely seriously. Collection of census data was completed last year and no further requests will be forthcoming from the Office for National Statistics relating to the 2011 Census.

The event showed how the town centre Sunken Gardens had been made more inviting.

Work by Bognor Regis Community Gardeners, linked to the Big Love charity, and Arun District Council has tackled overgrown shrubs and painted benches.
Arun District Council’s Community Safety Team and Sussex Police were on hand to offer crime prevention advice and listen to the local residents concerns.

Sergeant Rachel Glenton of Bognor Regis Police Station, said: “There has been a history of anti-social problems here and we want to make the area suitable for what it should be used for – for the public to enjoy”.

Arun senior community parks officer Helen Wilson said the 15 volunteer gardeners had been at the gardens at least four times a month since last November. “We want people to come along”.
 

Two sites in Bognor Regis have been subject to breaks where gardening tools, such as strimmers, cultivators and hand tools were stolen.

Breaks were reported overnight between 2 and 3 December in the Spinneymead site and 13 to 14 December when multiple sheds were accessed in Hook Lane. The most recent report was overnight on 6 to 7 January, again at the Spinneymead site in Hotham.

If possible, secure or immobilise vehicles or pieces of equipment when they're not in use. Always keep tools and equipment locked away out of sight.

Ask advice at your local hardware store as to the best locks and bolts to use.

Keep a record of serial, chassis and model numbers.

Security lights are an option if mains power is available on a site, infra-red activated security lights will deter night-time raiders.

Security cameras can offer a solution. These are available in low-light models and infra-red. Prominent signs warning of their presence would provide a deterrent effect.

Local police officers are holding a property marking day for allotment site owners to bring along their equipment to be security marked free of charge.

This will be held on Sunday 22 January at the Spinneymead allotment site at 10am and 2pm at the Hook Lane allotment site.

Sussex Police has donated £300 to the charity Action for Deafness to fund new maintenance equipment.

Cathy Cobbold, co-ordinator for Action for Deafness, said: "Action for Deafness are extremely grateful to the Arun Neighbourhood Policing Team for their generous donation of £300. In the current financial climate we are struggling to maintain the level of service we provide free of charge for deaf, deafened deafblind and hard of hearing people. This welcome gift is very much appreciated."

The donation comes from the Police Property Act Fund (PPAF), made up of monies received by the police from property confiscated by order of the court and then sold.

PCSOs Neil Billingham and Michelle Davies have been working closely with the charity in looking at ways to improve communication between Sussex Police and the deaf and hard of hearing community. One of the main offices of Action for Deafness is based in Worthing, although the charity provide support and advice in various locations inSussex including Bognor Regis.

PCSO Neil Billingham said: "The charity provide fantastic support to the deaf and hard of hearing community. The work they do is invaluable and the staff are welcoming and enthusiastic. It has been a pleasure to be able to provide this money to assist with the funding of such important equipment."

The £5 billion scrap metal industry should "clean up its act" because it was exacerbating the rising tide of thefts, said Lord Henley, a Home Office minister.
The peer admitted laws were well past their “sell by date”, saying dealers will soon face a new crackdown as metal crime reaches epidemic proportions in Britain.

Lord Henley, the minister in charge of Crime Prevention, blamed rogue elements of the industry for the escalating problem.

I have seen advertisements indicating that some scrap metal yards are quite prepared to take things, and more or less say ‘no-questions asked’,” he said.

“The industry should clean up its act.”

According to official figures, the number of thefts has doubled in five years with 60,000 offences in the first 10 months of this year alone.

In some areas, metal theft represents a tenth of total recorded crime while the British Transport Police now ranks the issue second only to fighting terrorism in its priorities.

Metal theft is estimated to cost the economy £770 million every year as gangs target the transport system, public buildings such as schools and hospitals and places of worship.

Railway cable, church roofs, war memorials, irreplaceable works of art, manhole covers and even plaques in cemeteries have been reported stolen.

Lord Henley, who is in charge of a £5 million government metal theft task force, admitted tougher regulation was needed such as improved face and identity checks and making cash transactions illegal.

Police say the cash-based industry makes it almost impossible to trace thieves but legitimate scrap dealers a ban would only “fuel” the black market.
It is estimated there are about 800 illegal yards in Britain, the same number as legal yards.

David Smith, the chief executive of the Energy Networks Association (ENA) welcomed the comments as a "significant step in the right direction".

"A package of tough measures is required to crack down on this dangerous and disruptive epidemic," he said.

"A cashless system is a critical element and those opposed to it lack convincing arguments."

Within the last two weeks there have been thefts of lead from roofs in Aldwick and Bognor Regis and a metal bed frame was stolen from a property in Felpham.

If you have any information regarding metal thefts you can call Sussex Police by dialling 101.  If you see anyone acting suspiciously or suspect theft is in progress always dial 999 immediatlely.
 

Cycle marking at Halfords, Rustington takes place at 10am - 12pm

Cycle marking at Halfords, Shripney Road, Bognor Regis takes place at12pm - 2pm

You can bring along property such as cycles, laptops, electrical gardening equipment and tools to be marked free of charge.

Police will also be offering crime prevention advice about how to keep your valuables, homes and cars safe from thieves.

The event is being held in a bid to combat a recent spate of thefts from cars and outbuildings such as sheds and garages.

A host of volunteers and organisations, including Arun District Council, Sussex Police and the Bognor Community Gardeners, will join forces on Monday, January 16 between 11am and 1pm at Hothampton Sunken Gardens.

During the last few months, Arun’s landscape maintenance contractors, ISS Facilities Services Landscapes, has been heavily reducing the overgrown shrubs to provide a more open and less intimidating park alongside the Bognor Community Gardeners.

This has been a tried and tested method for reducing anti-social behaviour and allows more light for smaller flowers to bloom.

The Parks department and Sussex Police have organised the day to try to highlight the changes that have been made in the park and to build on the growing community spirit in this more deprived area of the town.

The Bognor Community Gardeners will be refurbishing the benches on the day and will be providing teas and coffees via the Rosie Lee Café for workers.

The new gardening group came together in November with the aim of improving their health and wellbeing through gardening activities which benefit the whole community and make Bognor Regis a greener and more wildlife friendly town.

The Council’s Community Safety team and local police officers will be on hand to offer crime prevention help, advice and information to anybody who wants it and discuss any problems that may be affecting the local community.

They will be demonstrating and encouraging local residents to sign up to the new Community Messaging system to receive up to date information on incidents occurring in their area direct from police.

Community safety officers will be handing out free car crime prevention packs and anti-purse theft devices.

Helen Wilson, Arun’s Senior Community Parks Officer, has helped organise the event.

Helen said: ”We're really pleased to be working with these other agencies and the new gardening group to inject a greater sense of community spirit and care into this park. Since work has recently been done by the Council and the Bognor Community Gardeners to reduce the shrub cover we have already received positive feedback and we want to carry on this positivity into the New Year.

PCSO Michelle Davies, added: "It is a great opportunity for residents to see the work undertaken so far within the gardens, meet their local officers and other agencies that provide advice and support in the area. We look forward to seeing the residents there"Other groups involved in the day include the Bognor Regis in Bloom working party, The Greener Bognor Network and the Big Love charity, which works with homeless and deprived members of the community and Neighbourhood Watch.

 The event runs from 11am to 1pm on Monday, January 16.

The high profile Operation Tinsel brings together the police, the Safer Arun Partnership and volunteers from local Neighbourhood Watch groups and is aimed at combating theft and shoplifting in town centres and retail parks across the district.

High visibility police partrols will take place in Littlehampton, Bognor Regis, Arundel, Rustington and Shripney Retail Park  for the festive period and crime prevention advice is being given to make sure people keep their belongings safe. The Safer Arun Partnership team has also been working with retailers and shoppers, giving out purse chains, car crime prevention packs and ‘wobblers’ to local retailers who have attached them to tills and shelves reminding people to keep their bags and purses safe.

Sergeant Roy Hodder from Sussex Police said:  “Thieves often see the run up to Christmas as an opportunity to steal from shops and take people's wallets without being seen. To combat this Operation Tinsel will see an increase in the number of officers and PCSOs deployed on patrol to reduce crime. 

Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Chairman of the Safer Arun Partnership, added: “We have a good relationship with retailers across Arun and Operation Tinsel will help build on the joint goal of making the area a safer place to visit, shop and work.”

"The Operation brings together different groups who are all committed to providing extra support for retailers at this busy time and an important aspect of this is ensuring their customers feel confident they can come into Arun’s towns and shop in a safe environment. “

The Safer Arun Partnership has issued the following crime prevention advice for shoppers to reduce their risk of becoming victims of crime while out shopping this Christmas:

• When out shopping be aware of where your wallet is and keep your handbag close to you.
• Don’t be distracted with the hustle and bustle of the town centre, Christmas lights and all the bags you’re carrying, be aware of where your valuables are and who is around you. Never leave shopping unattended.
• If you leave your car unattended with shopping inside make sure you lock it safely away in the boot and don’t leave purchases on display – don’t make it easy for car thieves.
• Don't carry lots of cash and protect your pin at cash points
   

The 11 week course, organised by Bognor CAN in partnership with the Arun Local Neighbourhood Improvement Area Boards and the Safer Arun Partnership, resulted in 13 people completing it successfully.

The successful volunteers received their certificates from Cllr Roger Elkins, Deputy Leader of Arun District Council, at an award ceremony also attended by Cllr Paul Wotherspoon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Jaqui Ball, Arun’s Interim Strategic Director.

The course aimed to give the volunteers the necessary skills and confidence to work within their communities to encourage them to voice their views and concerns regarding their neighbourhoods and to work with service providers to address their needs regarding the environment, anti-social behaviour and health inequalities.

Cllr Elkins said: “The achievement of the volunteers shows great commitment and I hope they will continue to use the skills they’ve learnt as it’s so important to be involved in the community.

“It shows that when people are committed they can achieve a great deal”.

Jaqui Ball added: “I had no idea how much was involved and I am very impressed by what has been achieved”.

Since they have finished the course the community leaders have been involved in events such as Bognor CAN’s Bounce Back and the Bognor Town show and covered topics such as community safety, housing and fund raising.

Richard Bartram, Community Safety Officer at Arun District Council, said: “The community leaders provide a good link to the communities we’re working with and are really keen to work with us to improve their local neighbourhoods.

“We’re keen to encourage more people to come forward and get involved with their communities through volunteering”.
 

We all love a bargain, but buying fake goods as presents this Christmas could end in tears. Immitation brands may seem like a budget alternative, but will almost certainly be likely to break or be dangerous, say Trading Standards.

“In the lead up to Christmas, counterfeit products become more widespread in markets, shops and on the internet. They may seem like a bargain – but the goods will be of inferior quality and in some cases even dangerous.

“Fake well known brands of wine and spirits and cigarettes, for example, often contain substances that can cause you immediate and real harm,” said Graeme MacPherson, Head of Trading Standards.

The advice is simple: if an offer appears to good to be true, then it probably is.

“Shopkeepers can also play their part by not buying stock from the back of vans or from ‘cold callers’ - stick to your regular suppliers,” said Graeme.

Concerns about possible counterfeit items can be reported to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

See more advice at West Sussex Trading Standards.

Information on online shopping is also available; the Rough Guide to Online Safety is available at www.getsafeonline.org.
 

PCSO Michelle Davies said: "There will be high visibility patrols in the town centre areas of Littlehampton and Bognor Regis, as well as the smaller town centre areas of Arundel and Rustington.

"The Operation will be aimed at working closely with the local community in reducing the incidents of theft by shoplifting or theft, whilst providing a visible uniformed presence in the town centre areas."

 Crime prevention advice given by Police at this time is focused on personal safety -

• Be aware that pubs, restaurants and other venues are often crowded. Do not leave bags over the back of your chair and keep wallets and purses close to your body to make it more difficult for the pickpocket.
• When paying for goods, try not to expose large amounts of cash in your possession. Be careful regarding your chequebooks, cheque cards, pin numbers, etc. Do not keep your chequebook and card together.
• If possible, avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Do not carry wallets, purses, etc, in easily accessible pockets. If you have a bag that has a long strap put this over your head with the accessible area to the front of you.
• Never leave any possessions or purchases on view inside the car. If you have to leave them, discreetly lock them in the boot, do not leave bags lying on the seat. Be vigilant when returning to your car with your purchases.
• If you see anyone loitering around a cash point, go elsewhere.
• When entering your PIN number, cover your hand so the details entered cannot be seen.
• Try to use the cash machines inside the bank.

If you see any suspicious behaviour please call Police on 999. If you have any information regarding any persons that may be responsible for incidents of these types then call the non-emergency number on 101. 

The Safer Arun Partnership team will be at the event in London Road from 11am to 3pm offering advice to shoppers about how to keep their cars and bags safe in the run up to Christmas.

Richard Bartram, Arun’s Community Safety Officer, will be joined by police to hand out the Partnership’s free car crime packs to people who want them. The packs contain an air freshener with a message reminding people to take their valuables when they leave their car, a window sticker advising potential thieves nothing is left in the car and a cleaning cloth to wipe tell-tale sat nav suction marks off windscreens.

They will also be handing out free purse chains, which fasten purses to handbags to stop them being lifted out of bags by opportunistic thieves.

Richard said: “Christmas time is a busy time and people often leave presents on view in the back of their cars, or put their handbags down for just a minute while they are doing something else. It only takes a second for a thief to strike but that second can cause misery.

“Our advice is always one of vigilance at this time of year. Don’t make it easy for thieves.”

Richard and the team will also be offering advice to those people on two wheels, promoting the Lock it or Lose it campaign, encouraging bike owners to ensure their bikes are securely locked whenever they leave them, even for a few minutes.

Richard added: “If you’re out and about in Bognor Regis town centre on Saturday, come and find us for a chat about how to stay safe over Christmas. You can also read all about our crime prevention advice at any time at www.saferarun.co.uk.”

The Bognor Regis free car parking scheme launches in Bognor Regis Town Centre on Saturday.  People can park for free for up to 2 hours in Fitzleet or Lyon Street Car Park with a £1 disc that can be used all year.
 

Members of the Partnership were joined by prespresentatives from the police as well as a victim of domestic violence to hold a minute’s silence outside the Civic Centre on Friday, November 25 at  4.45pm.

Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Chairman of the Safer Arun Partnership, welcomed guests to the short service.

He said:  “White Ribbon Day is an excellent opportunity not only to raise awareness of domestic abuse and the support services available here in Arun but also a poignant opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives because of domestic abuse.”

After the silence, Mary-Anne Maddison from Littlehampton, a victim of domestic violence, read the famous Poem – he gave me flowers….

National figures reveal that one in four women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse at some point during their lives.

Richard Bartram, Arun’s Community Safety Officer, said: “Repeated domestic abuse can blight the lives of victims in many ways, affecting their physical and mental health; causing injury, depression and anxiety. Unfortunately it is one of the most under-reported crimes with many victims frightened to come forward or unsure where they can get help, but there is no need to suffer in silence.

“The Safer Arun Partnership is committed to helping and supporting victims of domestic violence in our community and confidential help, support and advice is readily available locally from organisations such as Worthing Women’s Aid and Worth Services. “

Information on the support services available for victims of domestic abuse in Arun can be found at www.saferarun.co.uk/domestic-abuse

The government is committed to eliminating all violence against women and girls and is helping to support Women’s Aid ‘Real Man’ campaign, which also aims to get 10,000 people to pledge their support to stand up against domestic abuse, and also Refuge and Avon’s ‘1 in 4 Women’ campaign which looks at how to spot the signs of abuse and support women who might be experiencing domestic abuse.  Both campaigns can be accessed via their websites – www.realmancampaign.com and www.1in4women.com.
 

Sussex Police launched its Christmas anti-drink/drug driving campaign on 14th November, in conjunction with Sussex Safer Roads Partnership.

From now until the beginning of January police across the county will be stepping up their usual activities to crack down on people who think that impaired driving is acceptable.

Chief Inspector Di Roskilly of Sussex Police Road Policing Unit said: "Like many other festive seasons previously we are concerned about the number of people who still choose to mix drinking or drug consumption with driving.

"It is the responsibility of the driver to make sure they are not impaired when they get behind the wheel, but this year we would also like to encourage other people to help us keep people safe and report those who still insist on driving.

"Mobile phone users can now report people they believe are drink or drug driving or those who are about to drink or drug drive by texting 65999. Some people may find this easier, especially as it can be done discreetly.

"Also this year we will be making applications to the courts for vehicles of persistent drink or drug drivers to be forfeited, along with our usual covert and overt operations and educational events alongside partners."

During the same campaign last year 6501 tests were carried out in a seven week period with 176 drivers arrested for being over the limit or refusing to provide a breath sample.

CI Roskilly said: "Drink and/or drug driving will not be tolerated in Sussex, not only is it against the law but it is known to result in death or injury to either yourself or others. Our role is to keep people safe on our roads.

"If you are planning on having a drink or taking drugs this festive season we ask that you ensure you know how you are getting home and don't get behind the wheel while impaired. Remember that you may still be over the limit the morning after."

Phil Henty, Operations Manager for the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership , said: "Anti-drink and drug driving messages will be promoted throughout communities across Sussex once again this Christmas. However, we also remind motorists to stop and think before they get into their vehicles the night after a party.

"Alcohol can take time to get out of a motorist's system, so if the celebrations lasted into the early hours, drivers should be aware that they can still be over the limit even after a few hours' sleep.

"Driving while hung-over can also be dangerous. Although levels of alcohol may have dropped below the legal limits, tiredness, headaches, dehydration, low sugar levels or the general after effects of drinking can put drivers at risk behind the wheel."

The Sussex campaign coincides with the national Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) anti-drink drive campaign and the Tispol European campaign.

If you would like to make a report to Sussex Police 999 if the activity is currently taking place or 101 if it's not an emergency. You can also make reports through the Operation Crackdown website www.operationcrackdown.org or text 65999.

Mobile phone users who text 65999 to make a report are asked to include as much information as possible. Details about where the driver is leaving from, where they are going, the make of vehicle, a registration number and their name will all assist police to trace the driver.

White Ribbon Day is the 25 November, a date officially recognised by the UN as International Day for the Eradication of Violence Against Women.

The Safer Arun Partnership uses this date each year to raise awareness of issues regarding domestic abuse and the wide range of services within Arun offering help, support and advice.

Domestic abuse is not just about physical violence, but can also include any sexual, psychological or financial abuse that forms a pattern of coercive or controlling behaviour.

Domestic violence has accounted for one in three of all violent crime incidents in Arun over the last 12 months.  It is also regarded as one of the most under reported crimes, with some analysis showing that women can suffer up to 30 incidents before they report it to the police.

But there is no need to suffer in silence.  Worthing Women’s Aid, who operate throughout the Arun district, can provide confidential support and advice.  They can be contacted on 01903 231939 or by email to refuge@ww-aid.org.uk

Alternatively, you can contact Worth Services which is an independent domestic abuse service to support people suffering domestic abuse covering West Sussex.  They are available seven days a week from 9am to 5pm on 01903 205111 ext. 4395.

In case of emergency, you should always dial 999, but if you just want help or advice out of hours, there is a national helpline service available 24 hours a day seven days a week.  You can dial 0808 2000 247 or email helpline@womensaid.org.uk

Sony have released a public information notice of an issue affecting a limited number of 40" Bravia LCD TV models, which have been available for purchase in Europe since June 2007.

The products may contain a faulty component, which, in rare cases, could over-heat and ignite melting the upper casing of the television.

People are being urged to check whether they own one of the following Sony Bravia models:

KDL-40D3400; KDL-40D3500; KDL-40D3550
KDL-40D3660; KDL-40V3000; KDL-40W3000
KDL-40X3000; KDL-40X3500; KDL-40Z3000

Sony Bravia owners can identify their model number from the Product Information option in the Set-Up Menu, accessed by pressing the Menu button then the Setting Menu on the TV remote control. The model number is also on a label on the back of the sets.

If you own an affected product, or if you are unsure if your product is affected, you are advised to contact your local Sony Service Centre.

Jackie Boyle, Community Fire Safety Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, said:

"We haven't been called to any fires involving these particular models of televisions, however, for those people who own a Sony Bravia TV, please do check that yours isn't on the list of potentially faulty models.

"If you do own one of the affected models and you notice any abnormality for example an unusual noise, smell or smoking then turn it off immediately, unplug the power cable and stop using the TV. We also urge everyone to make sure they have a smoke alarm on every floor of their home and test them weekly."

Sussex Police have been preparing for months for the switch over and have been live testing the 101 number since July in order to monitor how well the technology works. 

Chief Superintendent Wayne Jones, Head of Sussex Police Communications Department said:

"We are really pleased that Sussex Police was one of four forces asked to live test the new number. It has enabled us to address any problems and correct them in time for the national launch. 

"The introduction of 101 will provide a common, easily remembered and accessible number that will not only be simpler for residents of Sussex, but will also reduce confusion for visitors to the county.

"For the time being the 0845 number will continue to run in tandem with 101."

Calls to the 101 non-emergency number will cost 15 pence for the entire call, no matter how long the call or what time of day it is. This applies to both landlines and mobile phones. In an emergency, callers should still dial 999, which is free. Those members of the public with impaired hearing or speech can still use the textphone -18001 101.

You can also report most non-emergency crime at no cost via Sussex Police website at www.sussex.police.uk/contact-us/report-a-crime-or-incident. Online crime reporting was introduced back in January and has proven very popular with many of the public who prefer this method of contacting the police rather than phoning.

When a member of the public calls 101, the system will determine the caller's location and connect them to the police force covering that area. They will hear a recorded message announcing which police force they are being connected to. If a caller is on a boundary between two or more forces, the recorded message will give them a choice of which force to be connected to.

Police call handlers in the force control room for that area will then answer the calls and respond appropriately. The caller will not be put through to a large national call centre.
 

The packs will include three useful items to help deter thieves. An air freshener reminding drivers to remove all valuables, a window sticker that can be displayed to advise potential thieves that all valuables have been removed and a cloth to wipe any sat nav suction marks off windscreens – something thieves look for as they believe the sat nav is often left in glove boxes.

The Safer Arun Partnership is made up of a number of agencies including Arun District Council and Sussex Police with the aim of reducing crime and anti-social behaviour across the district.

The free packs have been put together following a 22% rise in car crime across the district compared to this time last year. Many of the incidents are down to people leaving their cars unsecured and valuables on show.

One pack per household will be offered free to residents and victims of car crime.

Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Chairman of the Safer Arun Partnership, said: 

“There has been a recent increase in vehicle crime in the district and we hope these free packs will help motorists deter criminals from targeting their car as most vehicle crime is opportunistic.
 
“We want people to be mindful of what they do to protect their homes and apply the same concept to their cars. Don’t give criminals an easy ride.”
Arun District Commander, Chief Inspector Jane Derrick, added: "Make sure you always remember to lock your car and take all valuable items with you as it really does reduce the chances of your vehicle being targeted by criminals. It sounds like simple advice but it really does work.
 
"You can also help reduce the chances of your local community being targeted by always reporting any suspicious behaviour to us on the Sussex Police non-emergency number 0845 60 70 999 or 999 if a theft is taking place. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If you report information to us, we can make sure we are targeting our patrols effectively."

The packs are available to collect at Arun Civic Centre in Littlehampton, Bognor Town Hall, or either of the police stations in Littlehampton and Bognor Regis.  For more information contact Arun Community Safety on 01903 737670 or community.safety@arun.gov.uk.

• The Safer Arun Partnership also offers the following advice to residents to protect their vehicles against crime.
• Never leave anything on display when you leave your vehicle. Even an old coat or a plastic bag can tempt a thief. 
• When parking at home, always use your garage if you have one, and lock both your vehicle and your garage. If you don't have a garage, try to park on your drive if possible, or in a well-lit, open place. 
• When parking outside, always try and park your car in an attended car park. Try to look for a public car park which is part of the police approved Safer Parking scheme and displays the Park Mark® brand – 26 of Arun’s car parks have this award.
• Use a steering wheel lock every time you leave your vehicle. 
• Alarms can deter thieves not only from stealing your vehicle, but also from taking items from it. You can get more information about alarms, immobilisers and other security devices by phoning the Vehicle Security National Helpline on 0870 5502006 or the Sold Secure Helpline on 01327 264687. 
• Locking wheel nuts are cheap, easy to fit and stop thieves from taking your wheels. 
• Have your vehicle registration number or the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto all windows, both windscreens and your headlamps. 
• Mark all your equipment, like your car stereo, with your vehicle registration number.
   

Inspector Gavin Whitehouse has said  "Thousands of people throughout Sussex enjoy Halloween and Bonfire Night and we do not want to spoil their fun. We expect many people of all ages to be attending parties and enjoying the evening.
For some however, especially the elderly and vulnerable, it can be an upsetting time. Many of the calls we get are about children and young people. Sometimes what they intend just as fun can upset others, endanger people or damage property.
As always we will remain vigilant and will not tolerate unacceptable behaviour that causes unnecessary distress to others."

If you do suffer any anti social behaviour during this period please report on 0845 60 70 999 or in an emergency 999.

There are several Bonfire events being held within Arun, the details of these are as follows:

Littlehampton Bonfire - Saturday 29th October - 7:45pm procession 8:30pm Fireworks

• Fontwell Park Racecourse - Saturday 5th November - 4pm - 8pm
• Yapton Family Fireworks and Bonfire Drove Lane - Friday 4th November 6:30pm
• Walberton Village Hall  - Sunday 6th November 7pm
• Barnham Murrells Field - Saturday 5th November 7pm

If you are taking part in Bonfire Night we would encourage people to attend these organised events and enjoy the celebrations in safety. However, should you take part within your property please follow the advice from West Sussex Fire and Rescue.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service District Commander for Arun, Dave McMahon said:

“Fireworks can be fun, but can also be dangerous if not handled properly. West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service want you to have a safe event and by following some simple do’s and don’ts risks can be greatly reduced.”

Fireworks Dos and Don’ts

• Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time. 
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on each firework. Read them by torchlight – NEVER a naked flame. 
• Light fireworks at arm’s length using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick. 
• Stand back after lighting. 
• NEVER go back to a firework once lit – it may go off in your face. 
• Keep a bucket of water handy. 
• Used fireworks should be collected after the display with care. Douse with water, bury or place in a metal container. 
• Keep children under control. 
• Keep pets indoors.

Bonfire Dos and Don’ts

If you must light a bonfire, in connection with a fireworks display, then: 

• Site well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, trees and shrubs AND ALWAYS AWAY FROM FIREWORKS. 
• Before lighting the fire, check that no pets or children are hiding inside it. 
• Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side. 
• NEVER use flammable liquids – paraffin or petrol – to light the fire. 
• Don’t burn foam-filled furniture, aerosols, and tins of paint or bottles. 
• Keep everyone away from the fire – especially children, who must be supervised all the time. 
• For an emergency keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready. 
• Pour water on the embers before leaving.

Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Chairman of the Safer Arun Partnership, said: "Halloween and Bonfire Night should be a fun event not an excuse for anti-social behaviour. Be safe and enjoy yourself but consider that while the festivities are great fun for many, it can be very unsettling for many elderly people, especially those who live alone. If you're letting off fireworks yourself, as opposed to attending an organised display, please bear in mind that any damage caused will be a criminal offence and investigated and possibly prosecuted accordingly"

A new poster campaign launched by the Safer Arun Partnership uses QR codes that, when snapped by a bar code reader on a smart phone, takes the user to dedicated pages at www.saferarun.co.uk with more information and crime prevention advice.

In the six months to July, 121 mobile phone thefts were reported to police within the Arun district, with many of the thefts due to people who have left their mobiles on tables, lying around the bar or in other public spaces.

Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Chairman of the Safer Arun Partnership, said:

“We want to try and raise the awareness among young people to keep their mobiles safe at all times. We think that the age range of people whose phones are being stolen will be receptive to the QR technology. We’re always looking for new and effective ways to reach our audiences. Incorporation of the QR code into the mix brings a new angle, and one that we’ll be using again in future campaigns.’’

The Safer Arun Partnership advises people to keep their mobile phone with them at all times and not put it down anywhere or leave it unattended in bags or coats. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police.

The posters will be put up in bars and clubs across the district over the coming weeks, as well as in schools and youth clubs.

For more information on keeping your mobile safe visit tips for protecting your mobile phone.

The free tests will be available at selected venues across the county from Monday 10th to Friday 14th October.

The testing week is being sponsored by Comfy Quilts Ltd, a leading manufacturer for Silentnight, and they will be offering vouchers for a brand new replacement under-blanket to the first 200 residents whose blanket is found to have a potentially dangerous fault.

Jackie Boyle, Community Fire and Road Safety Officer, said:
"Last year 108 of the 268 blankets we tested had a fault, which is a worrying 40%. Such a high proportion really highlights the value of getting them checked regularly."

"Every year, nationally, there are around 1000 fires caused by unsafe electric blankets and sadly, many people are seriously injured and some even killed. The elderly can be especially vulnerable, which is why we're urging people to take up the free test.

"We're really pleased that Comfy Quilts in association with Silentnight are supporting this event - it ensures that blankets that are a potential fire risk will be binned and replaced by new ones, giving people real peace of mind" added Jackie.

Bob Moryoussef, Managing Director of Comfy Quilts, said:

"We're delighted to work with the Fire & Rescue Service and sponsor what is a really important service. It is worrying to think how many people may be putting their lives at risk every winter by using faulty electric blankets. This testing week should mean we get many dangerous blankets out of people's homes and they'll be sleeping safer at night."

Booking is by appointment only, please call 01243 642124 to find your nearest venue. All venues have disabled access.

For more information on the safe use and storage of electric blankets please visit our website www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

Testing dates and venues:

Monday 10th October
Laburnum Centre, Lyon St, Bognor Regis, PO21 1UX

Tuesday 11th October
Marriott Lodge, Tollhouse Close, Chichester

Wednesday 12th October
Shoreham Centre, Pond Rd, Shoreham

Thursday 13th October
Age Concern, Silver Birch Centre, Shackleton Rd, Crawley

Friday 14th October
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Rd, Worthing

Times - 9.30-13.00 and 13.30-16.30 - for all venues.

Background on Comfy Quilts Ltd:
Comfy Quilts Ltd is one of Europe's leading manufacturers of quilts, pillows, mattress covers and bed linen. Comfy supply both independent and private retailers and are experts in bespoke ranges for national retail clients. They are at the forefront of their field producing the highest quality products for many leading brands.

For more information on Comfy visit www.comfyquilts.co.uk

Although open fires and wood burning stoves are a comforting way to keep the winter chill at bay they can become a serious safety hazard if simple precautions are not followed. West Sussex firefighters were called to extinguish over 214 chimney fires last year (1st April 2010 - 31st March 2011) with some properties left uninhabitable as a result.

Community Fire Safety Officer, Jackie Boyle, explains:

"The weather has turned considerably colder and we know people are turning to open fires - just last night our crews were called to two separate chimney fires. Thankfully, both were contained quickly, but they can be devastating. The best piece of advice we can give to anyone planning to light a fire is to make sure they get their chimney checked and swept.

"If you can, inspect your chimney breast, particularly in the roof space. Make sure that it is sound and that the sparks or fumes cannot escape through cracks or broken bricks. Of course, you should also make sure you have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home - early detection saves lives."

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service offers the following advice:

- Have your chimney swept at least once a year, twice a year if burning wood.
- When burning wood, use dry, seasoned woods only.
- Build smaller, hotter fires that burn completely and produce less smoke.
- Never burn cardboard boxes or waste paper.
- Never use petrol or paraffin to light your fire.
- Do not overload the grate or appliance.
- Use a fire or spark guard to prevent accidental fires.
- Ensure the fire is fully extinguished before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Make sure wood burners and other fire appliances are installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

To find your local chimney sweep, contact the National Association of Chimney Sweeps on freephone 0800 833464 or www.nacs.org.uk

Fire safety advice is free and easy to access from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service's Community Safety Team on 01243 642878 or www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

PCSO Andrea Oakley and a team which included members of the neighbourhood forum, Arun District Council staff and Parish Councillors set up a camera at the edge of a busy footpath from 9.30am to 2pm.

While they did not catch any dog owners failing to ‘scoop the poop’, the aim of the day was to educate, not prosecute.

The event was organised by Andrea as a response to concerns raised at her neighbourhood forum regarding dog poo in Angmering.

The team chatted to dog walkers to raise awareness of the issues and potential penalties for those caught failing to clear up after their pet.

It was also a good opportunity to sign up new members to Dog Watch – a scheme similar to Neighbourhood Watch where dog walkers can get involved with community concerns and provide useful information that helps make their local area cleaner and safer.

PCSO Andrea Oakley said: “We had a very successful day with many people signing up to Dog Watch. Dog walkers commented on how clean the bridge was looking after it had been cleaned the day before so we hope this will encourage people to clear up after their dogs and to report any anti-social behaviour to the relevant area.”

Cllr Paul Wotherspoon, Arun Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “Dog waste is an absolute menace and dog owners who fail to clear up after their dogs need to be aware of the penalty they may face if caught.

“But their motivation shouldn’t just be the fear of prosecution; they should want to be a responsible member of their community who thinks of others.

“The event on Saturday was all about encouraging that sense of community and encouraging a desire in people to make the area where they live an even nicer place to be.”

The team comprised of: PCSOs Andrea Oakley and Kelly Mankelow, Cllr David Biss (Angmering Parish Council and member of the neighbourhood forum], Julia Jane (Dog Warden), Cllr Phil Leverick (Angmering Parish Council and member of neighbourhood forum) and Bill D'alson from Arun District Council’s Cleansing Team.
 

The aim of the campaign is to prevent drug use by ensuring young people, and those who may be concerned about a young person, contact FRANK when they need guidance.

The service not only gives information about the risks of drugs, but also advice on how to deal with peer pressure and referrals to treatment.

The campaign primarily hopes to reach 11-18-year-olds to make them aware of how to find the service and what it provides. FRANK is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is free, confidential, and operated by fully trained advisers.

But it is also there for 19-24-year-olds, concerned family and friends and role models such as older siblings who are encouraged to get information to pass on to brothers and sisters as they often have a lot of influence over them.

FRANK can be accessed through a number of channels, including phone, email and text.

The Government’s 2010 Drug Strategy highlights that young people in particular need quality drug education to provide thorough knowledge of the effects and harms, and to give them the skills and confidence to reject drugs.

The FRANK website is also being developed to make it more interactive, encouraging those who use the service to share their stories and experiences via the site through text or video.

Alongside this, a campaign page will also be developed on the Home Office website which will act as a one point of call for professionals who are looking for further information on the campaign as well as those wanting to engage with the campaign.

You can find the current website at: www.talktofrank.com. The service can be contacted on 0800 776600 or by texting 82111.
 

You can bring along property such as cycles, laptops, electrical gardening equipment and tools to be marked free of charge.
 
Police will also be offering crime prevention advice about how to keep your valuables, homes and cars safe from thieves.
 
The event is being held in a bid to combat a recent spate of thefts from cars and outbuildings such as sheds and garages.
 
Littlehampton police will be holding the same service at Halfords in Rustington on the same days and times.

Some of the items kept in these buildings can be expensive, such as bicycles and power tools, so it’s worth protecting them.  Many burglaries are opportunistic and just taking a few simple measures can often be enough to deter potential thieves. 

Ensure sheds are secured with good quality locks with bolts through to a metal plate on the inside and that the timber is in good condition.  It’s worth supplementing up-and-over garage doors with a padlock, especially if the garage is in a compound that is not overlooked.

You may also want to consider security lighting in your rear garden help deter thieves.

Inexpensive shed alarms can be purchased through your local neighbourhood watch scheme and can also provide a good deterrent.

Inspector Gavin Whitehouse from the Arun Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “I would urge residents to think about the security of their sheds.  It’s worth spending a small amount of money on a shed alarm when it’s protecting hundreds of pounds worth of equipment.

“Also, ensure your property is marked with your postcode and house number. This simple marking makes it easy to identify the property as belonging to you and makes it less attractive to the would be thief.”

It’s also worth marking your valuable property and registering it on the Immobilise website at www.immobilise.com which allows the police to trace any items recovered.  It also allows you to upload photos to help identify stolen property.

Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “We would advise Arun residents to check just how secure their sheds and garages are.

“On closer inspection, they may realise their outbuildings are attractive to thieves so we would advise householders to make a few inexpensive changes to ensure they are not easy targets.”
 

Working together, they gave visitors to Littlehampton Town Show invaluable advice on how to protect themselves against crime and anti-social behaviour.

The Council’s Community Safety Team, joined by Arun’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Cllr Paul Wotherspoon, was also promoting the Safer Arun Partnership website.

The invaluable work that members of the local Neighbourhood Watch do to encourage residents in their areas to join forces to combat crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour was also highlighted.

Cllr Paul Wotherspoon said: “We had a very productive day at the Littlehampton Town Show and lots of people came up to our stand to ask questions and find out what we can do for them.

 

“As well as offering crime prevention advice we were also letting people know how they can work with us if they have any good ideas to reduce crime or anti-social behaviour in their area and about the various funding opportunities open to them, from both the Safer Arun Partnership and the Home Office.”

If you would like to know more about reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in your neighbourhood you can contact the Community Safety team on 01903 737670 or by email to community.safety@arun.gov.uk

Members of the Safer Arun Partnership, a group of 7 organisations including Arun District Council, Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, will man stands at the events this weekend and next.

The annual Bognor Regis Community Town Show will be taking place on September 3 from 11am to 4pm on Hampshire Avenue Recreation Ground.

A fun packed day for all ages, activities on offer include quad biking, go-karts, arts and crafts and a car boot sale. There will also be an assault course where teams of youngsters will take on each other as well as teams from Sussex Police and a squad from Bognor Regis Fire Station.

Visitors can find the Safer Arun Partnership stand in the information marquee. On hand will be local police officers, staff from Arun District Council’s Community Safety Unit and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to answer questions and give information about what’s being done to make Arun even safer.

The Partnership will also have a stand in the marquee at Littlehampton’s Town Show & Family Fun Day on Saturday, September 10 from 12 - 4.30pm at Rosemead Open Space, off East Street, Littlehampton.

The town show is packed with activities for the whole family including arena and stage performances by Dance Industry, Sussex Tornados and Razzamataz and The Tribute Show – a popular live multi-tribute. A must is the Horticultural and Craft Show where some of the best home-grown produce and handicraft is displayed.

Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Chairman of the Safer Arun Partnership, will be at the Littlehampton Town Show.

He said: These shows offer a great opportunity for partnership agencies to get out and talk to members of the local community. This is essential to give us a clear indication of the issues that are important to local people.”

The packs will include three useful items to help deter thieves. An air freshener reminding drivers to remove all valuables, a window sticker that can be displayed advising that all valuables have been removed and a cloth to wipe any sat nav suction marks off windscreens – something thieves look for as they believe the sat nav is often left in glove boxes.

The Safer Arun Partnership, or SAP for short, is made up of more than 20 organisations including Arun District Council and Sussex Police who work together to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour across the district.

The free packs should be ready within the next few weeks and are being put together following a 22% rise in car crime across the district compared to this time last year. Many of the incidents are down to people leaving their cars unsecured and valuables on show.

The packs will be offered free to residents and victims of car crime will also be offered one.

The Safer Arun Partnership offers the following advice to residents to protect their vehicles against crime.

• Never leave anything on display when you leave your vehicle. Even an old coat or a plastic bag can tempt a thief.
• When parking at home, always use your garage if you have one, and lock both your vehicle and your garage. If you don't have a garage, try to park on your drive if possible, or in a well-lit, open place.
• When parking outside, always try and park your car in an attended car park. Try to look for a public car park which is part of the police approved Safer Parking scheme and displays the Park Mark® brand – 26 of Arun’s car parks have this award.
• Use a steering wheel lock every time you leave your vehicle.
• Alarms can deter thieves not only from stealing your vehicle, but also from taking items from it. You can get more information about alarms, immobilisers and other security devices by phoning the Vehicle Security National Helpline on 0870 5502006 or the Sold Secure Helpline on 01327 264687.
• Locking wheel nuts are cheap, easy to fit and stop thieves from taking your wheels.
• Have your vehicle registration number or the last seven digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched onto all windows, both windscreens and your headlamps.
• Mark all your equipment, like your car stereo, with your vehicle registration number.

Supported by West Sussex County Council’s Youth Service, the film shows what happens to a driver when caught behind the wheel while over the alcohol limit.

Young people from The Regis School, Bognor Regis, acted in the film and gave ideas on how tackle the issue.

Members of the Sussex Police force were filmed explaining the procedures that follow an accident suspected to be caused by drink-driving.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was also involved in the filming, along with St John Ambulance.

The film is subtitled in Polish to reach a wider audience, encompassing the largest Eastern European community living in England. A volunteer police officer supported the project giving his time at the weekend and helping to translate the film.

Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “Drink-driving is a serious issue and the wider we get the message out about the consequences, the better it is for the community.

“The film is a great way to get this message across and the fact that it is bi-lingual helps to spread this further.”

 Chief Inspector Jane Derrick, the district commander for Arun at Sussex Police, said: “This project has been a great way for our officers to engage with young people and help tackle a really serious issue. Accidents caused by drink or drug driving can be devastating. Each fatal accident affects the lives of a number of families and this video shows that very clearly. I hope that it will be watched by many people and will cause people to think about the effects of taking just one driving risk.”

The film is available to view online at http://www.yourspacewestsussex.co.uk/advice_and_info/drink_and_drug_driving.aspx

Grzegorz Waldemar Uzarski, 56, was made the subject of the order at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on August 9 after an application by Arun District Council.

Uzarski, of no fixed abode, has been banned from Bognor Regis promenade and prohibited from acting or inciting others to act in an anti-social manner, being drunk in a public place, using threatening and abusive language and possessing alcohol in public unless on licensed premises.

Magistrates imposed the ASBO after hearing of a catalogue of incidents stretching back almost a year, many of which occurred in or around the seafront shelter on the promenade. These ranged from Uzarski being drunk in a public place to numerous incidents of him urinating in public, refusing to hand over alcohol to police officers and harassing local residents and visitors.

Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Chairman of the Safer Arun Partnership, welcomed the order.

He said: “Mr Uzarski is a well known prolific street drinker whose drunken behaviour has caused alarm and distress to both residents and visitors to the town.

“He has been abusive and threatening, blighting the lives of the people that lawfully live and work in the area.

“We simply will not tolerate this kind of behaviour.”

Arun District Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Caseworker Keith Sivyer, added: “I am hoping that this ASBO will have a positive impact, not only for the individual concerned, but also other members of the street drinking community by making them realise the consequences of their actions.

“Many reports are made to Arun District Council and Sussex Police about anti-social behaviour by this sector of the community and it’s important that the public know we will not tolerate this type of behaviour but also that the offenders know that robust action will be taken in tackling these issues.”

Sergeant Nick Bowman from Bognor Regis police said: "I want the community to know that we care about what directly affects them and that Bognor Regis seafront is for everyone to enjoy over the summer months. I know that anti-social behaviour like this is a top concern for local people and businesses and Sussex Police and our partner agencies are determined to put a stop to it."

A breach of an anti-social behaviour order is a criminal offence which carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, a fine or both.

Any person who sees Uzarski in breach of his order should contact the police. On 0845 6070999 or 999 in an emergency.
 

In the month of July 2011 in the Littlehampton to Ferring beats, there were upwards of 50 reports of crimes involving vehicles.

At least 35 of these were thefts from locked and unlocked cars, and the range of items stolen include satellite navigation systems, iPods, £150 mobile phones, digital cameras and a computer.

A police spokesman said: "If there's a choice between a car that is locked and secure and another that is easy to break into then a thief will choose the latter; take the opportunity away from them and don't give them the chance to target your car. If you know you're going to be leaving your vehicle unattended then take the necessary steps to deter criminals - keep it locked and remove all property from inside."

If anyone has any information please call the police on 0845 60 70 999 or on 999 if someone is seen acting suspiciously.  On a number of occasions we have received reports from members of the public of suspicious activity around vehicles and premises up to 12 hours after the event.  Please do not leave it till the morning!!

Please consider the following regarding leaving valuables in your vehicle crime prevention:

•Is it parked in a secure place?
•Have you left any property in or on display in the vehicle, i.e. mobile phone, camera, parcels, or is your CD or iPod on view? Such items are a target for thieves.
•Have you locked your doors and engaged the steering lock or an immobiliser?
•Have you taken off your sat nav, put it in the glovebox but left the sucker pad on the windscreen? Or has it left a mark?
•If your car is not fitted with central locking, do you check the rear doors or do you assume they are locked? Check before you leave - it only takes a few seconds.
•If you must leave property in the car make sure it is out of sight. Put it in the boot, but ensure nobody is watching.
•Do not make your car attractive to the thief. If there are items on show, whether valuable or not, they are likely to be stolen. The thief is not discerning. Everything should be removed.

Frustratingly, it is a very difficult crime to solve, but there was an arrest at the end of June.  Are you still a victim?

PCSO Elliott Hartley, the Littlehampton River beat PCSO used to be a milkman, and was able to offer some words of advice! 

 "Have you tried to contact your milkman and talk about where he leaves the milk?  It doesn’t have to be on plain view… I would definitely advise that a little subterfuge can be enough to safeguard your groceries and milk.  I used to hide the milk in a specially adapted bird box for one customer, halfway up a tree!  This, of course, is an extreme, but have a look and see if you can come to an agreement."

If you do become a victim, then please do let us know - with out your calls, we cannot know there is an issue.

Sussex Police - 0845 60 70 999

Keep up to date with Sussex Police news by following their Twitter accounts

The ‘Test it Tuesday’ campaign aims to get everyone in West Sussex testing their smoke alarms on a Tuesday as part of their normal weekly routine.

There are many things we do as regular weekly activities – recycling bin out on a Monday, supermarket shop on a Wednesday, gym on a Thursday, car wash on a Sunday - we all have our own list. By adding testing your smoke alarm to your ‘to do’ list on a Tuesday you can help to keep yourself and your family safe.  

Firefighters from West Sussex will be out and about promoting the ‘Test it Tuesday’ message at community fire safety events across the county.

Roger Wood, Head of Community Fire Safety, explains the reason behind the campaign:

“We are always trying to find new and memorable ways to encourage people to test their smoke alarms regularly. While 9 out of 10 households now have a smoke alarm, 7 of those do not test them weekly - simply owning a smoke alarm and hoping that it works won’t give you that vital early warning to a fire.

We all lead increasingly busy lives, so testing smoke alarms is often something that slips peoples’ minds. We hope that by encouraging everyone to get into the habit of testing their smoke alarm on a set day each week it may help them to remember and get into a habit that could end up being a lifesaver.”

To test your smoke alarm - simply press the test button until the alarm sounds.

For more information on choosing and fitting your smoke alarm see the Fire Service smoke alarms page.

Officers received a report shortly before 10.50pm last night (20 July) that a man had been hit in the back of his head by a BB gun pellet in Sea Road, Littlehampton.

The victim, who suffered minor injuries, said he believed a group of four or five youths had used a BB gun to fire the pellet.
Officers searched the area and were unable to trace the youths.

Chief Inspector Jane Derrick, District Commander of Arun district, said: "Luckily on this occasion the victim was aware that the weapon which fired the pellet was a BB gun and an armed response unit was not called to assist officers in the search for the youths.

 

"BB or similar spring-loaded weapons are manufactured in such a way that it is sometimes difficult for the officers to tell them apart from the real thing without close examination. This means that anyone carrying or using one of these weapons in public could easily find themselves confronted by armed police officers.

 

"Anyone carrying a loaded BB gun in a public place could find themselves being arrested and could be subject to a fine or £5,000, six months' imprisonment or both. BB guns must not be carried on show or be used in public."

Anyone with information regarding the Littlehampton incident is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 246 of 21/7 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
 

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is once again appealing for people to donate scrap cars and help firefighters hone their road traffic collision rescue skills.

A number of Fire Stations across the county are in need of extra cars for crews to train on and practice the latest preparation, stabilisation and cutting techniques they need when they are rescuing casualties from life-threatening car crashes.

Richard Davy, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service's Deputy District Commander for Crawley & Mid Sussex, explains why the supply of scrap cars is so important:

"Attending road traffic collisions and being able to quickly and safely rescue people trapped in their cars is a core part of a firefighter's role and undoubtedly saves many lives each year. Getting practical 'hands on' training is obviously a vital part of maintaining and developing those rescue skills.

"It could be a matter of life or death when we arrive at an incident, with often only a narrow window of opportunity to either make space for medical stabilisation or rapid casualty removal to facilitate some of the more complicated medical procedures, so having cars to practice on is crucial.

"For many years local scrap merchant Mark Maynard from Autocovery has been donating scrap cars to us for Crawley, Horsham, Horley and East Grinstead Fire Stations. However, over the last few months his stocks have run really low and obviously this has a serious knock-on effect on the number of vehicles available to us. That's why we are urging anyone thinking of scrapping their car to consider donating it to us."

For anyone wishing to donate their car, Autocovery will pick it up free of charge, process the vehicle log book and deliver he car to the Fire Station. In the first instance, contact Mark on 07860 667785 or 01293 415909.

Annual crime statistics for 2010/11 released by the Home Office on Thursday (July 14) show total crime down by 3,815 offences (3.8%). Around 30% of crimes are solved, against the national average of 28%.

Burglary of people's homes has been falling for more than 15 years and a further 11.2% decrease has reinforced that Sussex homes are among the safest in the country. Sussex has the fifth lowest burglary rate in England and Wales with fewer than ten offences a day.

One of only two areas to show an increase is sexual assault with 37 more reported offences (2.6%), which is believed to be down to an increasing confidence in reporting by victims. Drug offences are also up, but this is largely due to the effects of the reclassification of cannabis.

Other areas of violent crimes have seen decreases, with overall violent crime down by 245 incidents (-1.1%), 243 fewer cases of violence against the person (-1.2%) and 39 fewer robberies (-4.2%). This reduction in robbery bucks the national trend where there was an increase of 1.4%.

Tackling anti-social behaviour is a priority for the public and for Sussex Police. For the first time, the report includes anti-social behaviour incidents with a 9% reduction in Sussex against the national average reduction of 8%.

The report also includes British Crime Survey data, which shows a significant improvement in the number of people who think that Sussex Police do an excellent or good job - 64% compared to 59% nationally.

Commenting on the figures, Deputy Chief Constable Giles York said: "Given the challenges facing the Force at this time, this report makes very encouraging reading. It must be remembered that behind the pages of figures and statistics are real people and in Sussex there are nearly 4,000 fewer victims of crime this year. This supports our priority to maintain a quality service to keep serving Sussex.

 

"These real people are also telling us that they are increasingly confident in our policing with nearly two thirds believing that we are doing a good or even excellent job. This job is being done by a dedicated team of officers and staff, often in the face of adversity, sometimes in the face of very real personal danger. Public satisfaction with their service is a tangible recognition of their professionalism, integrity and commitment.

 

"Now we must concentrate on maintaining this improvement against a background of unprecedented change in policing. It is important that we continue to work closely with our partners to make the maximum use of our resources and together we are determined to drive down crime and anti-social behaviour yet further as part of our commitment to serving Sussex." 

The Littlehampton man, who lived in Beach ward, was even driven to the bank to withdraw money by the thieves who carried out a small amount of work on his property.

The Safer Arun Partnership is this week reminding residents about its Nominate a Neighbour scheme which exits to help protect people from this sort of crime.

It encourages residents, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable, to seek the help of a trusted neighbour, friend or relative when an unexpected caller appears at the door.

Residents who sign up to the scheme can show a 'nominated neighbour' card to unexpected callers. The card directs the caller to someone they trust to verify the caller’s identity. When the nominated neighbour is satisfied that the caller is genuine, they accompany the caller to the resident's home.

This means those people who feel uncomfortable about opening the door to an unknown caller no longer have to quiz that person on their doorstep and risk becoming a victim of a bogus official or fraudulent tradesman.

People who sign up to the scheme can also have their properties assessed by the police who will identify any potential risk and may advise extra security measures such as door chains or spy holes are added.

The scheme was first launched last year and is run by the Safer Arun Partnership and Sussex Police.

Richard Bartram, Community Safety Officer at Arun District Council, said: "This scheme is all about helping vulnerable people to stay safe and it gives older residents increased confidence to turn away unknown callers.

"Although it relies on the goodwill of neighbours, we often find that neighbours are only too willing to do what they can for the elderly or vulnerable.
"We need friends and relatives to reinforce our message that if someone calls at the door and they're a stranger, do not let them in. Genuine callers will understand and will not mind verifying their identity with a nominated neighbour.”

If you are interested in the scheme or know an elderly or vulnerable neighbour who may benefit can contact  0845 6070999  for more information.

 

Neil Patterson-Snell, currently an unemployed commercial fisherman, was riding his Honda motorcycle on 29 June 2010 on the A27 at Holmbush when a Sussex Safer Roads Partnership (SSRP) mobile safety camera operator detected him travelling significantly in excess of the speed limit.  

Patterson-Snell initially admitted to being the rider of the motorcycle but  indicated that he would challenge the speed measurements at court.  Road Safety Support (RSS) prepared an in-depth technical report for the court and, at a second court appearance, Patterson-Snell decided that he would not challenge the measurements taken by the SSRP operator.

At this time, the defendant also claimed that he was not the person riding the motorcycle at the time of the offence since he must have been at work at the time.  He further stated that he did not own the leathers as shown in the photographic evidence.

At a hearing held in front of the Deputy District Judge (DDJ) sitting at Worthing Magistrates Court on Thursday 21 June, the DDJ accepted evidence from the safety camera operator, which clearly showed that there was no other motorcycle on the roads with the same number plate displayed.  

At this point, Patterson-Snell claimed that he had been ill at the time of the offence and that the motorcycle had been parked up for two months or more.

In considering the evidence, the DDJ stated that the prosecution case against Patterson-Snell was overwhelming and his defence, which had changed variously over 12 months, was not credible.  

Ken Seymour, Partnership Manager at the SSRP, comments:

“Speeds of this sort are completely unacceptable on our roads – the speed limit is a limit, not a target.

“Using the road in this fashion not only endangered the rider’s life, but also the lives of other law-abiding motorists around him.”

The Sussex Safer Roads Partnership has recently released the ‘Stay A Hero’ campaign, supported by Ducati UK, designed to drive down deaths and injuries amongst motorcyclists.  The campaign can be viewed at www.StayAHero.co.uk.

Crews from Bognor, Littlehampton, East Preston and Arundel will all be using SID (the Speed Indicator Device) to encourage local drivers to become more aware of their speed.

SID is a mobile device, used primarily on roads with a 30mph or 40mph limit, which detects the speed of an oncoming vehicle and displays either a smiling face if the driver is within the legal speed limit or a frown if they have exceeded it. It is a tool designed to educate, rather than enforce, and does not record number plates or car details.

Deploying the Speed Indicator Device, working in partnership with other local road safety agencies, is just one of the ways West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is trying to tackle the number of people killed or seriously injured on the county's roads.

Jon Etherington, a Watch Manager at Bognor Fire Station, said:

"Over the last 3 years, just in Bognor alone, there has been in excess of 350 road accidents. As firefighters, we often see first hand the devastating consequences of road traffic collisions and, unfortunately, speed is often a contributing factor.

"We hope that by using SID we will help local drivers be a bit more aware of the speeds they are travelling at and, if appropriate, get them to slow down. Our advice to motorists if they see us out and about is simple - just make SID smile!"

The confidential online five minute survey for 11 to 25-year-olds will run throughout the summer and will be used to shape the service provided to children and young people by police throughout the county.

Chief Inspector Laurence Taylor said: "The purpose of the survey is to give young people and children the opportunity to share their experience and opinions of the police in their area, good or bad, in confidence and to suggest what improvements could be made.

 

"We know the perception of police by young people will significantly influence their attitude towards us, which in turn will affect whether or not they would report offences in the future or step forward as witnesses. The survey will allow us to better identify their needs and improve the service they receive from Sussex Police. As a Force it is important we listen to young people and improve how we communicate with them, whether that be face to face in the community or online."

Officers from across the Force have been using Twitter and Facebook to spread the word of the survey launch, including the LGBT community liaison officers in Brighton and Hove, to reach out to as many 11 to 25-year-olds as possible.

Ch Insp Taylor said: "Neighourhood officers have been in touch with schools, colleges and universities, as well as youth offender groups, Scouts and Girl Guides, young carers and Gypsy and Traveller groups. We have been liaising with partners to offer support to young people who may not have access to the internet and who may need additional support completing the survey.

 

"The survey is one of many initiatives currently underway to better understand and communicate with children and young people. The results of the survey will be published on the Children and Young People's website for Sussex Police in the Autumn, which is currently being developed in consultation with a variety of youth groups."

If you are 11 to 25 and want to have your voice heard about policing in Sussex, complete the short survey at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/sussexpoliceCYPsurvey  
 

A 20-year-old Littlehampton man and a 23-year-old Rustington man were both arrested on suspicion of arson and taking a car without consent following a fire on the A259 at Wick in the early hours of Saturday, May 28.

Officers were patrolling the area when they spotted a car on fire at around 3.40am. Two men were seen acting suspiciously in the area and were arrested.

They have both been released on conditional bail until June 18 pending further enquiries.

Police are investigating a series of car fires in the Wick area and anyone with information about this fire or any other fires in the area is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Maestro.

A £500 reward is being offered for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the people or persons responsible.

Working alongside Arun District Council and Sussex Police, local people rolled up their sleeves and got to work making their area look clean and tidy.

The area was blighted with fly-tipping, litter and overgrown vegetation and residents decided it was time to take action. They hope that by improving the area people will be less inclined to dump their rubbish in the close.

Ten residents were supported by council and police officers to help clear the rubbish and cut down the bushes that had grown out of control.

Local people have decided to form a residents’ group with the support of the Safer Arun Partnership and Bognor Town Council to deal with the problems they face the their neighbourhood.

Di Dowling, one of residents behind the push to form the new group, said: “Wadhurst Close is trying to become more of a community to resolve some of the issues we encounter on a day-to-day basis, such as littering and fly-tipping in our estate.  We are trying to form a residents’ association with support from the Safer Arun Partnership to help us improve the estate further and make it a nicer, safer place for us to all live in.”

The move is in line with the Coalition government’s drive toward the Big Society with local people being empowered and taking more responsibility for the issues affecting their quality of life.

A barbecue was provided for all those taking part and helped bring local people together.

Cllr Pat Dillon of Bognor Town Council said: “I would like to thank the residents for taking an interest in the area they live in and getting involved in helping the town, district and county officers in trying to clean up, as well as passing on information as to how they would like get involved with bringing back some old fashion community spirit.”
 

Police entered a warehouse in Rope Walk at around 3am after a strong smell of cannabis was discovered in the area.

Around 1,200 to 1,500 cannabis plants were discovered inside the building, with a potential estimated street value of £1m.

Two men were arrested at the scene and have since been charged with drugs offences.

Dan Van Tran, 43, of Rope Walk, Littlehampton, and Huong Tien Le, 40, also of Rope Walk, have both been charged with being concerned in the production of cannabis and are due to appear at Chichester Magistrates' Court this morning (Monday).

Inspector Gavin Whitehouse, of Arun Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "These premises have been dedicated to the production of a significant amount of cannabis, which was bound for the streets of Sussex and potentially beyond.

"Officers from Sussex Police, supported by the local community and our partners, have worked tirelessly over the weekend to investigate this cannabis find. 
"Drugs and their associated criminal activity is a blight on the lives of innocent residents and will not be tolerated by police on either Arun District or the wider Sussex Police area.

"While we have seen a very real success here, we will continue to work together with our partners and local communities to disrupt, and ultimately halt, the activity of those prepared to engage in this sort of crime."

In just seconds the fire at Littlehampton Harbour spread wildly out of control, forcing people to run away from it.

An explosion then followed with flames reaching 100ft, visible from outside of Sussex.

Shipyard owner Robert Boyce, from Littlehampton, said the building which has been in his family for four generations was not insured. He said all the irreplaceable archives of historical ship designs – many by Reg and Graham Chalfield – has been destroyed.

An investigation into the fire is still ongoing, but it is thought a spark from an incinerator on the site had landed on some heating oil which caught light triggering the huge fireball.

Mr Boyce’s great-grandfather William Osborne started the shipyard in the early 1900s. It made torpedoes during the world wars and lifeboats for the Arun Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI).

Up to 40 firefighters tackled the blaze last week.

Work done by Arun’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team for the Safer Arun Partnership has resulted in the lowest re-offending rate in the district for three years -  3.17% compared to 4.5% in 2008/9.

Last year the Council’s three-strong Anti-Social Behaviour Team was involved in more than 1,235 interventions.

Of the 725 individuals managed by the anti-social behaviour team in the last 12 months, only 23 required an Acceptable Behaviour Contract or stronger action to turn around their behaviour.

Early intervention in anti-social behaviour is intended to improve the behaviour of individuals and stop them from causing further trouble. The team, who have worked with children as young as 10, use a range of methods including interviews, warning letters,mediation and signposting to other organisations that can help.

They also invite those committing anti-social behaviour and their families to a meeting with the ASB Team to discuss the consequences for them and their relatives if they continue.

Following this, a package of support may be put in place to assist them in stopping the behaviour and moving on with their life.

The team also visit schools to work with teachers, and individuals who are identified as offenders or at risk of offending.

Over the last three years they have delivered 2,718 interventions across Arun, the majority of which were to young people.

Councillor Roger Elkins, Arun’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and member of the Safer Arun Partnership, said: “By far, the majority of young people in Arun are well behaved and a credit to themselves and this district.

“As a District Council we are committed to making sure that young people get the opportunities and support they need to realise their potential.

“However, being able to act quickly to change behaviour when it is wrong is key. This isn’t just about the re-offending rate but making sure that we can help young people without their futures being hampered by convictions.”

Jenny McMann is Arun’s dedicated Early Intervention Caseworker. She said: “Helping people to get their life back on track can be very rewarding, but the interventions also need to be robust so that individuals are in no doubt about the consequences of failing to engage.”

One mum, from Littlehampton, who has first hand experience of the early intervention programme, said:

“I'm not sure how Jenny did it but following their meeting my son changed from a teenager starting to go off the rails back to my son again. He is now back attending college, doing work experience and looking ahead to a bright future. This is something that, without Jenny’s intervention, he wouldn't have had. I will be forever grateful to Jenny for giving me my son back."

The Safer Arun Partnership is sending this warning message out to remind people - PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLES IN CARS.   Amazingly cars are being left unlocked with Satellite Navigation systems, ipods, mobile phones and cameras in.  Unfortunately, there is a very small minority of people who are persistently entering cars and removing your valuables.  Do NOT make yourself a victim - remove your valuables and lock up your car.  Sadly this does not mean it won't happen to you, but it is all about reducing the chances.

If you see anything that you feel is suspicious, including people hanging around, especially late at night - ring 999.  There have also been a number of attempts to steal vehicles, so information is needed urgently to apprehend these criminals.  If you would like to report anything anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Police would like to remind those of you living in the Littlehampton, Ham and Wick areas that there is a £500 reward for any information you may have about the car fires if it leads to a conviction.
 
Within the Bognor area there have also been reports of stolen exhausts from vehicles. Please be aware and report any suspicious behaviour.

During the bank holiday weekend there were also reports of house breaks within the Bognor area. Please ensure you take efforts to secure your property when leaving and report any suspicious persons seen on your own or neighbours property.

If you would like to receive crime prevention advice regarding any of the above please contact your local neighbourhood policing officer on 0845 6070999.

Sussex Police say - If you see anything suspicious please report it immediately.
It might be the vital piece of information we need! Sussex Police gratefully receive information on all suspicious activity, suspicious persons and Anti-Social Behaviour, occurring in your area. We thank you for your vigilance and together, in partnership, we will effectively reduce and detect crime.

Sussex CRIMESTOPPERS: 0800 555 111
Call anonymously with information about crime

An estimated one million adults in the UK are unable to hear an ordinary smoke alarm because of hearing difficulties or removal of a hearing aid at night. As part of the UK Council on Deafness'Deaf Awareness Week, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is reminding local residents of the importance of fitting and testing appropriate smoke alarms to alert them to a fire in their home.

A whole range of alarms designed specifically for the hard of hearing, from strobe lighting and vibrating alarms to small wearable radio linked pagers. These specialist alarms can save lives, alerting residents to a fire in the home even if an individual has taken their hearing aid out at night.

British Standard BS5446-3:2005, which was amended in 2007, specifies smoke alarm kits for deaf and hard of hearing people. Products made to this standard give deaf people assurance of quality smoke alarms designed to meet their needs.

Community Risk Manager, Kathy Burke says, "It is vital that people who are deaf or hard of hearing ensure they have the right smoke alarm technology in their home to protect them, and that they test them weekly, to make sure they work!"

Many people with hearing loss could be at serious risk if they don't have the right alarm in place. A specialist alarm system provides valuable time to escape from a house blaze, and without it lives could be lost.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is passing on vital fire safety information by linking up with the local Action for Deafness organisation. Firefighters from Shoreham will be on hand from 11am - 3pm, Tuesday through to Friday at the Action for Deafness Centre, Rowlands Road, Worthing where they will be on hand to give advice and tips on smoke alarms, fire safety in the home and Home Fire Safety Checks for the elderly and vulnerable.

Fire safety advice is free and easy to access from West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service's Community Safety Team on 01243 642879 or at www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire

Around 11,500 water meters will be put in from the beginning of May but both the company and the Safer Arun Partnership are reminding customers to watch out for callers claiming to be from Southern Water but who, in fact, are not.

In most cases, the installation of a new meter will not involve Southern Water staff or contractors needing to enter people’s homes. However, on some occasions this may be necessary and in such a situation an appointment would be made in advance. Most new meters are installed in the ground just outside the property.

A spokesman for Southern Water told the Safer Arun Partnership: “Customer safety is one of our priorities and we work closely with local police and Crime Stoppers to make sure they are aware of when the metering teams are working in their area and visiting people’s homes.

“Staff working on the Southern Water metering programme are easily identifiable. They wear uniforms, and drive vehicles, carrying the Southern Water name and logo.

“If you are in any doubt when someone calls at your home claiming to be from the Southern Water metering team, you should ask for their identification card. Southern Water staff, as well as contractors working for the company, are fully aware of this procedure and are happy to wait while customers check their identification. 

“You can also call the Southern Water Metering Customer Call Centre on 0333 2003 011 to ask for confirmation. “

In a work programme which will last until 2015, Southern Water is installing more than 500,000 water meters across Sussex, Hampshire and Kent as part of the company’s long-term plans to secure water resources for customers in the region.

The South East has been classed by the government as an area of water stress. Population growth will continue to increase the demand for water, whilst at the same time climate change is likely to mean drier summers and more frequent droughts. That means we need to stretch our water resources further.

The installation of meters will reduce the amount of water people use to the extent that it would take until 2035 to return to today’s levels of water use, even allowing for population growth in the region and the additional demand on water resources.

By 2015, more than 9 out of 10 households in our region will be metered, compared to the current rate of about 40 per cent.

If you would like more information regarding Southern Water’s metering programme you can:

visit www.southernwater.co.uk/metering

or contact the Metering Customer Call Centre on 0333 2003 011.

Over one weekend in April Sussex Police arrested 31 people on suspicion of drink driving, and road policing officers have attributed it to the sunny weather.

Superintendent Tony Blaker from the Road Policing Unit said: "It is disappointing to see this many drivers arrested in such a short period of time, even though we are used to seeing a bit of a spike during warm weather. Some people blatantly risk being caught, while others may unintentionally take themselves over the limit as they quench their thirsts in beer gardens or at barbecues, but the only safe limit is not to drink and drive.

"Drink driving is, at best, socially unacceptable. At worst, there's a potential killer in your midst. Sussex Police will continue to target these people and as 31 drivers are about to find out, it's going to cost them a lot more than a fine and their driving licence."

 

The new Most Wanted website allows members of the public to look at pictures and E-fits of people currently sought by the police in Sussex. The site is run by the independent charity Crimestoppers, which allows people to give information about crime anonymously by telephone or via the Crimestoppers website.

The gallery of Sussex’s currently Most Wanted criminals is at: www.crimestoppers-uk.org/sussex -  clicking on Most Wanted

Launched in late 2005 the national Most Wanted site has successfully resulted in the arrest of more than 1,000 criminals, for offences ranging from murder, rape and drug smuggling to robbery and assault.

The Most Wanted website for Sussex was launched at Sussex Police Headquarters in Lewes, East Sussex, on Wednesday 13 April.

Kathy Burke, Chair of Sussex Crimestoppers, said: “The Crimestoppers Most Wanted website has been most successful nationally in helping to catch a criminal every other day. I am delighted that the Most Wanted website is now going to feature criminals wanted in Sussex. 

“It offers the public another opportunity to take a stand against crime. It not only helps locate criminals who have ‘gone to ground’ but also identifies people previously unknown to the police. 

“The concept is very simple: if you recognise any of the individuals featured on the website, pass your information on to Crimestoppers anonymously either online or by calling 0800 555 111. Simple but extremely effective, Most Wanted is an invaluable tool in bringing criminals to justice.”

Crimestoppers is not a part of the police, but information given anonymously by the public to Crimestoppers has been vital in solving crimes that otherwise would have been difficult to resolve.

Detective Superintendent Glenn Jones of Sussex Police, said: “Most Wanted has already proved itself to be a powerful tool in helping to identify, locate and arrest offenders.

“The invaluable work of Crimestoppers, and in particular the impact of Most Wanted, shows how important anonymous intelligence is in helping to solve crimes. Often members of the public hold crucial information that can bring offenders to justice, and Crimestoppers and Most Wanted give them a mechanism to share that information and allow us to act on it.”

 

 

A conference was held at Sussex Police headquarters on Thursday 14 April to update partners and stakeholders including magistrates, the Crown Prosecution Service, victim support, probation, councils, churches and youth offending services on the way community resolution is being implemented across the county.

Community resolution gives the victim the chance to tell the offenders about the real impact of their crime, to get answers to their questions and to receive an apology. It gives the offenders the chance to understand the real consequences of what they've done and to do something to repair the harm. It can only be used if both the victim and the offender agree to participate in the process.

It also give police officers the option of dealing with some types of incidents, usually low level crime and anti-social behaviour, without having to go through the criminal justice system.

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Wilkinson said: "Since community resolution launched on 14 January, 2,700 police officers and staff have been trained in it. It allows them to use their own discretion and judgement while being victim-led. It is consistent with Sussex Police's core values of compassion, courage, justice and public service."

The conference heard from a 19-year-old student who in February had accidentally damaged a neighbour's motorbike on the walk back home with his friend after having been to the pub.

Other neighbours had phoned the police and when he offered to apologise face-to-face with the victim, officers decided to deal with the criminal damage offence by way of community resolution they and the bike owner agreed.

The offender also used £625 of his savings to pay towards the costs of repairing the motorbike, which meant he will not be able to afford to go on holiday this year.

He said: "I felt remorseful and I wanted the victim to know I wasn't a malicious person and this was a stupid mistake. That's why I met him and apologised.

"This was a good way of resolving the incident because otherwise I could have got a caution which would have gone on my record and would have affected my future when applying for jobs."

The audience also heard that so far 91 per cent of victims who had gone through the process of community resolution said they were satisfied by the actions taken, 94 per cent of victims were satisfied with how they were treated and 74 per cent were satisfied with the outcome.
 

Hundreds of Community Spirited volunteers across Arun have already made a difference in their areas by taking part in Tidy Ups. Previous Tidy Ups have taken place in parks, on beaches, in alleyways and streets. In short, any area that could do with a little TLC.

The Big Tidy Up is a campaign run by Keep Britain Tidy, the national environmental charity that aims to involve everybody in taking responsibility for cleaning up their patch. Nationwide over 95,000 bags of rubbish have been cleared from the streets.

You can get involved by registering your own event or alternatively by logging onto The Big Tidy Up where you can see local clean ups organised for your area. Many are looking for volunteers who can spare a little time to help out.

The Safer Arun Partnership is actively involved in promoting the Big Tidy Up with many groups having applied for a Clean and Safe Grant to help support their project. To see if you are eligible please go to the Clean and Safe grant page

By registering your Tidy Up online at www.thebigtidyup.org you will automatically get sent free of charge a Tidy Up kit including: Big Tidy Up vivid tabards, posters, badges and stickers for children, rubbish sacks and a booklet giving tips on how to organise the Tidy Up.

Arun District Council can also help out by loaning out litter pickers, gloves and arranging a free pick up of litter collected. You can do this by contacting Daniel Cox, Street Scene Co-ordinator by e-mailing Daniel.cox@arun.gov.uk or alternatively by calling 01903 737688.

The Community teamed up with the Safer Arun Partnership’s Environmental Crime Group to deliver exciting urban initiatives in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton, breathing new life into a downtrodden subway and a railway underpass.

Among those who contributed to the schemes were pupils from South Bersted Primary School, Flora McDonald Primary School, Felpham Community College and Bognor Regis Community College.

The Environmental Crime Group came up with the Subway Art Project to tackle repeated vandalism and graffiti.

The aim was for different local groups to design and paint art boards to be displayed in the subways to help brighten up the area. The idea initially came from Chris Ingham who is responsible for cleaning all graffiti incidents in the Bognor Regis area.

Dan Cox, Street Scene Communities Officer at Arun District Council said ‘It has been great working on these projects and we’re delighted so many people have got involved in creating the art boards

‘The boards look great in both Bognor Regis and Littlehampton and also serve as a symbol of the community’s efforts to tackle vandalism and anti-social behaviour’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sandy Osman, from South Bersted Junior School, added ‘It was a great project for the children to get involved with and the results are fantastic.

‘They are delighted to have created something that everyone in the community will see and for them to understand how something they create can have a positive impact on local people. 

The projects would not have been possible without lots of preparation work by Bognor Regis and Littlehampton Town Councils.
 

 http://www.saferarun.co.uk/our-priorities-environmental-crime/index.html

All of the bikes will then be registered on the Immobilise website where riders can also register other valuable items such as laptops and mobile phones.

This website is used by police to help identify thousands of lost and stolen items which are found or recovered each day. Cyclists who are registered are encouraged to use the website immediately to report a theft as this means police, insurers and second-hand traders will be alerted.

Representatives from the SAP will be at various locations throughout the district where WiFi is available so they can register cyclists on the website once the tag has been added to their bike.

Representatives will be tagging bikes for the Immobilise website at the following locations on the following dates:

Costa, High Street, Littlehampton between 12noon and 2pm on Wednesday 13th April.

McDonalds, High Street, Bognor Regis between 12noon and 2pm on Thursday 14th April.

Before registering a bicycle on Immobilise the owner is advised to take a photograph and record the frame number and any key details, such as make and model.

Cyclists should also mark their frame with their postcode in two separate locations if possible, one of which should be hidden. Collectively this information stored on their Immobilise account will be crucial in recovering the bicycle should it be lost or stolen.

The frame or other identifiable codes could be removed by a thief and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tagging of the bicycle is highly recommended as it is virtually impossible to remove from the bicycle's frame.

More information can be found at http://www.immobilise.com

The Immobilise website also offers lots of good security advice to cyclists including using a good quality D-lock, ensuring the bike is locked to something which cannot be moved, and to get proper insurance cover.

Inspector Rob Moore from Sussex Police said: “Many people have their bicycles stolen each year which is frustrating and costly for the cyclist.

“The Safer Arun Partnership would encourage all cyclists to make use of this service we are offering and get registered on the Immobilise website. It’s free and gives cyclists real peace of mind. As well as acting as a deterrent, it also means we can return the bicycle to its rightful owner if recovered”.

The CAADA Leading Lights Accreditation programme has shown that Worth is one of the most highly developed IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) services in the country.

Worth was the first service in the country to be accredited when the scheme was first launched in 2007-08.  The recent assessment carried out during 2010-11 by an external accreditation panel of domestic violence sector and quality assurance professionals has shown that it is still an example of best practice.

Worth first launched in 2004 and is now available in all West Sussex hospitals, including Worthing and Chichester.  Research has shown that a high proportion of people experiencing domestic abuse present themselves in A&E departments.  This service gives them the opportunity to seek help and obtain individual specialist support. The service is available 7 days a week.

The CAADA accreditation programme is aimed specifically at IDVA services.  This provides a high quality frontline service to victims of domestic abuse, focusing on those at the highest risk.  They work within a multi-agency framework of partnership responses to domestic abuse.

Trish Harrison, Worth Services manager, said: “Domestic abuse takes place behind closed doors and presents itself to the outside world in many ways: through calls to the police, through visits to A&E, through calls to domestic violence helplines, through poor child attendance at school, and through friends.  This year about 34,000 people in West Sussex will experience the devastating effects of domestic abuse, but there is help available and lives can be transformed by contacting WORTH Services on 01903 205111 x 4395 ”

If you would like to know more about Worth Services and the help and support available to those experiencing domestic abuse, you can contact Trish Harrison at trish.harrison@worthservices.org
 

Weekly sessions are currently underway helping introduce youngsters to new instruments and giving voice coaching sessions and music technology lessons.

Funded by the Big Lottery Fund through Youth Music, Bognor Regis PowerPlay is a partnership project with Bognor CAN (Community Action Network) as the lead agency and supported by Safer Arun Partnership, West Sussex Music Service, Chichester College, West Sussex County Council Youth Service, Music Workshop & Warehouse and local music school, Learn Sing and Play.

The project is being run by David Cox, proprietor of GBMusic.co.uk, a local music provider supporting youth bands and the long running Rokstars Saturday morning music workshop for young people.

Sessions being held throughout 2011 include saxophone, cello and trumpet sessions between 5-6pm on Monday afternoon at Learn Sing and Play in Essex Road, followed by group vocal coaching from 6-7pm. All these sessions are for 11-18 year-olds.

Then, each Thursday will see Musical Expression workshops for 8-11 year-olds from 4.30-5.30pm at Bognor Youth Club in Westloats Lane, followed by The Ukulele Band of Great Bognor at GBmusic in Essex Road for 11-18 year-olds between 5-6pm. Then, at Learn Sing and Play in Essex Road between 6-7pm there is a music tech course for 11-18 year-olds.

David Cox said: “We’ve been really pleased with the initial turnout. Young people are finding out there’s more to some of these instruments than they realised. It’s never stuffy the way we do the sessions and the instruments really fit many music styles. Finding out they can be part of it - and at no cost - has been difficult convince sometimes.

 

Once we get established it would be nice to think we can bring these elements together – maybe have people from the Rokstars sessions too, and go as far as recording as well as performing at events… but let’s walk before we run!”

To book your free place please call 07795 566801, or email info@gbmusic.co.uk (subject Powerplay).

The project will initially run through 2011, working with like-minded community partnerships and schools for special events and performance opportunities. Junior management opportunities can also include funded training for young people’s personal development.
 

This will save £800,000 and allow the force to work more closely with county, district and borough councils and other agencies to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Staff are also being consulted on the introduction of a new policing model, which cut response times and saw the average time to investigate a crime fall from 44 days to16 days when trialled in Brighton and Hove.

Police Community Support Officers and neighbourhood police officers would continue to provide community policing to local people, while other officers will be dedicated to either responding to emergency calls or investigating crimes.

Response officers will continue to attend emergency calls but will now hand over detainees and paperwork to the new Response Investigation Team (RIT) and get back on the streets.

Although there will be fewer response bases, officers will be strategically placed across the division to respond to incidents.

Arun District Commander, Chief Inspector Jane Derrick said: “As you will be very aware, all public sector bodies are making savings and Sussex Police is no exception.

 

“Despite the financial challenge, we are committed to protecting, or even improving, our frontline services. But we won’t do this by just working in the same way with less money and fewer people. Instead, Sussex Police is looking at how we can do things differently and finding ways to cut out waste and bureaucracy.  

 

“As part of the merger, we will be reducing posts in West Sussex, but there will be no sudden cut in posts and we are confident that by changing the way we operate rather than just cutting posts we will protect the frontline service we provide. The more-focused, streamlined approach we are introducing means a better service can be provided by fewer officers.”

http://www.sussex.police.uk/your-neighbourhood/your-district/arun

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is reminding people to take extra care when using hair straighteners following a fire in Littlehampton.

The warning comes after firefighters were called to a house on Toddington Lane at on 24th February following a blaze in an upstairs bedroom.

The fire started after a girl left hair straighteners on her bed while she went into another room. When she returned, just a few minutes later, she was shocked to see her duvet alight. Luckily, she immediately raised the alarm and her quick acting grandfather managed to extinguish the blaze using a bucket of water before it could develop.

Crew Commander at Littlehampton Fire Station, Alan Blair, said afterwards:

"Thankfully, they have had a really lucky escape here. We are relieved that nobody has been hurt, because there was potential for this to have been a very serious incident.

Hair straighteners have become increasingly popular over the last few years, particularly with teenagers, but they do carry a fire risk because they reach extremely high temperatures of around 220 degrees. They can also take a long time to cool down and if they are placed on a flamable surface like bedding then a fire can develop very quickly.

Our advice would be to place straighteners on a hard heat resistant surface, even after you have unplugged them and don't leave them unattended while they are switched on."

A working smoke alarm can give you a vital early warning to a fire - make sure you have one fitted on each floor of your home and test them weekly.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service offer free home fire safety to checks - call 0800 3286487 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire to find out if you are eligible.

14 residents from the Bognor area have been through an intensive 11 week course to equip them with the skills to develop their leadership skills.  This will enable them to become more involved in their communities, influence local decision making and act as an advocate for their neighbourhoods in dealing with service delivery agencies.

Some of the Community Leaders started to put their new skills into practice at the Bognor CAN event which provided people with lots of information, advice and taster sessions on healthy lifestyles and activities.  This included helping out on the Safer Arun Partnership stand which had information on how residents can get involved to help reduce the risk of crime and disorder in their neighbourhoods and achieve a clean and tidy environment.

^{Community Leaders Sarah Holland, Natalie McNally and Mandy Phillips with Arun District Council's Community Safety Officer Richard Bartram at the Safer Arun Partnership stand}

Richard Bartram, Arun District Council’s Community Safety Officer said: “It’s good to see local people becoming involved in the issues that affect their own neighbourhoods.  They are in the best position to understand their community’s priorities and, following their training, they are now better able to work with us to help direct resources where they are most needed.”

Community Leaders representatives were also engaging those attending the event as part of Arun District Council’s consultation on the level of housing and employment growth needed in the district over the next 17 years to help inform the Local Plan.

Karl Roberts, Assistant Director for Planning Services and Housing Strategy said "We hope that by working in partnership with Bognor CAN we will hear a wider range of views than we have in past consultations".
 

By ensuring doors and windows are locked when leaving your property, you will greatly reduce your risk of being burgled.

If you like to leave a window open at night, ensure it is fitted with a suitable restrictor. It’s a good idea to keep your back door locked if it’s accessible from the street, even if you are at home.

Have external lighting fitted. ‘Dusk to dawn’ lights are preferred which will automatically turn on when it gets dark.

“Good lighting, surveillance and an alarm will both dissuade thieves and also slow them down in the event of a theft,” said Greg Ockwell, of West Sussex County Council Safer Communities Team.

You should also be careful to lock sheds and garages as thieves sometimes use your own tools to break into your home.

Security mark your valuable possessions with a UV pen using your postcode and house number. You can also register your valuables on the www.immobilise.com website, which is supported by the Home Office and all UK police forces.

For more information on how to protect your home visit the Acquisitive Crime page

To report a crime call Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 or online
 

IN AN EMERGENCY
Always dial 999:
• If life is threatened
• If people are injured
• If offenders are nearby
• If immediate action is required 
 

From 7 - 28 February 2011 Neighbourhood Police Officers will be out and about in Sussex asking for your views about Sussex Police and how you think they can provide the best service for you in the future.

Officers will be out on the streets and as part of their everyday street briefings carrying out a short survey with members of the public asking how you would prefer to contact Sussex Police in the future.

Through this consultation Sussex Police is looking to find new ways to provide policing that is in tune with the modern world, while also helping to meet the national financial challenge.

Sussex Police need your views to shape policing in our county.

Visit the Sussex Police website to complete their online survey.

Interactive maps can be accessed by typing in a postcode, allowing people to view crimes including burglary, violence and anti-social behaviour in their areas.

Contact details and feedback channels for local Neighbourhood Policing Teams, local policing priorities, crime prevention advice and information about forthcoming local events, such as beat meetings can also be found on this site.

To see the new website, go to www.police.uk.

Chief Constable Martin Richards said: "Sussex Police has joined-up with all other police forces in England and Wales to launch a new tool that will help communities to better understand what's happening on their streets. 

This transparent new level of crime and local policing information will ensure people can tell forces what their concerns about crime and disorder are, find out information about crime in their area and hold police to account for how well they are dealing with the issues that matter locally.

"By making this information available, we aim to raise awareness of what we're doing to tackle crime and disorder and how local people can support their local police.”
 

Please note that the street mapping figures show abnormally high numbers of anti-social behaviour incidents being recorded at two sites - Bolnore Road, Haywards Heath and Church Lane, Lewes, both of which are main call handling centres where 999 and non-emergency calls are received. Sussex Police has been thorough in its recording and these high figures relate to hoax calls - mainly received by mobile phone - which have been recorded at those sites because there was no alternative geographical location. They do not relate to disproportionate levels of crime or anti-social behaviour in those local areas. 

The following tips may help people identify a cannabis factory:

• The windows of the property are permanently covered from the inside.
• Visits to the property occur at unusual times of the day or night
• People often do not live in the premises and only visit to maintain them
• There may be a vent protruding through the roof or a rear window
• There may be a pungent smell coming from the premises
• There may be noise coming from the equipment, such as cooling fans
• A large amount of pots and lights may be moved into the premises when the factory is set up
• In terraced houses, shared walls may appear wet to the touch
• Large amounts of soil and pots in back gardens

Reports can be made via the police non-emergency number 0845 60 70 999 or anonymously by phoning CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

Did you know?

• Cannabis remains an illegal class ‘B’ drug. It is an arrestable offence to be found in possession of cannabis and can result in a sentence of 5 years imprisonment.
• Cultivation and supply of cannabis are considered to be more serious offences than possession and the penalty is increased to a maximum of 14 years imprisonment.
• Cannabis is supplied either as a hard resin or in a herbal form derived directly by the plant’s flowering bud. This herbal form is frequently referred to as ‘skunk’
• Whereas resin tends to be imported, the majority of ‘skunk’ is now grown within the UK. ‘Skunk’ tends to have a higher percentage of the active chemical which produces the ‘high’ experienced by the user.
• Cannabis requires a great deal of heat and light to grow in the UK. Growers often use sophisticated equipment to ensure that they achieve high yields. These set ups are often referred to as ‘cannabis factories’ by the media and police.
• The size of cannabis factories varies. Smaller units can be easily set up in an outbuilding or a bedroom or loft area within a house or flat.
• Cannabis cultivation can generate large incomes of money. There is often the involvement of criminal gangs who may also be associated with other forms of illegal activity.
• People involved in cultivating cannabis will often by-pass electrical meters increasing the risk of fire to that, or adjoining buildings, or of electrocution to themselves or to emergency services responding to a call at that address.

For more information visit the Sussex Police Website.
 

From the beginning of April 2009 to the end of September 2010 firefighters in West Sussex have been called to 828 accidental fires in the homes. Significantly 59% of those started in the kitchen, many as a result of unattended or careless cooking.

Head of Community Fire & Road Safety for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, Roger Wood, said:

"Our priority is to keep people safe, so this high number of kitchen fires is a real concern for us. Sometimes just the smallest lapses of concentration can have devastating consequences and what is frustrating is that so many of these fires could easily have been avoided.

We understand how busy people's lives are and that there can be a multitude of distractions, but regardless of what is going on around you, please don't leave your pan or grill unattended - if you are called away from the oven, even if it is only momentarily, then take the pans off the heat."

"If you add alcohol into the mix, people then become very vulnerable because the likelihood of being distracted or falling asleep is significantly increased. If you are asleep when a fire breaks out, it only takes a few breaths of smoke before you are rendered unconscious".

Tips on staying safe in the kitchen:

• Don't take a risk by getting distracted - take pans off the heat if you are called away from the kitchen
• Don't cook if you are tired or if you've been drinking. If you're hungry - have something that doesn't need to be cooked!
• Check that you have turned off the oven, cooker or hob when you have finished cooking
• Clean hobs and grill pans regularly to avoid the build up of fat, which can catch fire 
• Don't put oven gloves or tea-towels down onto the hot cooker after you've used them
• Never fill a chip pan (or other deep-fat fryer) more than one-third full of oil. Consider using a thermostatically controlled deep fat fryer - this will ensure that the fat does not get too hot
• If a pan catches fire don't move it - it will be extremely hot. Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so, but never lean over a pan to reach the controls

If you do have a fire in the kitchen, don't take any risks - get everyone out of your home and call 999.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service offer free Home Fire Safety Checks - call 0800 3286487 or visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire to find out if you are eligible.

Beaches at Littlehampton, Rustington, Felpham, Kingston Gorse and West Beach have all been patrolled and cleared by staff from Arun District Council
working with contractors ISS and Verdant.

The 100% vegetable oil substance, considered by the Environment Agency to be non-hazardous washed up on beaches along the South Coast last week.

Small quantities appeared on Arun’s beaches and have since been safely removed.

Members of the public are advised to naturally exercise caution if spotting the substance and to report it to Arun District Council on 01903 737 500.

Meanwhile beaches will continue to be inspected.

Many dog owners responsibly dispose of a large proportion of this mess, but there are still owners out there who are prepared to leave their dog’s mess as ‘there’s no such thing as the dog poo fairy’!

Campaign launches took place in October in Mewsbrook Park in Littlehampton and also on the Berghestede open space in Bersted. These events were supported by Local ward Councillors including Cllr Ann Smee, Cllr Simon McDougall, Cllr Sylvia Oliver, Cllr Nick Wiltshire and Cllr Dr James Walsh.

Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Paul Wotherspoon said: We are pleased to be supporting Keep Britain Tidy for their latest campaign to rid our streets of dog mess. We know that in some areas dog fouling is the issue that upsets people the most – it’s revolting and can be dangerous."

Being a responsible dog owner means picking up after your pet. In recent years, there has been a growing problem of dog waste bags found hanging on trees, on railings or stuffed in hedges. It would appear that some dog owners are picking up their dog’s mess but are then simply dumping the bags.

 Dog fouling is not only unpleasant, but can be dangerous. Fronting the national Keep Britain Tidy campaign is two-year-old Amiee Langdon, who has tragically lost partial sight in her left eye after falling in dog mess. Amiee’s mum Suzanne, is calling on all dog owners to clean up after their pets to prevent anyone else suffering the same fate as Amiee.

In excess of 60 officers and staff were deployed at the key times across Arun to provide an effective and visible response and help facilitate a safe and happy beginning to 2011.

In Bognor Regis officers were extremely busy and 21 people were arrested for various offences all influenced by alcohol. Several more were arrested and released before being taken to custody facilities. Littlehampton was much more peaceful with no arrests necessary for violent offences in the Town.However the events at Ford Prison shortly after midnight also meant Police resources were necessary to assist the Prison Service in controlling the situation.

Most of the issues in Bognor Regis related to disturbances in private premises and public places and it was pleasing there were no major issues within any licensed premise. It was clear however, that the significant contributory factor that caused the problems that arose was the excessive consumption of alcohol and it is disappointing that the culture is still to drink to excess to celebrate which will now result in a number of people receiving criminal records for behaviour they wouldn’t ordinarily display.

The Safer Arun Partnership will shortly announce an initiative to raise awareness of excessive drinking and promote the benefits of safe and moderate drinking to ensure everyone has a good and safe night out in Arun.

For more information about your Local Neighbourhood Policing Team visit the Sussex Police website.

A smoke alarm is the most effective way to alert you to a fire in your home and give you and your family the precious time to escape safely. It is easy to be complacent and imagine it could never happen to you but it only takes two or three breaths of toxic smoke to render someone unconscious. Statistics reveal that you are more than twice as likely to die in a fire in the home if you haven't got a working smoke alarm.

Marc Jones, part of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service's Community Fire Safety team, explains why testing your alarm is so important:

"A smoke alarm can only give you that vital early warning if it is working, so why not make it a New Year's resolution to test it weekly.

We all lead increasingly busy lives and it could be something that people easily overlook but if you make it part of your normal routine, perhaps by incorporating it into something else you do weekly - I tend to test mine after I've put my recycling out for collection - or by having a set day and time that you test it each week, it might make it easier to remember.

"All too often we make resolutions that we find quite hard to keep - put this one on your list, it's easy to do and it really could be a life-saver!" added Marc.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue offers this simple advice on smoke alarms:

- Smoke alarms must conform to the British Standard 5446: Part 1 and display the kite mark.

- It is recommended that a smoke alarm be fitted on each floor of your home - position them at the bottom of the staircase and on each upstairs landing

- If your home is on one level make sure at least one smoke alarm is fitted in the hallway between your living and sleeping areas
- Smoke alarms are designed to be fitted at least 30cm from walls and light fittings
- Gently vacuum the inside of the alarm using a soft brush attachment at least twice a year to ensure that dust is not blocking the sensor chamber  
- Pull your finger out! Press the test button once a week to test your smoke alarm

You may be eligible for a free Home Fire Safety Check - simply visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire or call 0800 3286487

The legal limit for driving is 80mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood. However, it’s very difficult to judge when you've reached that limit.

Alcohol affects each person differently. Many factors will influence the level of alcohol in your blood, such as age, weight, how quickly your body breaks down chemicals, type of drink, the speed of drinking and the amount you've eaten. 

The effects of even a small amount of alcohol can include:

- slower reactions

- increased stopping distance

- poorer judgment of speed and distance

- a reduced field of vision

- Alcohol can also make you feel overconfident. This may make you more likely to take risks when driving, creating dangerous situations for yourself and other people on the road.

Around half a million breath tests are carried out every year, so if you drink before you drive you could still get caught, even if you don’t cause an accident.

If you’re found guilty of drink driving you could lose your licence, get a £5,000 fine, be sentenced to up to six months in prison and pay increased rates for your car insurance.

There are plenty of alternatives to drinking and driving that needn’t spoil your fun. Why not take turns with your friends or family members at being the designated driver?

Some pubs offer free soft drinks to the person being 'Des' for the night. Otherwise, take a taxi or agree in advance to stay at a friend’s house for the night. Make sure you only stay with someone you know and trust.

If you've spent the evening drinking and you plan to drive the next day, it’s safest to leave at least 12 hours for the alcohol to leave your system. If you’ve drunk a lot, you may need even more time.

You may still be affected by alcohol the morning after. If you have a hangover, your driving ability may be impaired anyway. If you're stopped and given a breath test, you will be treated in the same way as if you were caught the night before.

If you're having a party at home, consider your guests who may not be drinking alcohol, and make them a non-alcoholic cocktail.

For more information and advice visit the NHS Choices website
 

Christmas and New Year can be a particularly difficult time for victims of domestic violence and situations can be made worse by financial pressures and having to spend more time with abusive partners.

Domestic violence does not just mean physical violence. The abuse can be psychological, physical, sexual or emotional.

It can include many things, such as the constant breaking of trust, psychological games, harassment and financial control. It is rarely a one-off incident and is usually a pattern of abuse and controlling behaviour.

Adults in all types of relationships can be affected and it can also involve violence between parents and children.

The Home Office advises anyone who fears they are in an abusive relationship to take these three steps: 

• recognise that the abuse is happening

• accept that they are not to blame, and most importantly

• get help and support

Home Secretary, Theresa May announced last week that funding of frontline support services for victims will be protected for four years.

Councillor Roger Elkins, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “This is an issue we take very seriously. We would urge victims not to suffer in silence as help and advice is available to anybody who needs it. I would encourage anyone who is a victim of any form of abuse to call the help numbers for advice. Everyone has the right to enjoy the festive period without fear of intimidation.”

To contact Worthing Women’s Aid, call 01903 231939.

The central Women’s Aid charity has a 24-hour freephone domestic violence helpline; 0808 2000 247.

Christmas is a time for gathering together to celebrate with family and friends, but it is also a time when the risk of having a fire in our home increases - hundreds of people in the UK are injured each year during the festive season and more than 10% of all fire deaths occur in December. 

Jackie Boyle, Community Fire & Road Safety Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service says:

"During the inevitable hustle and bustle of Christmas, safety is often the last thing on anyone's mind but a number of factors mean that people may be at higher risk of fire. There may be more people in your home than normal and of course many will be indulging in a festive drink or two. When you add this to all the other traditional trappings of Christmas - trees, festive lighting, wrapping paper and candles to name but a few - it can be a lethal combination." 

Firefighters have created their own twelve days of Christmas with some simple steps to reduce the risk of fire in your home and helping you and your family to enjoy a fire safe festive period.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service's 12 Days Of Christmas: 

1. Check your Christmas tree lights conform to the British Standard. Always use an RCD on outdoor electrical equipment (a safety device that can save lives by instantly switching off the power).
2. Candle safety - never place candles near your Christmas tree or furnishings and never leave candles unattended.
3. Make sure your family and any guests staying know what to do in the event of a fire - make an escape plan. 
4. Decorations can burn easily - don't attach them to lights or heaters.
5. Don't overload electrical sockets and take special care with Christmas lights.
6. Celebrate Christmas and New Year safely. The risk of accidents, especially in the kitchen, is greater after alcohol is consumed.
7. Most fires start in the kitchen - so never leave cooking unattended. 
8. If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, store them in a metal box, read the instructions, never go back to a lit firework and keep a bucket of water nearby.
9. Make sure cigarettes are completely extinguished.
10. Check the battery in your smoke alarm every week and use Christmas as a reminder to clean it and remove dust.
11. Keep candles, lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
12. Take the time to check on elderly relatives and neighbours this Christmas - make sure they are fire safe.

Would you or someone you know benefit from a Home Fire Safety Check? Call 0800 3286487 or log onto www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire to find out if you are eligible.

For a full range of home fire safety advice call West Sussex Community Fire Safety Team on 01243 642878 or visit West Sussex Home Fire Safety page

That’s the advice from the Safer Arun Partnership, which has launched a Safer Winter drive by drawing up a list of play safe tips.

They are:

•         Plan how you are going to get home, including keeping enough money for the end of the night, pre-booking a licensed taxi or knowing the time of the last train or bus,

•         Pace your drinking and have a soft drink between alcoholic ones. This will help to prevent a hangover

•         Know your limits. Drinking too much, too quickly will cause you to lose control and make you much more vulnerable to accident and injury or becoming involved in a fight.

•         Stick together with friends. Look after each other and do not under any circumstances go off with someone you have just met or don't know and trust

•         Avoid walking home if possible and never walk alone.

•         If you are driving the day after drinking you might still be over the limit. Leave your journey as late as possible or find other transport if you think this might be the case.

Peter Evans quote, Chair of the Safer Arun Partnership, said: “There’s nothing wrong with letting your hair down and having fun with friends. However, follow the Partnership’s advice to avoid winter fun turning into winter woe.”

For more information on staying safe this winter visit West Sussex Safer Winter

Charles Hall, from Wadhurst Close, was presented with the prize at the Civic Centre in Littlehampton on Wednesday, 8th December, by Cllr Roger Elkins, Arun District Council's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and a member of the Safer Arun Partnership.

Mr Hall said: “It was a great surprise as this was the first time I had used the website. I must admit now that I have found it I will be using it regularly as it contains some very useful information. I have even recommended it to several of my neighbours as it will be very beneficial to them.”

Cllr Elkins said: "We would like to encourage local people to get involved in improving their neighbourhoods. Signing up for the newsletter is a good way to see the many examples of community projects being carried out around the district. It also means residents can keep up to date with the latest news about the work of the partnership.
 
"The Safer Arun Partnership website also gives people the opportunity to let us know of any issues they have in their areas and ask partnership members for help and advice about reducing crime and disorder."

The partnership includes the police, fire service, county and district councils, as well as probation and the health service, all working together to tackle concerns relating to crime, anti-social behaviour and environmental issues such as fly-tipping and graffiti.
 
It's still possible to sign up to the newsletter by registering here. As well as the latest news, the site also provides a wealth of information and advice to help reduce the risk of being a victim of crime and useful contact details to get in touch with the relevant agencies to help with any queries.
 

Maria Caryer, 42, was served with the notice by Arun District Council in October last year after numerous complaints from neighbours.

However, she continued to breach the notice and ignore warnings from the Council leading to a warrant being issued to enter her property to seize noise making equipment.

But Caryer, of Peel Road, Wick, Littlehampton, appeared at Worthing Magistrates’ Court on 2nd November, charged with breaching the notice.

At the hearing, she admitted two charges of breaching the notice in November last year, when she was living at another property, and was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay the full costs of just over £1,400.

The conditional discharge means that she faces further penalties if a noise nuisance is caused within the next 12 months.

The court also made a forfeiture order for equipment seized from her home, including CDs, a hi-fi system, and an i-Pod dock. In court, an agreement was reached allowing some other items to be returned to her when she pays a storage charge to the Council.

A Council spokesperson “We are delighted with this result and were pleased that the court decided to award the Council full costs.”

Councillor Paul Wotherspoon, Arun District Council's Cabinet Member for the Environment, added: "I want to congratulate the Environmental Health Team for this successful prosecution and I hope it acts as a warning to others. “Everybody has the right to be able to relax in their own home without being subjected to this type of disturbance and this sends out a clear message to anyone who disrespects their neighbours by behaving in this way that they will be punished.

"We are extremely grateful to all of our partners, including the Police, who worked so hard to obtain this conviction. Hopefully Mrs Caryer will now give
more thought to those around her as a result."

Follow these links for information on reporting Antisocial Behaviour and Noise Nuisance

The Safer Arun Partnership is working with residents to test drive the neighbourhood agreement which aims to improve safety and environmental conditions in the area.

The voluntary agreements give residents more say in the decisions being taken in their neighbourhoods and makes them aware of the standards they should expect from those who provide services.

It also gives residents the opportunity to agree the obligations they should take on themselves, for example keeping the area clean and tidy.

Neighbourhood agreements have been successfully introduced in other areas of the country and have proved successful in giving residents more say in setting local priorities.

They also help to raise confidence in those who provide services to the neighbourhood and encourage people to play a more active part in their communities. This supports the coalition government’s vision of ‘Big Society’.

Councillor Roger Elkins, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Arun District Council, said: “It has been proved Neighbourhood Agreements increase community engagement and empower local residents and we are confident of good results in Pevensey.

“A Week of Action recently held there showed that residents and service providers were keen to work together and this is the ideal platform for them to do this and instil a real sense of ownership and pride.”

The residents of Wadhurst Close in Pevensey are already getting involved and have recently cleared an overgrown area of their neighbourhood with the co-operation of Arun District Council to improve the appearance of their environment, and make it safer.

Local resident Charles Hall who organised the clearance said: “Wadhurst Close residents are trying to pull together as a community to resolve some of the anti-social behaviour issues we encounter. The large planting plot was very overgrown was being used as a dumping ground for litter and drinking. It also hid the houses behind it from view, encouraging burglaries. Working in partnership with Arun District Council the residents cut down the overgrowth completely and cleared the area.”

The pilot is being linked to a community leaders’ programme being run by Bognor CAN at the Westloats Lane Youth and Community Centre.  This training is aimed at providing people with the skills and confidence to become champions in their own neighbourhoods, to act as advocates for local people and liaise with service providers.
 

The idea behind the advice ‘shops’ is not only to give guidance, but also to listen to residents’ concerns about their own neighbourhoods.

Immobilise bike marking and registration kits will be handed out to cyclists who bring their bikes along to one of the events.

Visitors to the supermarkets will also be informed about the Immobilise website which can be used to register valuables. This website is recognised by all UK police forces and helps to return items to their owners if found.  More information can be found at http://www.immobilise.com

SAP officers will have a stock of purse chains to give away to elderly and vulnerable shoppers to help reduce the risk of purse thefts.

The Partnership will be at Sainsbury's in Rustington on December 7, the large Tesco at Littlehampton on December 8, and Tesco on Shripney Road, Bognor Regis on December 9, all between 10am and 2pm. 

Cllr Roger Elkins, Deputy Leader at Arun District Council and Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: "We want to give residents the opportunity to come and let us know about the things that concern them in their own neighbourhoods. This will allow us to focus our resources on the issues that are most important to local people. 

“We would also like to encourage people to register their valuables on the free to use immobilise website. It provides the police with a useful tool in the fight against crime as it can prove that items found on thieves don't belong to them.”

Advice for shoppers to keep them safe from crime includes; visiting the shops during quieter periods, keeping your purse or wallet close to you and not carrying too much cash, keeping your chequebook and cheque card separate, and not to carry too many bags at once.

When travelling by car, shoppers are advised to make sure they park in a well-lit area, to lock all doors and not leave presents in view, and to try not to
return to the car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with their shopping as thieves may well be watching the car park.
 

http://www.saferarun.co.uk/our-priorities-acquisitive-crime/index.html

Created by Writer/Director Daniel Cox and Producer Sarah Alexander for the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, ‘Embrace Life’ has already received international acclaim for its emotional, family-friendly yet hard-hitting approach to road safety.

Having reached the finals of the YouTube Ad of the Year prize, the campaign now needs your votes to be crowned the best advert of the last eighteen months.

Winning the award will see YouTube’s homepage being given an ‘Embrace Life’ make-over, worth approximately £75,000, which will allow the campaign to touch even more people’s lives.

In order to register your vote for ‘Embrace Life’, go to Vote Embrace Life, open the video then click on the green thumbs up symbol.

Your support will help to bring the ‘Embrace Life’ message to millions of people across the globe, lowering the levels of injury on the roads caused by non-use of seatbelts.

Further information about ‘Embrace Life’ – including a full credits list and ‘Making Of’ can be found on the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership’s website.

 

The White Ribbon Campaign is a global campaign to encourage men to take more responsibility for reducing the level of violence against women. Men are urged to wear a white ribbon as a symbol of their pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.

The Safer Arun Partnership (SAP) is committed to tackling domestic abuse and offering support to victims and will be hosting a stand at Worthing Rugby Club’s home match against Ealing on Saturday November 20, at their Roundstone Lane, Angmering ground.

The following Saturday, the stand will be at Bognor Regis Town FC’s Nyewood Lane ground for their game against Horsham YMCA.

The stands will have leaflets and information to promote the work done by different agencies to address domestic abuse, with details of the support available.

White Ribbon Day is the International Day for the Eradication of Violence
Against Women, and falls on November 25 each year. The stand will be available to view at Bognor Town Hall from 10am to 4pm on this day.

The campaign was started by a group of men in Canada in 1991, but was quickly adopted by countries around the world as a way of raising awareness of domestic violence. The UK branch of the campaign was formed in 2004.

Cllr Roger Elkins, Arun’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “The White Ribbon Campaign is an important event as it highlights a crime in our society that is often left unreported.

“Violence in the home is never justified and we hope that by raising awareness of domestic abuse it will give victims the confidence to seek out the help and support that is available.

“Our support for the White Ribbon Campaign reaffirms our commitment to tackling domestic abuse, and while the campaign is specifically aimed at violence against women, it is important to recognise that men can also suffer from domestic abuse.

“We are urging victims not to suffer in silence and want to make sure they know that help is available.”

Andrea Lloyd, Project Co-ordinator at Worthing Women’s Aid, which covers Worthing, Littlehampton and Bognor Regis, said: “White Ribbon Day is for everyone, it’s not just for women. The ribbon is a symbol of peace.

“It’s a day to highlight awareness of the impact of domestic abuse on the community. We’re not just talking about physical violence, a lot of the time it’s psychological – it’s about power and control.”

According to the latest Home Office statistics, in 2008-09 two people every week were killed as a result of domestic violence in the UK.

The same figures show one in four women and one in six men will be a victim of domestic violence at some point in their lives.

Chief Inspector Jim Bartlett, Arun District Commander, said: “Sussex Police treats all reports of domestic abuse as a priority and as such will always take positive action in relation to incidents reported to us.

"We also work closely with our partners to prevent incidents occurring and to ensure that support is provided to victims.

“We would encourage anyone who is a victim of such a crime to report it to the police or to contact support networks and agencies who can provide advice and guidance.”

Details of confidential drop in centres and help lines can be found at http://www.saferarun.co.uk/contact-other-contacts/index.html

Further information about White Ribbon Day can be found at www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk
 

Clean and Safe grants of up to £500 are awarded by the Safer Arun Partnership to schemes which focus on improving the neighbourhood in some way.

The project may involve improving a run-down area or providing a place where youngsters can meet, or tackling litter and fly-tipping.

Such schemes in turn foster community spirit by encouraging relationships between people from all walks of life.

Recent benefactors include the Summer Activity Youth Diversion Project, which requested money to set up a week-long mobile farm and petting zoo at Club 39 in Hotham Park in August.

The idea behind the scheme is to resolve some of the problems Bognor Regis experiences from youth crime, which can often be fuelled by boredom. Visiting the petting zoo helped young people gain good social skills and make friends through interaction with others.

This was the third year the event was held in the award-winning park and it catered for 70 children with the aim of helping them gain a hobby or interest to take away with them.

Another recipient of a cash boost was Aldwick Environmental Group, which is made up of councillors, staff from Aldwick Parish Council and local people.

With the money, the group cleared a neglected area of land used for fly-tipping and regenerated the area by planning shrubs and border plants.

Wallner Crescent Enhancement Scheme also successfully applied for a grant and used the money towards erecting 50 wooden posts to protect an open green space and to improve the safety and ambience of the area for residents.

As part of the project, West Sussex County Council carried out a tree planting scheme at the site.

Councillor Roger Elkins, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “These are marvellous projects which richly deserved the funding they received. They are all shining examples of the good work that can be done to improve communities and bolster goodwill within them if given the little bit of financial help needed. Now we are looking for more deserving schemes to benefit from the grant.”

Now, the Safer Arun Partnership, which includes representatives from Arun District Council, West Sussex County Council, Sussex Police, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Sussex Police Authority, Sussex Probation Trust and NHS West Sussex, as well as Arun’s communities, is seeking more worthy recipients of the grants.

If you are a community group, school, voluntary organisation, Parish or Town Council, contact the Partnership with your ideas and projects that will make a difference in your area and the partnership might be able to help.

For information, visit the Clean and Safe grant page or contact the Clean and Safe Team on 01903 737500, or email community.safety@arun.gov.uk.
 

The innovative show combines narrative film footage of a night out that, for one group of teenagers, ultimately ends in tragedy with real life stories brought bravely to the stage by those people whose lives have been changed irrevocably by a road traffic crash.

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, in partnership with Sussex Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service and the NHS, launched the Safe Drive Stay Alive Show in 2006 as part of its ongoing work to promote safer driving habits to young people. Since then tens of thousands of students from around the county have seen the show.

Statistically young drivers are the most likely to be involved in a car accident - so far this year (to Sept 30th) more than a quarter of the reported road traffic collisions that have resulted in an injury involved car drivers in the 17-25 age group.  

Roger Wood, head of Community Fire & Road Safety at West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service who presents the stage show, said:

"Safe Drive Stay Alive tackles many of the common issues that might affect young drivers - bowing to peer pressure, drink driving, speeding, not wearing seat belts, mobile phone distraction - but it is delivered in an engaging way that the students can really relate to."

"The show has a very emotional impact on the audience because the speakers who come on stage and share their experiences aren't actors, they are the people who have been directly affected by, or seen first hand, the devastating consequences of a car crash." 

The Safe Drive Stay Alive show is visiting:

Nov 10th - Butlins, Bognor Regis

Nov 24th - The Hawth Theatre, Crawley

Feb 8th - Chichester Festival Theatre

March 23rd - Chequer Mead Theatre, East Grinstead

For more information on Safe Drive Stay Alive visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire or call the Community Fire & Road Safety Team on 01243 642878

From April to August this year, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service was called to 55 accidental house fires in the Arun District, compared with 36 during the same period last year. The most common cause of these fires was careless cooking or the misuse of appliances.

Deputy District Commander for Arun Richard Bradley said:

“We work very hard as Service to promote fire safety messages to the local community so this increase in house fires, particularly in the Bognor and East Preston area, is concerning.”

“Thankfully, most of these fires have been brought under control very quickly by our crews and haven’t led to serious injury. However, there is always that potential and so many of them could have been easily avoided.”

Crews in the Arun area have been working on a number of strategies to try and increase awareness of fire safety locally.  

At recent Fire Station Open Days in Bognor and Littlehampton, as part of a safer cooking stand, firefighters used a special demonstration unit to highlight to residents how a pan fire can develop into a potentially lethal fire in a matter of moments if dealt with incorrectly. 

The West Sussex Fire & Rescue Interactive Information Bus has also been out and about in East Preston with Community Fire Safety Advisors chatting informally to local residents about ways to reduce the risk of a fire in their homes.

Where an incident has occurred the ‘After the Fire’ initiative sees crews maintaining a high profile in the immediate area, carrying out a safety leaflet drop, talking to residents about fire safety issues and where appropriate encouraging them to take up a Home Fire Safety Check. 

Firefighters from the Arun have carried out over 500 Home Fire Safety Checks over the last 6 months.

“The number of Home Fire Safety Checks that we have been carrying out over the last few years and the smoke detectors we have fitted undoubtedly means that lives have been saved through residents getting an early warning of a fire. However, a smoke detector alone cannot prevent a fire starting in the first place so we are again urging local residents to take a few simple precautions which will minimise the risk of a fire occurring” Richard added.

Tips on staying safe in the kitchen:

- Kitchen fires often occur when people are distracted or leave things unattended - if you are called away from the cooker ensure you take pans off the heat

- Clean hobs and grill pans regularly to avoid a build up of fat which can catch fire

- Drinking alocohol and cooking is a mix that can end in disaster

- Don't put oven gloves or tea-towels down onto the hot cooker after you've used them

- Never fill a chip pan (or other deep-fat fryer) more than one-third full of oil. Consider using a thermostatically controlled deep-fat fryer - this will ensure that the fat does not get too hot.

- Never use water on chip pan fires it will create a potentially lethal fireball

- If a pan catches fire don't move it – it will be extremely hot.

- Turn off the heat if it's safe to do so - but never lean over a pan to reach the controls

 
If you do have a fire in the kitchen, don't take any risks - get everyone out of your home and call 999.

For a range of home fire safety advice and to find out if you are eligible for a Home Fire Safety Check visit www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire
 

The 18-year-old, who cannot be named, was made the subject of the order on August 5, along with two associates, for the distress they had caused to members of the public.

But the youngster was back in court on Sept 29th for breaching the two-year ASBO and this time was given a custodial sentence.

Arun District Council’s Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) Coordinator, Keith Sivyer said: “This individual was part of a small gang who terrorised residents, caused harassment and distress for members of the public and behaved appallingly in various locations around Bognor Regis.

“He is one of three young men who received Anti-social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) on August 5 when they appeared at Chichester Magistrates Court, and is now experiencing the firm consequences of his actions.

“These three ASBOs were obtained by Arun District Council following months of intervention by ASB Caseworker Sarah Meeten, working in partnership with other agencies, to help the offenders change their ways.

“Despite Sarah Meeten’s efforts, the three continued to ignore all interventions and their refusal to engage in preventative and positive initiatives resulted in each of them receiving a two-year ASBO. Included within the conditions of each ASBO is one that prohibits them associating with each other, while other conditions prohibit behaviour that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to others and one that prohibits them from entering specific parts of Bognor Regis town centre.
“I also hope that this will reassure the public that Arun District Council continues to work hard at tackling anti-social behaviour and, in tandem with a variety of partner agencies, will use all appropriate and proportionate means of support, prevention and if necessary enforcement.”
 
Arun District Council’s Anti-social Behaviour Caseworker, Sarah Meeten said:
“Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated within the community of Arun. No one deserves to have their lives blighted by the poor and unacceptable behaviour of others. I hope this sends a strong message to others in the community that if they choose to behave in this way they will face the consequences.”
 

During this time officers from both services visited secondary schools in the Arun District area presenting to Year 7 morning assemblies on firework safety and the implications that irresponsible behaviour around fire has on the community.

In addition to the school visits West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service along with Sussex Police will be carrying out joint patrols in the evenings during the Halloween and bonfire/firework period. Officers from both services will be joined by the local PCSO's to target areas in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton that are prone to acts of anti-social behaviour and to engage with local groups of youths to pass on advice and warnings about inappropriate behaviour associated with Halloween and fireworks. During this time Fire Officers teamed up with Trading Standards to visit retail outlets selling fireworks to ensure that they are following the law in selling fireworks correctly.

The schools visited were:

• Felpham Community College
• Westergate Community School
• Phillip Howard School
• Littlehampton Academy
• Regis School
• Angmering School

Westergate Community School Assistant Headteacher, Beverley Good, said of the visit: "Westergate Community School was delighted to take part in the West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service's drive to help children stay safe this autumn, particularly during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period. Students in years 7 & 8 took part in assemblies run jointly by the Fire Service and Police as part of Operation Sparkler which informed them about the importance of making responsible choices at this time of year. The Fire Service also provided lesson plans, posters and a DVD to be used with our older students. We look forward to taking part in similar initiatives in the years to come."

 

Inspector Rob Moore from Sussex Police added: "Working in partnership on Operation Sparkler has shown some excellent results in reducing the number of damages and disorderly incidents over the Halloween and Bonfire period. Our joint late evening patrols will be completed throughout the week in Littlehampton and Bognor, targeting areas frequented by youths and identified as having had problems in previous years. "

 

West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service District Commander for Arun, Dave Benham said: "Fireworks can be fun, but can also be dangerous if not handled properly. We urge that the utmost care is taken in their storage, handling and use, whether you are organising a display for the family, friends or the general public. West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service want you to have a safe event and by following some simple do's and don'ts risks can be greatly reduced. "

Fireworks Do's and Don'ts:
- Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and take them out one at a time.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions on each firework,  read them by torchlight - NEVER a naked flame.
- Light fireworks at arm's length using a safety firework lighter or fuse wick and stand well back after lighting.
- NEVER go back to a firework once lit - it may go off in your face.
- Keep a bucket of water handy.
- Used fireworks should be collected after the display with care. Douse with water, bury or place in a metal container.
- Keep children under control and pets indoors.
- Never give sparklers to children under 5, light them one at a time and wear gloves when handling.
- Dispose of sparklers responsibly by placing them, hot end down, into a bucket of sand or water.  

Bonfire Do's and Don'ts:
If you must light a bonfire in connection with a fireworks display, then ....
- Site well away from houses, garages, sheds, fences, overhead cables, tree and shrubs AND ALWAYS AWAY FROM FIREWORKS.
- Before lighting the fire, check that no pets or children are hiding inside it.
- Build the stack so that it is stable and will not collapse outwards or to one side.
- NEVER use flammable liquids - paraffin or petrol - to light the fire.
- Don't burn foam filled furniture, aerosols and tins of paint or bottles.
- Keep everyone away from the fire - especially children, who should be supervised all the time.
- For an emergency keep buckets of water, the garden hose or a fire extinguisher ready.
- Pour water on the embers before leaving.

For further fire safety advice please contact West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service's Community Fire Safety Team on  01243 642878 or visit our website www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire
 

Houses can be more vulnerable, especially when unoccupied, but residents   can make them more secure by following some simple advice.

Top tips from the Safer Arun Partnership include lighting the outside of the property to deter burglars as they prefer to operate in the dark. Householders should also think about dusk to dawn lighting that automatically comes on when it gets dark. 

Timer switches so a light comes on inside the property when it gets dark can also give the impression that someone is at home. Opportunist burglars are less likely to target properties if they look occupied.

Other advice includes ensuring access to the rear of the property is secure.  Rear gardens should be protected by high fences and a gate with a secure lock, and vulnerable points can be protected with prickly plants. Residents should not allow the front garden to become overgrown as that could attract potential burglars as they are less likely to be spotted.

Householders should remember to lock their shed and garage with good quality locks which can be securely fixed; some burglars take your tools to break in.

Make sure all doors and windows are securely closed and locked. One in three of all burglaries are due to insecurities, for example where someone has left a door unlocked or window open. Pay particular attention to ground floor windows and those over flat roof areas, and keep keys out of sight and out of reach, including car keys.

If anyone notices anyone acting suspiciously or experiences any unusual callers at the door, they should report it. The Safer Arun Partnership advises residents to make a note of the person’s description and car registration number if witnessed, as this can often provide the police with useful information.

The Safer Arun Partnership is made up of representatives from Arun District Council, Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council and West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service who work together to drive down crime and anti-social behaviour across the district with one common goal - to build an Arun that is safer and where people feel safer.

Inspector Rob Moore from Sussex Police said: “We have seen an excellent reduction in the number of houses burgled in the area, but people are still leaving windows and back doors open or unlocked. With the darker evenings we need to make sure that our homes are secure and give no opportunity to a thief.  We also need to look out for anyone acting suspiciously. If you do see something, call it in immediately.”

For further crime prevention advice, or to report any concerns, please contact your local police Crime Prevention Officer at Sussex Police by calling 0845 6070 999.
 

Each year, the traditional celebrations see a large amount of revenue lost to unlicensed itinerant street vendors who come to the town to sell their glow products.

But this year, the 4th Littlehampton Scout Pack will be selling glow sticks to revellers in order to raise much-needed revenue to re-invest in the Bonfire celebrations, along with enabling the scout group to fundraise towards a new activities facility at their HQ at Linden Park, Littlehampton.

A number of partners have joined together to launch the initiative, including Arun District Council, Littlehampton Bonfire Society and the 4th Littlehampton Scout Group.

Basil Cooper, Treasurer for the Littlehampton Bonfire Society, said: “We want any income generated from our event to be either re-invested as costs to help host the celebrations increase on annual basis. Additionally we would also like local voluntary organisations to benefit from the event as well and feel that this new initiative might generate some much needed funding for the 4th Littlehampton Scouts Group.”

To help get the initiative off the ground, the Safer Arun Partnership has offered to sponsor the event with its first supply of Glow merchandising.

It will be offering everyone who purchases a glow stick the chance to win an i-pod Nano by visiting their website to enter the competition.

Georgina Holland, Chairperson for the group, said “The Safer Arun Partnership is about working together, with communities, for communities and the traditional Littlehampton Bonfire encapsulates this in their whole approach to hosting such a wonderful event for Littlehampton.”

The Safer Arun Partnership is made up of representatives from Arun District Council, Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council and West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service who work together to drive down crime and anti-social behaviour across the district with one common goal - to build an Arun that is safer and where people feel safer.

Martin Funnell, Group Leader of the 4th Littlehampton Scout Group, said: “We are very grateful to the Littlehampton Bonfire Society, Arun District Council and the ‘Safer Arun Partnership’ who have enabled the scouts to sell merchandising at the event this year. On the night, we will be based at Caffyns Field, Littlehampton, where we will also be selling; soup, teas and coffee, so please come along and support your local scouts.

“We are hoping to raise as much money as possible to help fund raise towards replacing a deteriorating and expensive heating system with a greener alternative and improving activity facilities for our young members.

“So the clear message to the community on Saturday 30th October is please come along and visit the scouts for a hot drink and to buy a glow stick from the 4th Littlehampton Scouts and let’s see you waiving those ‘glow sticks’!.”

All scouts selling merchandising will be clearly identifiable and will be wearing scout uniforms.

Councillor Norman Dingemans, Arun’s Cabinet Member for Cultural and Economic Development, said: “This is a great initiative and a win-win situation for the scouts, the bonfire society and the Council. I’m sure everyone will have a great night.

“However we would like to warn anyone thinking of trying to sell goods without a licence that Council officers will be at the event to check all traders are acting within the law.”
 

The survey gave residents across Arun the chance to have their say to shape the priorities of the Partnership over the coming year.

The survey was available to Arun residents online at www.saferarun.co.uk , and in paper form at Arun Civic Centre and Bognor Regis Town Hall, from their local Police Community Support Officers and police stations as well as at a series of road shows and Weeks of Action the Partnership held over the summer, Town and Parish Councils, Doctors Surgeries, Libraries, Neighbourhood Watch and many more places.  

Road Shows were held at Yapton, Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and Rustington and Weeks of Action in Rustington over the summer for residents to find out more about the Partnership and fill out the survey.

The Safer Arun Partnership exists to drive down crime and anti-social behaviour across the district and pulls together different organisations including Arun District Council, Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Probation Trust and the local health services.

A total of 676 surveys were completed by residents’ within the Arun District from 19th June to 11th September 2010. The results showed the following:

• Priority 1 - Anti-social Behaviour (23%)

• Priority 2 - Road Safety, anti-social driving, drink driving, speeding and parking (16%)

• Priority 3 - Violent Crime (includes assault, robbery, sexual offences) and Vandalism, Graffiti and other deliberate damage to vehicles or property (including arson) (both with 12%)

Safer Arun Partnership already works on these priorities but the information from the survey will help target future resources more efficiently on what matters to communities within the Arun District.

Residents who completed the survey also had the opportunity to enter a prize draw with a first prize of £50 M&S vouchers and 2nd Prize £25 M&S vouchers. The winners of this prize draw are:

1st prize –  Jacqueline Griffiths from Littlehampton

2nd prize – Joanne Calvert from Felpham

Kevin Basford, Head of Environmental Amenities and Community Safety at Arun District Council said “a big thank you to all who took part in the survey. The views of the community are vital to the Safer Arun Partnership in making sure that our activities and resources are responding to what people feel most concerned about and giving us feedback on how we are doing. I would encourage everyone to work with us and if you want to find out more about the Safer Arun Partnership, how to get involved (e.g. Neighbourhood Watch and Clean-up days) and to sign up for the Newsletter then visit our interactive website www.saferarun.co.uk .” 
 

If there are events going on such as Bognor Rox or New Years Eve, the weekend will be coded 'Red' and so additional police officers will be patrolling the area between the relevant key times.The numbers deployed will depend on the exact nature of the event. For example Bognor Rox this year saw an additional 25 officers deployed each day in Bognor. Other officers from other parts of Arun  will also be brought in to help out as well as from Chichester and Adur & Worthing if necessary.

If, there is an event such as a Summer Bank Holiday, the weekend will be graded 'Amber' due to the potential increased risk because there are more people in the town centre. The officer numbers increase accordingly.

It is all part of the weekly police operation ‘Op Marble’ which aims to keep Bognor safe when the pubs and clubs are busy. As well as making sure there are enough response officers available, it ensures that the Neighbourhood Policing Teams are out and about doing targeted patrols in the quieter areas of the town, to help reduce anti-social behaviour and disorder.

Inspector John Merrick said: "Implementing this grading system means that weeks ahead I can assess the required number of officers we need to deploy for this operation in Bognor Regis. It also ensures I have the support form other policing teams if required to provide this additional support. This is a crucial step to ensure police resources across the whole Division are deployed in the areas of highest demand at the key times."
 

The Freedom Programme is available to any woman who wishes to learn more about the reality of domestic violence and carries the message that victims do not have to suffer in silence.

It is a free 12 week rolling programme, which means you can join at any point.  You will still get the full benefit of the programme as long as you complete the course.

The programme is run by Worthing Women’s Aid with sessions available in Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and Worthing during school term time with a free crèche available for daytime courses.

The programme helps women understand the beliefs held by abusive men, illustrates the affect of domestic violence on children and assists women recognise potential future abusers.

It also helps women gain the self-esteem and confidence to improve the quality of their lives and introduces them to the wide range of help and support resources available.

Alison Blackmore, Freedom Programme Manager, said: “Since the programme started in 2007 the number of women attending has risen from 188 to 852 in the year from April 2009 to March 2010.

“it has been a big success and we’ve shown that the Freedom Programme really can change lives”.

Worthing Women’s Aid is hosting a Freedom Programme conference at the Charmandean Centre in Worthing on 28^th September where Pat Craven, the Freedom Programme creator, will be the main speaker.

This conference is aimed at anyone working with individuals, families or children involved in domestic abuse.

If you want more information about the conference, or are interested in joining the Freedom Programme, contact Worthing Women’s Aid on 01903 231939 or email to refuge@ww-aid.org.uk.

The group, consisting of a total of 26 volunteers, started patrolling on December 12, 2009, and has sent out six volunteers in two teams each Saturday night since.

In total, they have spent 1,206 hours patrolling the streets to ensure revellers are safe and have dealt with 155 incidents – everything from bringing a calming influence to a situation, to supporting people who are under the influence of alcohol.

They have also collected more than 495 bottles/broken glasses and given out 82 pairs of flip-flops to tired feet which have been dancing in stilettos all night!

The Safer Arun Partnership took the initiative to work with the churches to start the scheme, which has gone from strength to strength since forming nearly a year ago.

Local reporter Neill Barston, who writes for both the Bognor Regis Observer and the Chichester Observer, recently spent a night with the Arun Angels to see first hand the work they do.

In his piece, he writes: “The group, from churches across Bognor Regis, refrains from evangelical preaching. Instead they chat to those they encounter about their faith if asked – which does in fact occur frequently.

They hail from all walks of life, ranging from data analysts and engineers, to mothers and grandmothers.

They receive police training in conflict resolution and undergo first-aid training, with each team having packs of water bottles, basic medical kits and modesty blankets to cover up revellers who may not be fully aware of their senses.

Volunteer Vicky Toomey said: “I got involved because I love Bognor. I had lots of support from friends and family when I was growing up here, so I thought it would be good to help people here who might not have that support.”

Group co-ordinator Derek Baker added: “I joined the scheme in Portsmouth two years ago and found I could make a difference by listening to people and helping them if they had too much to drink and they really appreciated it. I’ve found it really fulfilling.

“It’s difficult to measure the scheme’s impact, but we work with the police and door staff and the feedback we get from them is we’re making a difference.”

There are incidents they simply have to step back from, such as a major domestic bust-up outside a bar. A man shoves his girlfriend around which results in an arrest when police arrive on the scene.

When a big club spills out, the Angels spot a girl peeling away from the crowd who seems to be distressed. Having had a major row with her boyfriend, who seems to have caused her major worry, the team walk her all the way home.

On a less-traumatic note, a couple of young women declare their feet well and truly worn out and duly receive what is probably the Angels’ most popular supply – a pair of flip-flops – for their troubles.

With that, the crowd disperses and the team’s work is done for the evening. It’s clearly not an easy role but from my conversations with the group, giving up a few hours of their lives every month to help people keep safe on the streets is a very small price to pay indeed.”

The event, organised by the Safer Arun Partnership in conjunction with Rustington Parish Council, was held in the Allangate Estate last week and featured activities from Sussex Police, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Arun District Council.

The week also included clean-up days with the probation service involved as part of the Community Payback scheme with offenders clearing overgrown alleyways, in addition to work carried out by Arun District Council. 

Neighbourhood Watch also encouraged local residents to come out and lend a hand to improve their neighbourhoods.

The West Sussex Youth Service organised activities for the young people with football sessions and the youth bus was available with a host of facilities to interest those who came on board.

Arun Neighbourhood Network ensured the elderly were not forgotten. They held a coffee morning to raise awareness of the services they can offer as well as organising a gentle exercise session to demonstrate how older people can help maintain their mobility.

Local councillors made themselves available for drop-in sessions at Woking Court to enable residents to express their views and concerns, as well as being available at the community event held on the Cabbage Patch recreation ground in Ascot Way on Friday.

The community event also included games organised by the youth service as well as a bouncy castle for the young people. Safer Arun Partnership members were there to answer questions, the roads policing unit were offering eyesight tests, the fire service information bus was available to provide fire safety advice and Neighbourhood Watch were encouraging more people to become members.

Sgt Chrissie Powell of Sussex Police said: “This week has given us a good opportunity to get involved with more of the local people in this area and find out what their concerns are.

 

“By working with the other Safer Arun Partnership agencies and the local people we can help them take more pride in their communities and help to resolve the issues they identify.”

 

 

Richard Bartram, Community Safety Officer at Arun District Council, said: “It’s good to see so many organisations coming together to help improve the lives of local people. By working together with people from these communities we can identify the issues that are most important to them and really start to make a difference in their neighbourhoods.”
 

Bognor CAN - Community Action Network - is offering a free Open College Network Accredited programme of leadership training over 11 weekly sessions starting on 7th October.

These sessions have been organised to provide the skills needed to champion local projects or serve on the management structures of local public, voluntary and community organisations.

Anyone can sign up to one of three taster sessions to be held in September to hear more about this fantastic opportunity and the amount of commitment that would be required.

The sessions will be held at Bognor Regis Youth and Community Centre, Westloats Lane on Thursday 9th September 10 am to 1 pm and Wednesday 15th September 10 am to 1 pm.

After the training, volunteers will be offered the assistance of a mentor for up to a year to support them in their new leadership role.

The course is open to anyone planning or wanting to take an active role in their community, or in a community or voluntary organisation in the Bognor Regis area.

People who successfully complete the course will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of leadership styles, the impact they can have through positive leadership, how to develop good working relationships and the processes involved in strategic planning and measuring success.

The course will be accredited at Open College Network levels 2 and 3.  It will require about 15 hours of work outside of the course to develop a portfolio to gain accreditation. This will aid in their possible future employment, further education or training.

Carol Fullick, Manager of Bognor CAN said:

“What a brilliant opportunity for the community!! As community leaders, our voice will make real positive changes in the planning of future services.  We need happier, safer cleaner communities.  By becoming a Community Leader you will be able to ensure that the community’s voices are heard and differences are made.”

Richard Bartram, Community Safety Officer at Arun District Council said;

“The new coalition government has been talking a lot about devolving powers to local communities as part of their ‘Big Society’ programme.  This course offers an ideal opportunity for people to gain the skills that will not only help them take up this challenge and make a difference in their communities, but could also be of benefit when looking for employment.”

For more details contact Carol Fullick at Bognor CAN on 01243 870406 or by email to fullick1@btconnect.com
 

The week will include a police street briefing, cycle marking, coffee morning and gentle exercise sessions with Arun Neighbourhood Network, fire information bus for fire safety advice, community clean-up sessions and football.

There will also be a community fun and information event on Friday 27th on the Cabbage Patch Recreation Ground in Ascot Way between 11am and 4pm.

The Week of Action is being run by the Safer Arun Partnership, which includes Arun District Council, Sussex Police and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, with support from Rustington Parish Council and Neighbourhood Watch.

Councillor Roger Elkins, Arun’s Cabinet for Community Safety and member of the CDRP, said:

“This week has been designed to encourage local residents to get really involved with their community so we hope to see lots of people there.

 “It’s also a chance for people to let us know their views and concerns so we can work in partnership to address any issues that may come up.”

Richard Bartram, Community Safety Officer for Arun District Council added:

"We can learn a great deal about the communities in our district from events like this Week of Action.

"Many different organisations have joined us to help organise the week and run specific events so we are hopeful of a big turnout. We are looking forward to meeting lots of people to discuss what they would like to see done in their community to make them even more proud of it.”

This Week of Action is one of an ongoing series planned for the district.

For more information contact Sussex Police, who are the lead agency for this week, on 01243 843452 or contact.centre@sussex.pnn.police.uk

In its 4^th Year, it is a fun packed day for all ages.  The event hosts many activities for all ages which are free of charge.  There will be Quad Bikes, Kiddie Go-Karts, a huge inflatable football stadium and four marquees with opportunities to try out musical instruments, lots of arts, crafts, cooking workshops, community information stands and of course the Town Show Marquee.  There will also be a giant Car Boot Sale.

What ever age you are, you can enter something you have grown, baked or made.

For the first time this year there will be a seed and plant swap where you can exchange your seeds or plants with someone else. 

They will be also looking for young people with talent who would like to appear in the music marquee in the afternoon, so if you can sing, dance or play an instrument they would love to hear from you.

The Safer Arun Partnership road show will be in the information marquee where you will be able to talk to members of the partner agencies such as the police, Arun District Council and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

The fun starts at 11 am on Saturday 21^st August until 5 pm.

Entry forms are available from Bognor Regis Youth & Community Centre, Westloats Lane, Bognor Regis or Bognor Regis Town Hall or download from our website on www.bognorcan.org

For further details, please contact Carol Fullick on 01243 870406.

The work to clean up the alleyway in Terminus Place was sparked by neighbours who were concerned about anti-social behaviour in the area.

They spoke to Councillor Ian Buckland who worked with the Safer Arun Partnership and the Housing department at Arun District Council to get the
alleyway cleared of fly tipping and dumped green waste. It has now been secured with a gate to prevent any trespassing and further anti-social behaviour.

In total two truck loads of rubbish was cleared so the alleyway is now accessible to local residents.

Councillor Ian Buckland, River ward councillor for Arun District Council, said: “It’s taken a year to see this project through to conclusion but all the hard work has definitely paid off.

“We have fulfilled the wishes of the community by creating a safe alleyway which will give local people peace of mind.

“It’s a community-driven project and we’re delighted to see it come to fruition.”

Local resident Joan O’Rourke, who has lived in the area for 24 years, had the original idea to spruce up the alleyway to make it more accessible for neighbours.

She said: “I had a blocked drain and had to have pipes trailing through my living room because my house couldn’t be accessed from the back.

“This work means we can access the alleyway from the rear of our properties and will make all of our lives easier.”

Richard Bradley of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Services and representing the Safer Arun Partnership who supported the project said: “This is a really great example of what can be achieved by working together. This will help us reach our goal of reducing the fear of crime and making communities safer.”

As well as taking part in the clearance local residents are keen to see the area continue to be improved and have promised to keep the alley clear and litter free as well as report any incidents of anti-social behaviour.

If you know of an alleyway near you that needs adopting, contact Dan Cox,Street Scene Co-ordinator at Arun District Council on 01903 737500,extension 37428.
 

This is the first survey of this type to be carried out by the partnership, in which people living throughout the district are being asked to say what their priorities are.

The survey can be filled out online from this link.  Alternatively you can obtain paper copies of the form from Arun Civic Centre in Littlehampton, Bognor Town Hall or any police station within the district. 

You can also get a copy by contacting your local Police Community Support Officer as well as by attending any of the Safer Arun Partnership road shows being held over the summer period.

The survey only has a few weeks left and must close at the end of August so that an action plan can be drawn up based on people’s responses.  If you want your voice to be heard this is your last chance to get involved.  All those who complete a survey will have the opportunity to be entered into a draw for a first prize of £50 or 2nd prize of £25 worth of Marks & Spencers vouchers.

Councillor Roger Elkins, a member of the Safer Arun Partnership and Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “The Safer Arun Partnership is keen to listen to people in their local areas so we can find out any concerns they may have and work with them to resolve these issues.

“Although we are lucky to live in a very safe part of the country there are still issues that need to be addressed.  With the current budget restrictions it’s really important to be able to focus our resources where they are most needed, and this survey gives residents an ideal opportunity to influence this.”

The survey asks people to identify, in order of importance in their local area, their top three priorities from issues such as violent crime, anti-social behaviour, vandalism and graffiti, domestic violence, hate crime, burglary, theft, alcohol misuse, drug crime and road safety.

The Safer Arun Partnership was launched on 1st April and replaced the former Arun Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

The partnership aims to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the district and increase confidence that these issues are successfully being dealt with.  It involves a number of organisations working closely together, including Arun District Council, West Sussex County Council, Sussex Police, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Surrey and Sussex Probation Trust, Sussex Police Authority and Western Sussex NHS.

You will have the opportunity to talk to members of the partnership at the road shows being held over the summer period at the following locations:

• 14th August – Yapton Flower Show

• 21st August – Bognor Community Town Show

• 11th September – Littlehampton Town Show

The partnership road show will also be at the community event to be held as part of the East Rustington Week of Action on the Cabbage Patch recreation ground in Ascot Way on 27th August.

Arun residents are being warned to be on their guard following reports of a phone scam.

The scammers call up their victim and warn them that their account is in arrears.

They then ask for card or bank details in order to settle the account.

If the person refuses or asks for proof, the fraudsters then offer to prove who they are by disconnecting the phone line then and there.

Once the victim puts the phone down, the scammer stays connected to their line, thus giving the impression that the customer's line no longer works.

Richard Bartram, Community Safety Officer at Arun District Council, which is a member of the Safer Arun Partnership, said: “This scam was first reported last year when it was prevalent all over the country but we have been told of incidents of it happening again now. It is unclear how many people in Arun have fallen victim to it but we have passed details to West Sussex County Council’s Trading Standards team. In terms of advising people, keep your wits about you and be cynical. If somebody calls you, mistrust them if you have to. If they want your credit card details don't be afraid to say no.”
 

Bognor CAN - Community Action Network - is offering a free Open College Network Accredited programme of leadership training over 11 weekly sessions starting on 7th October.  This is being organised to provide the skills needed to champion local projects or serve on the management structures of local public, voluntary and community organisations.

Anyone can sign up to one of three taster sessions to be held in September to hear more about this fantastic opportunity and the amount of commitment that would be required. The sessions will be held at Bognor Regis Youth and Community Centre, Westloats Lane, and dates will be announced soon.

After the training, volunteers will be offered the assistance of a mentor for up to a year to support them in their new leadership role.

The course is open to anyone planning or wanting to take an active role in their community, or in a community or voluntary organisation in the Bognor Regis area.

People who successfully complete the course will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of leadership styles, the impact they can have through positive leadership, how to develop good working relationships and the processes involved in strategic planning and measuring success.

The course will be accredited at Open College Network levels 2 and 3.  It will require about 15 hours of work outside of the course to develop a portfolio to gain accreditation. This will aid in their possible future employment, further education or training.

Carol Fullick, Manager of Bognor CAN said: “What a brilliant opportunity for the community!! As community leaders, our voice will make real positive changes in the planning of future services.  We need happier, safer cleaner communities.  By becoming a Community Leader you will be able to ensure that the community’s voices are heard and differences are made.”

Richard Bartram, Community Safety Officer at Arun District Council said; “The new coalition government has been talking a lot about devolving powers to local communities as part of their ‘Big Society’ programme.  This course offers an ideal opportunity for people to gain the skills that will not only help them take up this challenge and make a difference in their communities, but could also be of benefit when looking for employment.”

For more details contact Carol Fullick at Bognor CAN on 01243 870406 or by email to fullick1@btconnect.com.
 

It has been introduced by the Safer Arun Partnership and Sussex Police as another measure to beat distraction burglaries and rogue traders.

Residents who sign up to the scheme can show a 'nominated neighbour' card to unexpected callers.

This means those people who feel uncomfortable about opening the door to an unknown caller no longer have to quiz that person on their doorstep and risk becoming a victim of a bogus official or fraudulent tradesman.

The card directs the caller to a nominated neighbour who will verify the person's identity. When the nominated neighbour is satisfied that the caller is genuine, they accompany the caller to the resident's home.

Alternatively, the resident may call a trusted friend or relation who can check the visitor by telephone.  People who sign up to the scheme can also have their properties assessed by the police who will identify any potential risk and may advise extra security measures such as door chains or spy holes are added.

Richard Bartram, Arun District Council’s Community Safety Officer, said: "This scheme is all about helping vulnerable people to stay safe and it gives older residents increased confidence to turn away unknown callers.
"Although it relies on the goodwill of neighbours, we often find that neighbours are only too willing to do what they can for the elderly or vulnerable.
"We need friends and relatives to reinforce our message that if someone calls at the door and they're a stranger, do not let them in. Genuine callers will understand and will not mind verifying their identity with a nominated neighbour.”

Inspector Robert Moore leads the Littlehampton and Arundel Neighbourhood Policing Teams. He has helped launch the scheme and said: “The Nominated Neighbour scheme is a way of identifying and protecting the most vulnerable in our community from distraction burglars.

“Although we have seen a significant reduction in these offences, we believe the scheme can offer further protection through crime prevention and support from their neighbours. Whether it is door chains, improved window locks or 'No cold calling' signs these all help to deter the would-be opportunist thief. We would ask anyone who knows of an elderly or vulnerable neighbour who may benefit from this scheme to make contact with their local PCSO or Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.”
 
 

The scheme officially launched on Monday at the Tamarisk Centre in Beach Road, Littlehampton.

Created by Writer/Director Daniel Cox and Producer Sarah Alexander, ‘Embrace Life’ (www.embracethis.co.uk) has been feted globally for its innovative and emotional approach to a “well trodden safety message”. 

The advert was created as a low budget pilot that aimed to try a new and more positive approach to getting road safety messages across. It rose to success across the globe when it was released onto YouTube in February this year culminating in it’s nomination at the New York Festivals International Advertising Awards. ‘Embrace Life’ went up against full budget adverts from across the globe yet this weekend it managed to leave with the highest honour. 

The Sunday Mirror has asked if it is “the best road safety film ever” and the Sunday Express suggested that ‘Embrace Life’ is “the best advert ever”.  The New York Daily News also proclaimed that the campaign was “a breath of fresh air to many”.

Neil Hopkins, Communications Manager and ‘Embrace Life’s’ Executive Producer, comments:

“Being given a Gold World Medal, against competition from world-class agencies, is a true testament to the skill and creativity shown by Daniel Cox, our Writer/Director, and Sarah Alexander, ‘Embrace Life’s’ Producer. I am, naturally, delighted that our campaign – originally created to create behavioural change in Sussex motorists – has been so highly commended.”

Daniel Cox, ‘Embrace Life’s’ Writer/Director adds:

“I’m delighted that ‘Embrace Life’ has connected with so many people from around the world. A key element to bringing the global audience into the road safety conversation was to create the film without using dialogue and use visual storytelling techniques combined with a haunting and beautiful score. Being recognised by the NYF International Advertising Awards really is a great honour.”

Sarah Alexander, Producer of Embrace Life says:

“As a Producer, I’m delighted at the recognition the advert is getting. It was a whole year’s hard work by the Director and I and the hundreds of emails I have from people telling us that they have put their seatbelts on for the first time after engaging with the adverts message makes it all worthwhile. We never would have done it without the support of the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership and I am immensely grateful to them for taking a risk on both us and the project.”

Residents across Arun are being urged to take part in a unique crime survey identifying the most important issues they want tackled by the Safer Arun Partnership.

In the first survey of its kind to be carried out by the group, people living across the district are being asked to tell the Partnership what’s most important to them. The results will influence the priorities of the Partnership over the coming year.

The survey can be filled out online at Safer Arun Partnership Survey or in paper form at Arun Civic Centre and Bognor Regis Town Hall. Copies will also be available for residents from their local Police Community Support Officers and police stations as well as at a series of roadshows the Partnership will be holding over the summer.

Councillor Roger Elkins, a member of the Safer Arun Partnership and Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “The Safer Arun Partnership is all about working with communities, for communities and we need to be addressing the issues that people tell us are most important to them.

“We are lucky to live in a very safe part of the country but at the same time there are issues that need to be addressed. In this time of limited budgets it has never been more important to ensure that our resources are directed where they are most needed.

“This is the first survey of its kind carried out by the Partnership and gives people a real opportunity to influence what happens next.”

The survey asks people to identify, in order of importance in their local area, their three top priorities between domestic violence, hate crime, violent crime, anti-social behaviour, vandalism and graffiti, burglary, theft, alcohol misuse, drug crime and road safety.

The survey will remain open until the end of August and the Partnership will then draw up an action plan based on people’s responses.

The Safer Arun Partnership launched on April 1 and replaced the old Arun Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

It exists to drive down crime and anti-social behaviour across the district and pulls together different organisations including Arun District Council, West Sussex County Council, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Sussex Police and Sussex Probation Trust, Sussex Police Authority, and the local health services.

The team are holding the following roadshows over the summer where residents can find out more about the Partnership and fill out the survey:

• • 14th August - Yapton Flower Show
• • 21st August - Bognor Community Town Show
• • 11th September - Littlehampton Town Show

Copies are being sent to all town and parish councils across the district, members of Arun Youth Council and Neighbourhood Watch.

All those who fill in the survey will be entered into a prize draw with a first prize of  £50 M&S vouchers and 2nd Prize £25 M&S vouchers.

The event, the first of four planned for the summer, gives residents a chance to find out more about what’s happening where they live and how they can get involved in improving their communities and making them safer.

Last year hundreds of people from across Arun met the team at different events across the district.

Formerly the Arun Crime and Disorder Reduction partnership, the team relaunched in April with a brand new name and website www.saferarun.co.uk.

There will be lots of information on hand as well as freebies and goodies for people who pop along to the stall.

Councillor Roger Elkins, Arun’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Member of the Safer Arun Partnership, said: “The Partnership works hard to tackle crime, disorder and other issues that adversely effect the local environment.

“Everyone should have the right to feel and to be safe, whether at home or in the street and for residents to feel that their communities are becoming even safer places to live they need to be kept informed of the action we are taking.

“These roadshows have been a great way of letting people know what is being done and they have also given people the chance to ask questions and highlight any issues they are concerned about.”

If you can’t make the Rustington carnival roadshow, you will find the Safer Arun Partnership at the following events:

• 14th August - Yapton Flower Show on King George V Playing Field
• 21st August - Bognor Regis Community Town Show on Hampshire Recreation Ground
• 11th September - Littlehampton Town Show on Rosemead Recreation Ground

 

Figures from the Home Office report that the 2006 Football World Cup revealed a 25% average increase in domestic violence calls on the five England match days in the tournament – with one in four offenders found to be under the influence of alcohol.

For the victims of domestic abuse, it’s a time of fear and worry about both their own and children’s safety, especially as, win or lose, heightened emotions fuelled by alcohol come into play and domestic violence attacks increase.

In Arun anyone who is suffering physical or mental abuse, or worried about their own behaviour towards their partner, can call Worthing Women’s Aid on 01903 231939 who can offer a free confidential non-judgemental information advice and guidance service.  If help is needed outside normal office hours the national 24/7 helpline is available by calling 0808 2000 247.

Tackling domestic violence is a top priority for the Safer Arun Partnership. The Partnership draws together different organisations such as the district and county council, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Sussex Police, NHS West Sussex and the Sussex Probation Trust who all work together to drive down crime and the fear of crime across the district.

Councillor Roger Elkins, Arun’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: "There is no excuse for domestic violence and perpetrators must be clear that the World Cup does not give them any justification for partaking in abusive behaviour."

Research suggests that victims suffer 40 incidents on average before they felt the situation was at "crisis point" and first reported the abuse to police.

Cllr Elkins said: "Domestic Violence is often under-reported because people do try to manage it and hope it will go away."

Arun’s District Police Commander, Chief Inspector Jim Bartlett added: “We know that there is a possibility of a rise in domestic abuse incidents during the World Cup with emotions running high and people drinking more than normal. Extra patrols will be on duty across Arun during and after high-profile matches to respond to calls about domestic abuse. If you become a victim, we will take it seriously and support you. We can help.

"Everyone has the right to enjoy the games but we would urge supporters to behave and drink responsibly - because we will be taking robust action to bring offenders to justice."

During the 2006 World Cup held in Germany, Home Office data showed a 31% rise in domestic violence reports on the day of England's 1-0 victory over Paraguay.

On the day of England's exit from the 2006 tournament, beaten on penalties by Portugal, reports increased by just over 30%.

The Outreach Child Support service aims to help children through their experience by lending a sympathetic ear and through play.

The service is run by Worthing Women’s Aid who offer support to women who have been victims of domestic abuse and covers Worthing, Littlehampton and Bognor Regis.

The charity has taken on Felicia Colwood, a trained outreach worker, to visit children in such families in the security of their own home to offer support.

She works part-time and can visit the youngster for up to three months to listen to anything they want to say and to get them further help if necessary.

Andrea Lloyd, Project Co-ordinator of Service at Worthing Women’s Aid, said: “We are really pleased to be able to offer this service and to have Felicia working with us.

“It is important that children are respected and helped through their difficulties. It may be the only time they get one to one support and it gives them the chance to talk about things they may not want to tell their mums for one reason or another.

“This is not a therapy service, but we will be able to signpost the families of youngsters who need this kind of support to other agencies which can help them.

“The idea behind the service is to give the mother a bit more peace of mind that someone is listening to their child.

“Domestic abuse is a very complex issue. For example, it may be the case that the child misses their father but is scared of telling their mother that because of what she’s been through. All children have different needs.”
Worthing Women's Aid was established in 1977 for the benefit of all women and children experiencing abuse and violence, The key aim of its services is to support and empower women and children to remain free from all forms of psychological and emotional abuse and physical and sexual violence.
Information, advice, support and advocacy, resettlement and outreach support are offered to all women and children accessing the the services of the charity.

The charity's main activities are to provide refuge accommodation for five families, an outreach support service for families that have moved from the refuge to independent living and any families who live in the community who have experienced domestic abuse, along with three Freedom Programmes and drop in centres. Please phone 01903 231939 for more information.

The website contains a wealth of information about the association and what its members do.

Neighbourhood Watch is essentially composed of groups of neighbours who have agreed to get together to help reduce crime and the fear of crime where they live, and to make their community safer.

Local Neighbourhood Watch Chairman, Roger Nash said: “This new website is a real step forward.  More and more local residents are online, and this will enable them to get the very latest news and views about Neighbourhood Watch and issues to do with the Police, security and their well-being.  The new website will also enable them to interact and give their views about any concerns they may have.”

There are more than 250 street schemes throughout the urban area of Bognor, covering several thousand households. These have strong ties with the police, and all schemes are linked to a local PCSO who passes on essential information on local issues. The members in turn feed back reports on any criminal activity in their area, and are encouraged to follow common sense security precautions.

Sergeant Steve Chalcraft of the Bognor Regis Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Sussex Police enjoys a successful partnership with Neighbourhood Watch and their members play a key role in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the Bognor Regis area. The new website is an excellent method of informing communities about how they can make a real difference in their neighbourhood.”

The website contains links to many useful sources of crime prevention material and to a Members Handbook, covering a wealth of valuable advice. It also contains many local pictures of well-known locations.

For details of joining or setting up a scheme in your locality, contact the Secretary, John Holman, either through the Neighbourhood Watch website or by calling 01243 583057.

Introduction

Youth services are made up of three areas:

• The Youth Service: providing activities and opportunities for all young people e.g. through youth centres and information shops.

• Connexions: providing information, advice and guidance with choices about education, employment and training for all young people aged 13-19 (25 for those with special needs)

• Youth Offending Service: works to prevent youth offending, reduce reoffending, provides support services and mentoring schemes.We want to bring these three areas together into the ‘Integrated Youth Support and Development Service’ (IYSDS) and we need to save £2m. We propose to move money from ‘universal’ services (services open to everyone)and do more targeted services for young people who are at ‘risk’. (For example for young people who are ‘looked after” or teenage parents). We plan to work closely with voluntary and community groups, which will help us to continue to reach as many young people as possible. This consultation will take place in May, but your ideas will be considered throughout 2010/11.

The changes

These are some of the changes we are proposing to make and we want your views on them.

1. Make the savings by reducing the services we universally provide to all young people i.e. youth club sessions and at the same time help voluntary groups do more.

2. Focus services on young people at risk or with challenging circumstances to help build them a better future – Combining resources with partners will play a key role.

3. Have services where they are needed the most.

4. Changing the way youth centres are managed.

5. Considering who is best to provide the services that young people want and need – It might not be the County Council.

6. Developing and training adults who work with young people and making sure all organisations and partners are working well.

7. Actively involving young people to have a voice and influence so they are part of service design, delivery and evaluation of services will help make sure our services stay relevant and continue to improve.

Your voice counts take part in our online survey! (Survey now closed)

All the feedback we get will be analysed and used when we draw up the finished proposals. We will let you know what we find out.

If you would like to raise any specific questions about the Transforming Youth Service Review please email us at youth.change@westsussex.gov.uk

This is when the Partnership started working with the DVLA as part of their Devolved Powers scheme to target the minority of drivers who think they can get away without paying road tax.

The scheme gives Arun District Council, which manages the initiative on behalf of the Partnership, the power to immediately and without warning impound vehicles found without a valid tax disc. 

The registered keepers have to pay £100 to get the vehicle back if claimed within 24 hours with a valid tax disc, or £200 if it’s claimed after this time.  There is also a £21 a day storage charge to pay.

If the vehicle needs to be claimed without a valid tax disc, for example if it needs a MOT, then a further surety fee of £160 is required.  This is refundable if valid tax is produced within 14 days of removal

Another benefit of the project is that by removing nuisance vehicles quickly from the highway, it reduces the number of abandoned vehicles in the district which can then become a target for arson and vandalism.  There were 55 abandoned vehicles removed in Arun in 2009-2010, compared to 189 in 2006-2007 before the DVLA scheme started, a reduction of over 70%.

The operations are ongoing and target areas across the district.

Roger Elkins, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and member of the Safer Arun Partnership, said: “We are keen to continue working with DVLA in clearing these vehicles from our roads. 

“We are aware that many of these vehicles can also be involved in criminal activity as a high proportion of untaxed cars are also uninsured and have no MOT and, as they are unregistered, are used by criminals to move around anonymously.”

However, getting your vehicle back after it has been impounded may not be the end of it, as DVLA will always carry out follow up action wherever possible. 

Between January and March this year they have successfully concluded 169 cases at Chichester Magistrates’ Court resulting in fines totalling £29,309 and prosecution costs of £10,140.  One Arun resident alone was ordered to pay a grand total of £803 by the court after their vehicle had been reported by Arun District Council Officers.

Bethan Beasley, DVLA’s National Wheelclamping Manager said: “We are delighted to be working with the Safer Arun Partnership.  This scheme is all about road safety, saving lives and tackling criminality.

“It’s never been easier to tax your vehicle – you can now do it online or over the telephone in addition to the traditional methods.  There really is no excuse.”
 

The Safer Arun Partnership is spreading the safety message in the hope of nipping the seasonal rise of anti-social driving in the bud.

The Partnership works to make the Arun district a safer place and includes representatives from Arun District Council, West Sussex County Council, Sussex Police, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Sussex Police Authority, Sussex Probation Trust and NHS West Sussex as well as Arun’s communities.

At this time of year, complaints about anti-social driving tend to rise
with many of the reported problems concerning off-road vehicles and irresponsible driving around housing estates and excessively loud music from in-car audio equipment.

Arun District Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator, Keith Sivyer, said: “Anyone driving a vehicle, whether on or off the road, has a huge responsibility.

“Alongside the safety considerations are the issues of noise and, if driving off-road, whether you have permission to be on that land and are driving legally.

“If anyone sees a vehicle being driven recklessly or they think the driver may not be driving legally, we would urge them to report it to Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 quoting Operation Crackdown, or 999 in an emergency.”

There are numerous laws which cover anti-social and off-road driving.

Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 refers to vehicles being used in a manner which causes alarm, distress or annoyance. A warning will usually be given but any repeat offences within 12 months may result in the vehicle being seized.

Section 165A of the Road Traffic Act 1988 gives the police a specific power to seize immediately vehicles being driven by uninsured drivers or drivers who do not have a valid licence. 
If the officer is unable to seize the vehicle immediately because the driver has failed to stop as requested, the police have the power to seize it at any time within the next 24 hours.

It is also a myth that drivers of off-road vehicles don’t need to abide by rules and regulations.
Some off-road vehicles cannot be used on the public highway. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and related legislation, motorised vehicles also cannot be used anywhere off road, except on private land with the landowner's permission. This means that mini-motorbikes and quad bikes cannot legally be used on pavements, footpaths, cycle paths, and nor can they usually be used on parkland, common land or wasteland.
The Safer Arun Partnership advises anyone who fancies off-road driving to join one of the many car and motorcycle clubs in the district which cater for this.

Keith Sivyer said: “The membership of a motorsports club will give access to people with the same interest and will give provide the chance to use the vehicle for the purpose that it was designed for. It will also provide all the insurance and first-aid facilities that will be required.
“The price of a motorsports club membership can cost considerably less than the cost of fines incurred if road laws are broken.”

In addition to the Sussex Police contact numbers, we at Arun provide a 24hr reporting line for anti-social behaviour which is 0800 1412800, or you can email your report to asb@arun.gov.uk."

It’s always a good idea to keep a record of valuable items, including serial numbers where applicable.  Photographs can be useful in identifying property if it is stolen.  Mark items with your postcode and house number by either engraving onto the item or using a UV marker.

You can also create your own personal list of your valuables using the Immobilise website - http://www.immobilise.com/ - which is recognised by all UK police forces and the Home Office.  This is free to use and helps police identify the owner of lost or stolen property, as well as contributing to identifying the offenders.

Make sure your garage or shed is fitted with a good strong lock, padlock, door hinges or other security device.  If there are windows, ensure these are also fitted with locks where appropriate.  If you have large expensive items such as bicycles, consider sinking a post or ring into the floor and padlocking it to in using a strong chain.

You can also consider fitting an alarm to your garage or shed.  Most DIY stores stock suitable battery operated alarms, or Neighbourhood Watch also have a range of inexpensive security devices.

Inspector Rob Moore, chair of the Safer Arun Partnership’s Acquisitive Crime Group said: “Opportunist thieves are out there looking for easy targets, such as unlocked sheds or garages. We advise people to take as many security measures as they can to prevent having their goods stolen. We do live in a low crime area and these crimes are few but it is better to be safe than sorry.”

Richard Bartram, Arun District Council’s Community Safety Officer added: “Most burglaries happen from the rear of properties, so it’s always a good idea to keep your back gardens secure.  Make sure your boundary walls and fencing are in good repair, and if you have a rear access gate, ensure this is fitted with a suitable lock.”
 

As an incentive to take part a free draw was offered, with Steph Cass being the lucky winner of a £25 Tesco gift card.

West Sussex Credit Union is a ‘not for profit’ savings and loans co-operative, owned by their members, providing savings accounts and affordable loans to people unable to access reasonably priced financial products elsewhere serving the residents and workers within West Sussex.

Anthony Deveson, Operational Manager for the credit union confirmed: “Every day in West Sussex at least one house is repossessed, four people are made insolvent or bankrupt, and at least 35 County Court Judgements are issued, and it is only going to get worse. Once that happens, affected people will be refused credit almost everywhere and are likely to go on to borrow from an illegal source or loan shark with typical interest rates of 1000%.” 

Alongside Arun's Housing Department, local Neighbourhood Watch and the Illegal Money Lending Team, West Sussex Credit Union went door-to-door asking Pevensey residents to take part in the short survey.  The Illegal Money Lending Team used this as an exercise to see if there was any activity in the area and, just as importantly, to warn people never to get into the grips of a loan shark - not only can it be very expensive, but dangerous too.  The Illegal Money Lending team strongly advised residents to report any information to their helpline; 0300 555 2222.  The West Sussex Credit Union provides an excellent legal, cheaper and safer alternative and was promoted as a part of the survey.

The West Sussex Credit Union was specifically set up in October 2008 to combat this problem by providing real hope and support to people who are financially excluded to help them build a better future for themselves.

The credit union members borrow money at competitive interest rates whilst their savings are protected by the Financial Services Authorities Compensation Scheme, the same protection given to customers of banks and building societies.  Their membership has grown to 600 members with over £150,000 in savings. Over 450 loans have been granted to members for their specialised flexi loans available, ranging from £300 to £3000. In addition the credit union offers free and confidential advice and assistance on budgeting, benefits and better deals on energy as well as other money matters.
 
Interested? Find out lots more at www.westsussexcreditunion.co.uk or call 01903 237221.

Sussex Police are launching a campaign to help keep the coastline and waterways of Sussex safe. During the Easter holidays, posters were put up in harbours and shops, and leaflets were handed out at events to prompt people to call the police if they see anything at all that seems out of place.

Project Kraken is a national initiative to get more people reporting incidents they see near the coast that make them suspicious. Tip offs as small as a person not wearing suitable clothes or a boat that has not got enough lighting, could help build up a bigger picture which might ultimately prevent major crimes such as terrorism and human and drugs trafficking.

Local neighbourhood policing teams are also developing close working relationships with people who live or work near the coastline and liaising regularly with the UK Border Agency and other partners to ensure a constant flow of information. The project has started in the West Downs division of Sussex which covers Adur & Worthing, Arun and Chichester and will have been rolled out across the force by the end of September.

Sergeant Peter Allan of the Littlehampton Neighbourhood Policing Team said:

“It is so important that people are aware of what is going on around them when they are near the coast and the many waterways that cover the Arun District and beyond. Our varied waterways offer themselves to a great many pursuits, whether it is sailing, fishing or simply walking the dog along the riverbank. We ask that if you see something like packages being transferred to waiting cars; or boats with too many people on board, that you don’t just think, ‘That’s a bit odd’ and do nothing further with it. Please report it to Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 or tell one of our officers who you can see regularly patrolling the coastline, so that we can decide if any further activity is required.

”Our waterways present ideal locations for those engaged in terrorism, the illegal trafficking of drugs, people or other contraband to further their crimes. Boats, moorings or marinas are also subject to the theft of equipment such as engines or navigational aids. Help us to ensure that Sussex's many waterways remains safe places to visit and enjoy.”
 

You can find out more about what to look out for at www.sussex.police.uk/kraken

More than 3,500 people are killed on the roads of Great Britain every year -  that’s nearly ten people who leave home every day never to return. In Sussex, 284 young people aged between 17 and 25 years were killed or seriously injured on Sussex roads in 2006 and a special sub group of the Safer Arun Partnership called the Road Safety Action Group has been set up to reduce that number across the district.
Research shows that one in every three road traffic crashes involves someone between 17 and 25 years of age.

To achieve a reduction in these incidents, The Safer Arun Partnership’s Road Safety Action Group is working to promote better and safer driving, through a series of workshops and additional driving tuition through the Young Drivers’ Skills Programme (YDSP).
The working group consists of staff from West Sussex County Council’s Road Safety Department, Arun District Police, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police Road’s Policing Unit.
This project is aimed at those young drivers in the Arun District who Sussex Police have highlighted as driving anti-socially, committed a speed, mobile telephone or similar crash attributable offence, or whose driving demonstrates a noticeable lack of experience. No driver is ‘let off’ their ticket or summons as a result of attending this course.

Unfortunately bad and anti social driving can be habit forming. The aim is to tackle those issues before the habits have time to form.

As well as saving lives, the skills and information the young drivers acquire during the Young Drivers’ Skills Programme could improve their driving, making it more likely that their driving behaviour will be altered to such an extent that they won’t be stopped by the police in the future.

The group will also be working alongside the young drivers to help them regain their self respect, and in turn educate them to respect other road users and residents within their own communities.

The YDSP involves the young driver undertaking an assessed drive with Qualified Advanced Driving Instructors. This will give extra experience at a time when young drivers are most vulnerable. The session allows for feedback to be given in relation to their driving, with advice that will improve their skill set and reduce the chances of them being involved in a serious crash.

As well as the assessed drive, the programme includes an opportunity for the young drivers to receive tuition and test their skills under adverse road conditions on a skid pan, as well as attending a workshop where a DVD, Hard Hit , which is just that, is shown.

A number of guest speakers from West Sussex County Council Road Safety, Sussex Police and West Sussex Fire and Rescue give a realistic and professional insight into the real life impact of anti social and bad driving.

 Arun Deputy District Fire Commander, Lindsay Freegard who chairs the Road Safety Action Group said, “Having attended one of the workshop sessions myself, I feel confident that by attending this course it will enable these young drivers to be more prepared and better able to safely enjoy the pleasures and freedom that driving brings.”

Sgt Peter Allan of Littlehampton Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “I am pleased to support this programme which gives young drivers the opportunity to equip themselves with new skills and information that will hopefully make them more aware of their responsibilities while driving. The fact that they are in a high risk group is not only an issue for them, but those who travel in their cars as passengers, other road users, pedestrians and the many family and friends that road crashes affect.

“It is my hope, that if this programme saves only one life and the associated heartache caused to family and friends, then the investment made by those involved will have been worthwhile.”
 

The team leading the charge to make Arun a safer place to live, work and visit has been given a new look for 2010.

The new look was launched during last week’s Pevensey Week of Action at the Westloats Lane Youth and Community Centre on Friday, April 16.

The revamp includes a new, fresh user friendly website – www.saferarun.co.uk – which features the latest crime and community safety news, as well as information on the latest partnership projects, views from the local residents and information on how people can get involved in making their communities a better place to live.

The Pevensey Week of Action, which ran from April 12 to 16 and was organised by the Safer Arun Partnership in conjunction with the Bognor Community Action Network, is the latest project designed to improve neighbourhoods with the help of local residents.

A range of events were held at the Westloats Lane Youth and Community Centre for all ages, including a pool tournament, Cook and Eat sessions promoting healthy eating, arts and crafts and fitness sessions.

The fire service were also offering home fire safety checks the police were holding cycle security marking sessions.

A number of areas were targeted for clean ups including alleyways in Sandringham Way and Westloats Lane where the Youth Offending Service had young offenders working.

The police carried out targeted enforcement in the area to deal with those causing harm to the community through anti-social behaviour and crime and a sweep of the area resulted in nine vehicles being seized for not having valid road tax.

Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Councillor Roger Elkins, said: “We hope that this fresh new look will make more people aware of the work the partnership is doing to improve the lives of local people.

“The Pevensey Week of Action is a good example of how the different agencies work together in a constructive way to make a visible and lasting impact on communities.  For local people it is an opportunity to see and take part in actions that make a positive impact in their neighbourhoods and become more aware of the services available to them.”

Dave Benham, Arun’s Deputy District Commander for the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, said: “This Week of Action, held within the Easter holiday, provided lots of activities for all ages that were well supported by local residents.

“An important aspect of the week, which went hand in hand with the activities, was enforcement, cleaning up of alleyways, fire safety advice in the home and high visibility patrols by all partner agencies.

“In an effort to continually improve the lives of local people the partnership will be carrying out other Weeks of Action in the future.”

Carol Fullick, Bognor CAN Development Manager added: “The Week of Action was a great success, providing activities for the whole family.  It was great to see so many people from the Pevensey ward of Bognor Regis coming together to have a great time and to share their skills and experience.  It was also great to work with the Fire & Rescue Service, the Police and the Safer Arun Partnership.”
 

Five packed days of fun and informative activities are underway to make the area better and brighter for everyone and respond to community needs and concerns.

Activities, which are free for all, are running every day from the Westloats Lane Youth and Community Centre and include family cook and eat sessions which will teach people how to cook easy, cheap and nutritious meals, a pool tournament for young people aged eight and upwards, family fitness events, music workshops, the launch of a “young at heart” social club for older people, arts and crafts and CBT motorcycle taster sessions, bicycle maintenance and loads more.

As well as events in Westloats Lane, other things will be happening around the ward including clean ups and litter picks, home fire safety checks from firefighters, street briefings with local police and police community support officers and the chance to talk to members of Arun District Council’s community safety team.

The week ends with a big community event at Westloats Lane from 11am to 4pm on Friday April 16.

Dave Benham, Arun’s Deputy District Fire Commander, has led the organisation of the week with Bognor Community Action Network (CAN) and Safer Arun Partnership. He said:

“This week of action has been designed to bring all agencies together to work smarter during one week of intense activity to make a visible difference to some of the problems in this area.

“The project is designed to offer achievable and comprehensive solutions to community concerns.

“The week’s activities are intended to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and improve the perception of the area. Hopefully the Week of Action will demonstrate to local people that their concerns are taken seriously by agencies and that they are working together to make their area a better to live.”

Councillor Roger Elkins, Arun’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, added:

"The Safer Arun Partnership is all about making a positive difference to people's lives. Initiatives like this can only help make communities safer and I hope that as many residents as possible get involved in the various activities and celebrate the success of the week by attending the community event on April 16.”

Carol Fullick, who runs Bognor CAN, said:

“This is a great opportunity to work together to help local people improve their quality of life, their environment and reduce anti-social behaviour. Together with the involvement of residents from the Pevensey community, we can make a positive difference.”

For further information you can contact Carol at Bognor CAN at the Bognor Regis Youth & Community Centre on 01243 870406.

‘Embrace Life’ exploded out of the UK following its release onto YouTube earlier this year and is now among the 100 “most rated” YouTube videos of all time.

It is designed to reinforce the need for drivers and passengers to wear their seat belts and shows a new way forward for road safety advertising, moving away from the often shocking and gruesome images previously used to a very visual, human approach.

Neil Hopkins, the Communications Manager for the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, said:

”’Embrace Life’ was created from the belief that motorists and advertising audiences are ready for a change from shock-tactic advertising. With horrific images on news feeds, in TV shows and films, we believed that the audience could be becoming desensitised to shock tactics or horrific imagery. If the audience is desensitised, or physically repulsed by an image, the chance to open a dialogue with them is lost. We wanted to regain that ground by creating something that everybody could relate to and would be able to engage with.”

Daniel Cox, the Writer/Director of Embrace Life, added:

“A key element to bringing the audience into the conversation was to create the film without using dialogue and to use visual storytelling techniques combined with the haunting and beautiful score. I’m delighted to see that since our launch we have had a huge range of viewers from around the world who have found the film accessible and responded to its positive message.”

The advert was recently aired to huge acclaim in the United States where General B.B. Bell, US Army (Retired), said:

“Observing far too many needlessly lethal accidents over my 39-year U.S. military career, I always sought innovative and hard hitting ways to get my troops’ attention, then positively impact them to observe safe driving habits.

“While I have recently retired from active duty, I have now found what I was looking for. In less than a minute and a half, the video 'Embrace Life – Always Wear Your Seatbelt' achieves what I sought for all those 39 years. This video is a must view for all American military service-members and their families.”

Sarah Alexander, Producer of Embrace Life, said:

“As a producer I’m very pleased with how well received and popular the advert is. Most importantly however I’m proud to say we have receive numerous communications from people telling us that they saw the ad and have consequently started to wear their seatbelt. To touch someone in this way is by far the greatest success of all.”

The Sussex Safer Roads Partnership is working to increase road safety and reduce road casualties across Sussex through education, engineering and enforcement.

You can view the Embrace Life advert here, or below.

For more information about the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership and its work visit www.sussexsaferroads.gov.uk

Alex Peat, 15, and Harlan Geraets, 14, have spent the last few weeks working with Arun’s District Commander, Chief Inspector Jim Bartlett, and Littlehampton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team Sergeant Peter Allan to create a new Facebook page where young people can pick up handy advice about who their local police officer is, how to stay safe and protect their property and find out the latest news about policing and community safety in the district.

Sussex Police is the first force in the country to work with a youth council to create a dedicated Facebook youth page in this way.

Harlan, who is a student at St Philip Howard School, said:

“It’s been great to work with Chief Inspector Bartlett to come up with this Facebook page. I really think it will be a great resource for young people across the district who do have an interest in policing but who might not know where to get their information from. It’s exciting to think that we are the first people to have worked with the police to create something like this. “

Alex, a student at The Littlehampton Academy, added:

“Facebook is the communication tool for young people at the moment. Almost all of us use it and some of us even have access to it on our phones. Being able to get regularly updated information about what’s happening with crime and the police in our district this way is great. We are going to use the site to spark debate and really get young people interested and involved in the work of local police.”

Both local police officers and Harlan and Alex will be responsible for making sure there is updated information and interesting content on the site.

Arun’s District Commander, Chief Inspector Jim Bartlett, said:

“I am always looking for new ways of communicating with people in Arun so when Alex and Harlem suggested using Facebook, I jumped at the chance.

Like the internet, policing goes on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so social networking seems like the perfect place to keep people up to date.

I hope that the Youth Council’s Facebook page will mean young people can easily find out about, be a part of and influence the work we are doing in their communities as well as making them feel more comfortable contacting Sussex Police.”

Arun’s Road Safety Action Group, part of the Safer Arun Partnership, will pull over motorists and give them eye tests to ensure their sight meets the required standards over the coming weeks.

Under current legislation, a learner driver will fail a driving test if he or she cannot read a number plate 20 metres away.

But according to the Royal National Institute for the Blind, a third of drivers in Britain, around 13m people, could be breaking the law and putting themselves and others in danger because of poor vision, or “blind driving”.

In order to combat the problem, Arun’s Road Safety Action Group, which is made up of representatives from Sussex Police and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, is backing the national THINK! campaign by carrying out random on-the-spot eye checks over the coming weeks. Last month 64 people were stopped in one day in Littlehampton. One person failed to pass the sight test.

Inspector Phil Nicholas, from the Sussex Police Road Policing Unit, said:

"For most people, eyesight deteriorates with age. Unfortunately the change can be so gradual that we compensate without realising it, which leads to many road users driving with uncorrected defects.

“These operations are continuing in towns across Sussex over the next few months as part of a campaign to raise awareness of this issue. The risks of someone driving with uncorrected eyesight and the danger it exposes to other road users is all too clear. It is our recommendation that a driver should have their eyesight checked at least every two years, more often if advised by a health professional. If you have been prescribed glasses or lenses for driving you must wear them, even on the shortest of trips."

Failing the new roadside tests will mean that drivers are informed that they could be risking a fine, disqualification, or invalidating their motor insurance.

Police will advise them to seek an optician's advice immediately.

For drivers with seriously defective eyesight, police will take action to prevent them from getting behind the wheel of their car again until they receive medical advice. It is a criminal offence to fail to notify the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of any eyesight condition likely to cause you to be a source of danger to other road users.

Arun’s Road Safety Action Group was set up a year ago as a sub group of the Safer Arun Partnership to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads.

As the group approaches its first birthday, figures show a 10% reduction in the number of casualties compared to the previous year, down to 428 in 2009 from 476 in 2008 and a 14% reduction in the number of those killed or seriously injured for the same period, down from 86 in 2008 to 74 in 2009.

Throughout the year the group has targeted accident hot spots across the district carrying out both education and enforcement.

Lindsay Freegard, the Deputy District Commander of West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and chair of the group, said:

“We know that this reduction is not down to just down to one new group but, equally, the efforts of all concerned have contributed to these reductions and our overall aim of seeing fewer casualties on our roads.

“Our first year has also highlighted the many and varied challenges that exist in order to meet our targets. There is a lot to be done to ensure we continue to reduce the number of people hurt or killed on our roads.”