Good idea, go for it. The only possible objections might be from the originator of the messages but I’d be surprised as I expect they would have the view that the more people who get to see the messages, the better.

Local Police Community Support Officer, Adrian Bell will be a more regular face in your area from this week, as he unveiled a new police office at Billingshurst Village Hall on Monday (October 26th).

Adrian has been part of the Horsham District's neighbourhood policing team for four years, and for all this time he has been a dedicated officer, with responsibility for Shipley and Billingshurst.

PCSO Bell, and other members of his team from time to time, will be at the new police office by the large hall, to the left of the main doors, at the Village Hall, Roman Road, Billingshurst on Thursdays from 2pm to 5pm. Adrian will be visible in the area on other days, for longer periods of time, and can be met at the new police office at other times, by prior arrangement.

PCSO Bell said: "I am pleased that I will now be able to spend far more time in the community and to have the use of an office, which is accessible to many people, particularly village hall users.

Inspector Paul Williams added: "Sussex Police are delighted to be able to establish a community contact point within Billingshurst. We are also grateful for the enthusiastic way that the Parish Council have responded to our approach and have made this project possible. We have listened to the people of Billingshurst and provided what they have asked for - an identifiable and regular place where they can meet with us to discuss the issues that matter to them. The opening of this office with its IT facilities will now mean that the village's Police Community Support Officers will have a reduced need to attend police stations, such as Pulborough, during duty time and can available at the heart of their community. This in turn, means increased visibility and time to deal with incidents. In summary, a win win situation for the community and Sussex Police."

Admin2 wrote on Oct 27^th, 2009 at 9:10pm:


I am sorry, but a manned desk for just 3 hours a week is most definitely not what the people of Billingshurst have been asking for 

OK it's a start, but untill we get a proper police presence back into what is fast becoming one of the largest villages for miles, this is just lip service and will do nothing to fight most of the problems we are facing here 

Neighbourhood Watch Message received this morning.

Some residents have been receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be called Crimewatch UK.  They ask if you have a burglar alarm fitted on the pretence that they are in the area with a promotion to fit one for free. 1471 brings up a withheld number.

Should you receive a phone call of this nature then it would be very wise to get as many details of the company first and check them out via Trading Standards.  You are then best placed to make an informed decision as to whether to go ahead or not.  We would strongly advise that YOU make the contact first with any company should you wish to have a burglar alarm fitted or indeed have any work done on your property at all.

NHW message

30th November 2009 there were 3 incidents of theft from unmarked vehicles in the Steyning area.  All 3 vehicles were vans.  Windows on the vehicles were smashed and tools and sat navs stolen.  Please be vigilant if you own a van or know someone that does.  These offenders may well move into other villages.  Please pass this onto anyone with a van and advise them to remove tools etc. and/or to park the van out of sight in a garage.

NHW message 1.
This message is being sent out from Police HQ to all NHW Coordinators to raise awareness of recent calls received offering 'boiler replacement' and 'home insulation'.
If you receive a telephone call from a male or female with a pleasant approach about your welfare and home insulation please do not engage in conversation about you, your home and offers they may wish to engage you in. If you fortunate enough to get the details of company name or that of the person making the call make a note of it. Please also check 1471 to see if there is a number they have called from.

NHW message 2.
Please be aware that Billingshurst is experiencing an amount of vehicle crime currently where Car Badges are being prized by force from vehicles.
This in turn is causing damage to the vehicles some of which are parked outside residents' addresses.
We currently have seven serials linked to these incidents which have all occurred in the areas of :-
FRESHLANDS, MORRIS DRIVE, BARROW CLOSE, LIBRARY MILL LANE, THE WILLOWS and HOLDERS CLOSE
If you have any information or have also experienced any damage to your vehicle please report it on 0845 60 70 999 or leave a message with PC Phil La Roche on 0845 60 70 999 Ext 21487 or PCSO Adrian Bell on 0845 60 70 999 Ext 21176.

Neighbourhood Watch Message - Offenders posing as Policemen

Sussex Police today renew the warning to local residents to be on the alert for suspicious callers after four incidents yesterday evening (Monday, January 18) in which people posing as police officers called at addresses in Brighton, Portslade, and Crawley.

Detective Sergeant Chris Sherwell of Brighton CID said: "The woman who kept the caller out acted very sensibly and did the right thing by reporting suspicions immediately. Unfortunately the other victims were taken in by the suspects, who prey on older or vulnerable people for just this reason."

Bogus callers target older people - the average age of their victims is 81. Sixty per cent of victims are women and the vast majority live alone. Typically, bogus callers con people out of cash and valuables. While the loss of these items can be distressing, of greater impact to the victim may be the stress that such an attack causes. It may have a significant impact on the victim's confidence and may lead to deterioration in the victim's overall health.

Only yesterday police reported a 43 per cent drop in distraction burglaries in Sussex over the past year, but these latest incidents, which police are treating as linked, are a timely reminder that thieves of this type are still active.

Police repeat their advice to the elderly when dealing with cold callers at the door - when you hear that there is someone at the door: Take your time - a genuine caller will wait.
Check your doors are locked - offenders can come in pairs, one will enter the back while the accomplice distracts you at the front. Look and see who is there using the door viewer or nearby window.
If you decide to open the door apply your door chain or door bar.
Remember - identification is very easy to reproduce. Any ID offered should be verifiable. Make that phone call and check it.
If you are not happy with the caller and your suspicions are aroused call Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 or in an emergency dial 999.

Anyone who has any information about the incidents, or who has also been approached in their homes by bogus police officers, is asked to contact Sussex Police via 0845 60 70 999. You can also call Crimestoppers free on 0800 555111. You don't have to leave your name.