Arun Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership gets a makeover – and new name.

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 Safer Arun Partnership formally launches this April replacing the old Arun Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

The makeover includes a new logo and trendy new user friendly website – www.saferarun.co.uk - which features the latest crime news, projects, community safety information, views from local residents and information about how people can get involved in making a difference in their community. It also features pages for young people giving advice and tips about what to do if they are in trouble and how to avoid becoming victims of crime, as well as information about mobile phone safety and cyberbulling.

The Partnership works to make the district a safer place for everyone. Its membership includes representatives from Arun District Council, West Sussex County Council, Sussex Police, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, NHS West Sussex, Sussex Probation Trust, Sussex Police Authority as well as Arun’s communities.

Recent successes have included high profile weeks of action, community clean ups, the launch of Arun Angels in Bognor Regis, Dogwatch in Littlehampton and the Adopt and Alleyway scheme across the district as well providing funding for community activities and campaigns. Lamppost banners in Littlehampton and Bognor Regis are up for the month of April advertising the new site.

Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Councillor Roger Elkins, said: “This is a fresh look for a group committed to dealing with the issues that most affect our communities.

“We know from research that a lot of people did not know about the Arun Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and its work. We hope that this fresh new approach will raise the profile of the Partnership, its work in our communities and encourage more people to get involved with us.

“Our new website – www.saferarun.co.uk – has been designed to be user friendly and engaging featuring all local community safety news and crime prevention advice.

“The Safer Arun Partnership depends on people working with us and we want to hear from our communities. The new website features two special areas, one where residents can give their views about their area and one where people can put their questions to members of the Partnership.

“We hope that our new look will help us take our message to all quarters of the community.”

Arun’s District Police Commander, Chief Inspector Jim Bartlett added: “The changing of our name from the Arun Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership to the Safer Arun Partnership will make no difference to the
excellent work our organisation does.

“I am excited that we are launching a new website to coincide with the name change as it is important we keep residents up to date with our work.

“I believe the new name and the new website make our aim even clearer – to keep the people of Arun safe. “

You can find our more information about the Safer Arun Partnership by visiting www.saferarun.gov.uk

Sussex Police Report Card Assessments.

Sussex Police and Sussex Police Authority have welcomed Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary’s (HMIC) police report card assessments published today (Thursday) and are looking forward to regular scheduled updates on the Force’s performance.

Deputy Chief Constable Giles York said: "The assessments are based on various data stretching back to 2007 and we believe that as updates become available, they will show that Sussex is already improving."

Sussex Police has been rated ‘Fair’ in all three overall categories, putting the Force in the equal top ten slot of 42 police forces across England and Wales for the Confidence and Satisfaction category, equal 15th for Local Crime and Policing and equal 17th for Protection from Serious Harm.

In the sub-categories, ‘Excellent’ ratings were given for reducing crime, suppressing gun crime and comparative satisfaction of the BME community.

Commenting on the figures, DCC York said: "Several areas of strong performance have been recognised by HMIC, including our excellent rating for reducing crime. This reflects the wishes of the police authority to concentrate on crime prevention, particularly with regard to vehicle crime. Our focus in this area has seen very good results, but we acknowledge that the number of solved cases in this category is directly bringing about the ‘Poor’ rating for solving crime. However, we are shown to be improving.

"Sussex Police works closely with other emergency services, local councils and other partners to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads. We all work tirelessly in a bid to educate and enforce. This is showing results and road KSI (killed and seriously injured) figures in particular have fallen by more than 7% over the last four years (964 in 2009 against 1034 in 2006). However, the way that we are assessed in comparison with similar forces, means that we have not moved position in relation to these other forces and we will continue to seek improvement.

"I am pleased that HMIC has recognised, in particular, the joint work that we have carried out with partners to make Brighton and Hove a safer place at night, which has been singled out as an example of exceptional performance and innovation. Our work on burglaries has also brought positive results and we lead the way in the south-east on reducing this type of crime. These are just two examples of the quality policing service that we deliver to the people of Sussex and I trust that the introduction of the My Police website will enable people to track our successes and our improvements."

The chairman of Sussex Police Authority, Dr Laurie Bush, said: "Sussex Police Authority is very pleased with this report’s recognition for the areas in which Sussex Police excel. Being in the top ten in the country for confidence and satisfaction is of utmost importance and the Authority would like to praise the work done in this area.

"I also want to commend the work done to gain a rating of excellent for reducing crime, suppressing gun crime and in particular the comparative satisfaction of the BME community. This is an area that the Authority has long overseen and is reflected in the diverse nature of the make up of Sussex Police, its officers and its staff.

"We recognise the weak areas in this report but there is nothing new evidenced here. These areas are being addressed and are reflected in the Authority’s Local Policing Plan for 2010-11 and will continue to be scrutinised to ensure further improvement in these areas.

"The Authority is identified as delivering policing with a low/medium cost per household which means that policing in Sussex represents very good value for money particularly when Sussex is ranked as one of the lowest funded police forces in England and Wales. The Police Authority recently set a historically low precept rise of only 7 pence (2.7%) per week for the average Band D household. This means that for next year taxpayers will pay only £138.42 per household for the policing of Sussex, whilst still allowing us to invest in 31 extra neighbourhood police officers.

"I am very pleased to be able to say that this extra investment in neighbourhood policing follows detailed consultation with communities in Sussex and is possible as a result of extensive efficiency gains by the Authority and the Sussex Police."

Littlehampton teenager given ASBO.

A 16-year-old has been issued with a two-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order after an 18 month campaign of anti-social behaviour.
Harry Braund, 16, of Belloc Road in Littlehampton, was made the subject of the order at Chichester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, February 3

The ASBO was applied for by Arun District Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team in partnership with Sussex Police.

Due to the serious nature of Harry Braund’s crimes, which included theft of cars, anti-social behaviour around the Tesco superstore in the town, illegal riding of mini motorbikes and verbal abuse, the court lifted all reporting restrictions on the case.

The order prohibits him from engaging in conduct which causes or is likely to cause alarm, distress or harassment, engaging in behaviour which is threatening, intimidating, abusive or insulting, damage any property or stealing any property anywhere in West Sussex.

He has also been made the subject of a curfew between the hours of 9pm and 7am and banned from entering various parts of Littlehampton as well as associating with six other named individuals.

Councillor Roger Elkins, Arun’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “The ongoing behaviour of Harry Braund affected many people throughout the Littlehampton area. Our anti social behaviour team tried on many occasions to work with this young man to change his behaviour. However, he was not willing to change his ways and an ASBO was the final resort,

“I hope this sends a message to Harry Braund and others like him that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated within the town and that action will be taken by the relevant agencies to stop it. “

Keith Sivyer, Arun’s Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator added: “Arun District Council is determined to take decisive action to eradicate anti-social behaviour in the community whether this is perpetrated by adults or children and we will use whatever legal measures are available to us to achieve this end to protect other residents living in the community.”

Harry Braund will face arrest and imprisonment if he breaks any conditions of his ASBO.

Special posters and leaflets have now been designed containing his photo, name, date of birth and the conditions of his ASBO to inform the public of his restrictions.

They will be delivered to homes and shops in and around Littlehampton to encourage people to help police the conditions by calling 999 if they witness any breaches.

Sergeant Peter Allan said: "I am pleased that the magistrates listened to the evidence presented to them and granted this Anti-Social Behaviour Order. They did so to protect the community from the behaviour displayed by Harry Braund over a long period.

“I hope also that the securing of this ASBO sends out a strong message to those who commit anti-social behaviour and those communities who are subject to it that we will use all available legislative means to provide safer communities for people to live in.”

ASBO to curb anti social behaviour of Littlehampton girl in three West Sussex towns.

On the 13th January 2010 it was confirmed at Chichester Magistrates’ Court that Laura WATSON(18) of Gloucester Road, Littlehampton is subject to a 2 year ASBO to protect the community from her significant and persistent anti-social behaviour in Littlehampton, Bognor Regis and Worthing.

The ASBO which expires on 16th October 2011 imposes the following prohibitions on Laura’s movements and behaviour. Laura is not to:

1) Use or incite others to use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in any place to which the public has access which causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

2) Enter the area known as Mariners’ Quay, Littlehampton which includes the roads as defined on the accompanying map (MAP 1). The roads are as follows: River Road, Old Quay Wharf, Baltic Wharf and Arun Wharf. All of these roads form the exclusion zone which is outlined in red on the enclosed map.

3) Enter the premises known as Milletts, Bognor Regis, Butlins, Bognor Regis, Somerfield Stores, Littlehampton and TK Max, Worthing.

4) To associate in any way whatsoever or contact directly or indirectly the following persons: Adam GEE, David NEWNHAM, Scott STEMP, Billy Jo WILKINS, Harry BRAUND, Lee BARNES, Wendy COLLINS or Kadeem MCNEILL.

5) Be drunk in a public place.

6) Climb onto roof tops or scaffolding of any private or public building.

Sgt Peter Allan of Littlehampton Police said: "I am pleased that the magistrates listened to the evidence presented to them and granted this Anti-Social Behaviour Order. They did so to protect the community from the behaviour displayed by Laura Watson over a long period. Due to her age I am restricted in what I can say about that behaviour. Laura displayed an attitude and behaviour that was rude, unruly and at times aggressive at a number of locations in and around the Arun District and Worthing town centre.

“It was as a last resort that Littlehampton Police, in cooperation with our partners, took this step as other interventions had simply not altered her behaviour.

“A number of professionals have devoted time to working with Laura with the aim of breaking this cycle of behaviour. I want to thank those partners for the many attempts they made to work with Laura in an effort to change her anti social behaviour. I would particularly like to record my appreciation of the hard work undertaken by PC Dan Bridger of the Littlehampton Neighbourhood Policing Team and Sarah Meeten of Arun District Council’s Anti Social Behaviour Team for their work in compiling the evidence in this case and working closely with colleagues from The Crown Prosecution Service to ensure we did what we could to protect the community.

“It is my hope, for Laura's sake and that of the wider community, that the imposition of this Order signals a change in her behaviour.

“I hope also that the securing of this ASBO sends out a strong message to those who commit anti-social behaviour and those communities who are subject to it that we will use all available legislative means to provide safer communities for people to live in.”

Special posters and leaflets have now been designed containing her photograph, name, date of birth and the conditions of her ASBO to inform the public of the prohibitions contained within her Order.

They will be delivered to homes and shops in and around the areas of Littlehampton, Bognor Regis and Worthing where Laura’s behaviour caused such a negative impact on community wellbeing. The publication of the prohibitions is also to encourage people to help police Laura’s conditions by calling Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 if they witness any breaches.

'Informed' and 'Involved' (I want my voice to be heard).

'Informed' and 'Involved' are my two favourite words of the moment. I would like to talk about the many ways people can do exactly that (be 'informed' and become 'involved'), and how your voice can be heard to get the things that matter to you, on the agenda.

Sussex Police have invested heavily in Neighbourhood Policing. There is a name in every neighbourhood (take a look at www.sussex.police.uk) whose role is to work with colleagues, partners and more importantly, you the communities of Littlehampton to reduce crime and anti social behaviour as well as the fear of it.

"I am too scared to go out at night."

"The window in the bus shelter keeps getting broken, crime is really bad."

"There are large gangs of rowdy youths who intimidate residents."

These are all comments that may guide how some people live their lives. From having worked in Littlehampton for nearly ten years I know that in reality they are not true. I do accept however that there are people out there who believe they are true and live their lives accordingly.

We want everyone to enjoy and feel safe in their communities. If you do not, tell us about it.

If you want your concerns placed firmly on the policing agenda you may wish to join one of our many local Neighbourhood Management Forums (NMFs).

What are they and what do they do?

An NMF meets every 8-10 weeks with a cross section of community members to discuss the issues that concern them in their communities. The concerns need not be police related, these are not police forums. Your concern may be a broken street light or the fact that an area is overgrown and full of rubbish. We work with our many partners in a great many initiatives and pieces of work across the whole District.

The group puts forward all the issues that concern them, before they vote on which are the most popular three for action. A plan is agreed as to how that action will be delivered and the community are regularly updated on progress. Although three priorities will be the thrust of the coordinated action, this does not mean that any other concerns will be ignored.

Do you know what your NMF have agreed as priorities?

Do you know what is being done about them?

Do you want to be part of the process of agenda setting?

We are actively looking to increase the representation on our forums, especially from young people. If you want to be part of the solution, please contact your local officer. You can find out who they are via our website or contacting your local police station.

Don't suffer in silence. Be part of the solution. Be 'Informed' and become 'Involved'.

Littlehampton Police- Do you know who we are?

Sussex Police has invested heavily in Neighbourhood Policing, where we have brought policing closer to the communities we serve. We will always respond to serious crime, road crashes and missing people, but we are also keen to know what affects you in your neighbourhood.

Is it graffiti? Damage? Anti social behaviour? Motoring matters? Flytipping?

We do want to know what issues concern you. You can tell us in a number of ways-

1) In person (at a Police surgery, at the Police station, Neighbourhood Management Forum (NMF) or other community engagement event)
2) 0845 60 70 999
3) E-mail
4) Via our website www.sussex.police.uk
5) Social Media (Twitter)

Sometimes people do not want to tell us things for fear of retribution. I can understand that, but you can to us in confidence. There are circumstances where you can give your evidence anonymously or by using some other protective measure.

Knowing your local policing team and being able to trust them is key.

I am happy for people to contact me via:

Telephone: 0845 60 70 999 Ext 86290

E-mail: peter.allan@sussex.pnn.police.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SgtPeterAllan

or from now via this Blog.