Friday 21 May 2010

Crime doesn't pay as 76yr old Rustington man found out.

Ronald Chapman, 76, of Fontwell Close, Rustington, sentenced in March to 12 months imprisonment suspended for two years, with a six month curfew order, was given confiscation order for £63,205 at Hove Crown Court on 6 May. Acting on intelligence, police searched his house in October last year and found a cannabis ‘factory’ in the loft, together with 50 large cannabis plants. Cash was also found and examination of his bank accounts helped show that, as he admitted, he had been growing cannabis for five years for dealers in the Littlehampton area.


The £63,205 must be paid within six months or he will serve a further 18 months and still have to pay.

This Order adds to the success by Sussex Police in securing, during financial year 2009 to 2010 alone, 179 court confiscation orders following convictions, valued at a highest ever annual total for Sussex of £2,388 million, plus 34 civil forfeiture orders valued at £178,405 following cash seizures from suspected offenders.

Detective Inspector Chris Neilson of the forces's Economic Crime Unit said “These are just some of the latest results of continuing hard work by our officers, and in particular our expert financial investigators. We now target not just the criminals but also the profits of their crimes, whether they be from drug dealing or any other form of criminal activity. It can take time and each investigation is subject to a court-authorised confiscation order, and criminals need to know that where we think they have profits, hidden thought they may be, we don’t give up after sentencing. Financial investigation is increasingly at the heart of all criminal investigation.”

Friday 7 May 2010

Man pleads guilty to sexual activity

The trial of David Keen, aged 29, of Bognor, was due to start today at Lewes Crown Court when the defendant pleaded guilty to a further two matters relating to sexual assault on a teenage boy and sexual activity with a child under 16.

He also pleaded guilty to nine offences relating to sexual activity with a 13 year old boy from Australia.

Keen has now pleaded guilty to 28 matters in total. These range from possessing, making and distributing indecent images of children, to sexual activity with children under 16, and conspiracy to commit such offences. He was found in possession of more than 5,000 indecent images of children.

His co-defendant John Churchley, 59, of Littlehampton, has pleaded guilty to 15 offences. Churchley was in possession of more than 25,000 indecent images of children.

Sentencing of Keen has been adjourned for reports and the next hearing for both men will be on May 19. Sentencing of both men is expected to be on July 12.

Police, social services, education and other support agencies have been working closely on this investigation in order to provide support to the victims, most of whom eachother, and their families.

DI Jeff Riley, Major Crime Branch, who has led the investigation, said: "We are working with a number of partner agencies to support the children who came to notice during the investigation, as well as their families, and this support will be given to anyone else who may be coming forward.

"We are in possession of a small number of identifiable images of young men whom may be additional victims of David Keen. We encourage them to make contact even at this late stage. We can provide support to them and I ask them if they have been a victim of abuse in relation to this matter or any other to contact their parents, a professional they trust or Childline on 0800 11 11 for support and advice. Alternatively they can contact police direct on 0845 6070999 and quote Operation Addition."

Tuesday 4 May 2010

Speedsters targeted across Europe

Sussex Police are taking part in a Europe-wide speed enforcement campaign, the results of which will be collated across the continent to inform further work on reducing those killed and seriously injured in speed-related collisions.

The campaign is led by TISPOL, an organisation established by traffic police forces across Europe in order to improve road safety and law enforcement. Annually, 40,000 die on the roads of Europe - that's 555 double-decker London buses, 96 jumbo jets or nearly half the capacity of Wembley Stadium. Many thousands more suffer permanent, life-changing injuries.

In the 12 months to March 30 this year, Operation Crackdown, which provides an opportunity for members of the public to report speeding and anti-social driving behaviour, received 1608 speed complaints from across Sussex. .

Sgt Huw Watts, from Sussex Police Road Policing Unit, said: "Speed enforcement is an on-going activity across the Force area and by working closely with TISPOL we hope that we can spread speed awareness more widely and reduce the number of those killed and seriously injured, whether they are on Sussex roads or driving further afield.

"Too many people are being killed on the roads simply because they are driving too fast. We want drivers to realise that excessive speed is as dangerous as drink-driving and to understand that by sticking to the legal speed limits of the roads, unnecessary deaths can be prevented."

Neil Hopkins, communications manager for the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership added: "Everyone who drives on our roads has a responsibility to be safe, for the sake of themselves and others.

"Inappropriate or excessive speed is of concern across Sussex, and local residents can help us to make the roads safer by reporting drivers flouting the speed limits through Operation Crackdown. The theory behind Operation Crackdown is simple. Don’t tolerate it, report it. By working with Sussex Police on this important campaign we can help to make our roads safer. Concerns about anti-social driving can be reported on 01243 642222 or at www.operationcrackdown.org

"All the locations of speed cameras in Sussex are available on the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership website, www.sussexsaferroads.gov.uk.  The cameras aren’t there to make money, they’re there to reduce casualties."

Tuesday 20 April 2010

Two attempted distraction burglaries (If in doubt, keep them out)

Police are now linking two attempted distraction burglaries in Southwick and Worthing on the same day last week.

The first happened around 5pm in Cortis Avenue, Worthing, when a man knocked on the door of a house last Wednesday 14 April claiming to be from the water board and saying that there had been an explosion up the road and he needed to check taps and water pressure. He showed the woman householder a card with a photo and some initials, but no company name.

While the suspect 'worked' on the kitchen sink, he asked the woman to go and flush a toilet. She grew suspicious, recognising his actions as those of a distraction burglar and said that she was going to call a neighbour to help check the water upstairs. The suspect said there was no need, but the woman went to her lounge to call her neighbour and the man quickly left. Nothing appears to have been stolen.

The man is described as white, aged around 30, about 5' 5", of slim build with short dark brown hair. He was wearing a dark navy blue jumper and dark trousers. Anyone who saw a man fitting this description in the area around 5pm is asked to contact 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 1339 of 14/04.

In the second incident, an elderly couple in Downsway, Southwick, opened the door to a man at 6.30pm on the same day saying he was from the water board and there had been an explosion down the road and needed to check their taps and water pressure. He stayed for about 20 minutes and then another man joined him and asked the couple to change two £10 notes for a £20 note, which they did not have. They then left. Nothing was stolen.

Sussex Police advise that if you don't know who is calling at your house to take your time - a genuine caller will wait for you to contact a utility company to check their identity. Look up the number in your phone book or from a utility bill, don't accept a mobile number offered by the caller.

You do not have to let people in and if you are uncertain then don't, however persuasive or plausible the caller is. It is better that a genuine caller is turned away than a burglar is let in. Call the police immediately if you become the victim of one of these burglars or if you see anyone behaving suspiciously near where you live.

Friday 16 April 2010

Keep an eye out (lead and fuel thefts on the rise).

Sussex Police is calling on the public to be on the lookout to prevent fuel and metal thefts across the county.

Since fuel and metal prices have risen, there has been a steady increase in diesel thefts from commercial vehicles and storage tanks situated at farm premises and commercial companies across Sussex. There has also been a significant rise in metal thefts including lead, cast iron and copper cabling from homes, churches, schools and commercial yards.

Members of the public who live in rural locations, near to commercial parking areas or vulnerable buildings are asked to report any sightings of suspect persons, unusual activity or vehicle movement. Anyone who spots any suspicious activitiy should call 0845 60 70 999 or if suspects are present, dial 999 for an immediate response.

Information about thefts can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Trevor Cox, Sussex Police's crime reduction adviser, says that information from vigilant members of the public is vital if the police are to successfully target those responsible.

"Buildings are being damaged, sometimes dangerously so, and companies already struggling to survive are in danger of going under because of these crimes being committed," he said.

"Owners of vulnerable vehicles and premises can also help by taking steps to tackle the problem and if they are unsure as to what they can do they should contact their local crime prevention officer, through their local police station, who will be happy to assist or arrange an on site visit."

Thursday 15 April 2010

BBQ warning following fire at a National Trust site

Firefighters are reminding people of the potential hazards of outdoor cooking following a fire at West Wittering beach on Sunday (April 11).
Fire Crews from East Wittering and Chichester were called to East Head Spit, a protected National Trust site, when a fire started among gorse and grass following a family BBQ.

“This was the first warm, sunny weekend of the year. So it was natural people should want to get outside and enjoy it. But this incident comes as a timely reminder to take a few simple safety precautions if you’re barbecuing or cooking outdoors,” said Jackie Boyle, Community Fire Safety Officer, West Sussex County Council Fire and Rescue Service.

“Thankfully, on this occasion the fire was extinguished before it caused any serious damage. But it could easily have spread. There are some very basic things you can do to minimise any potential fire risk.”

Peter Evans, County Council Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “The concern is that as the warm dry weather continues the risk of fires in open areas amongst shrubs, grass and hedgerows can increase.”

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service’s barbecue basics are:

· Before lighting your barbecue check you are in an authorised area.

· Make sure your barbecue is placed on clear level ground where it will not tip over.

· Position the barbecue somewhere sheltered away from anything that may catch light such as fences, sheds, overhanging trees or shrubs.

· Only use approved barbecue fuel or firelighters – never use petrol or paraffin.

· Keep children and pets well away from the cooking area.

· Never leave the barbecue unattended.

· When you have finished cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before you try to move it.

· If barbecuing in the garden empty spent ash onto bare garden soil - never put it in the dustbin.

For a full guide to safe barbecuing, including the use of gas BBQs log onto www.westsussex.gov.uk/fire or call the Community Fire Safety Team on 01243 752451.

Tuesday 13 April 2010

Working together to reduce road deaths.

The ‘Safer Arun Partnership’ (formerly, The Arun Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership) are working to promote better driving practices in young people, with the aim of tackling anti social driving habits before they have time to form, and thus reducing the numbers of people who are killed and seriously injured on our roads every year.

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 are working to promote better and safer driving, involving 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 Road Safety, Arun District Police, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Sussex Police Roads 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 as to minimise the chance of future offence based interactions with the Police. 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 the young driver is 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.

Over 3500 people are killed on the roads of Great Britain every year, that s nearly ten people who leave home every day never to return. Two hundred and eighty four young people aged between 17 and 25 years were killed or seriously injured on Sussex roads in 2006 - too many - hopefully we can make a difference in the Arun district. If one fatality on our roads costs approximately one million pounds - it s worth investing a little time, money and effort in these young drivers.

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 NPT 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.

"In a month where a young driver died after the van he was driving collided with an articulated lorry in Cheshire, 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."