The amount of violent crime in the North Laine area, during the month of January, which also includes up to and around the Seven Dials, was reported as 59 incidents.
Although this is a large number, the level has actually fallen over the last few months and the police are hoping that with continued high visibility patrols in the area, such incidents will continue to drop. During the first 11 days of February there have been 18 reported incidents of violent crime.
Burglary from dwellings 16 reported in January and 2 in the first 2 weeks of Feb. Most of these were reported around the Seven Dials area. The stats showed that many of these burglaries were a result of accessible windows being left open.
Although the number of thefts from other than dwellings is low, traders should be aware of property being left in areas making it easier for persons to take items and leave the shop, often without staff noticing. This would include staff’s personal property, i.e handbags or purses left behind the till or counter area, and shop items that are close to the door or can be reached, taken by people without the need for them to enter the shop. At John Street Police Station we have several laminated posters that are available and may assist in deterring would be thieves. These include posters warning of; cctv in operation; staff only; thieves will be prosecuted and advising members of the public not to leave any items unattended. If you would like any of the aforementioned, please let me know.
One of the biggest problems we have had of late has been the increase of thefts from motor vehicles. A lot of these have taken place in car parks where items have been left in view within the car which will then generally have its windows smashed or a small hole drilled next to the door lock which then enables the person to easily access the vehicle.
Reported incidents of drug taking/dealing are constant and higher than anyone would like. Sussex Police would encourage anyone to call in such incidents so we are aware of the scale of the problem. Both uniformed and plain clothes operations are ongoing but all information can assist the police in dealing with such incidents.
I wish you all good business and good health. Feel free to contact me via the Sussex Police website, North Laine team, by email to john.sharman@sussex.pnn.police.uk ,or via John Street Police Station, ext; 50154. I constantly ride or push my bike around North Laine so if you see me please feel free to stop me and ‘have a chat’. Pcso John Sharman. |
