Hello

I know from speaking to residents across Sussex just how much concern there is about the dangerous and antisocial use of e-bikes and e-scooters.

That’s why I welcome the launch of Sussex Police’s new Operation Scramble, bringing together neighbourhood and roads policing teams to step up education, engagement and enforcement.

In the 12 months to June, Sussex Police received more than 2,500 reports of e-bikes and e-scooters being ridden illegally, an increase of almost 54% on the previous year. More than half of reports were linked to suspected drug activity, while around a quarter involved antisocial or dangerous riding.

Residents have told me they are fed up with riders speeding through pedestrian areas, putting others at risk and, in some cases, using these vehicles to facilitate criminality. Enough is enough.

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhood, town centre and public spaces, and I fully support Sussex Police taking robust action against those who ride illegally or dangerously.

If you witness illegal or dangerous riding, please continue to report it. The information residents provide is vital in helping police identify offenders and take action.

Don’t let a fraudster’s urgency become your emergency

This week, I had the opportunity to speak about an issue that can affect absolutely anyone: financial fraud.

Fraudsters are professional criminals who use increasingly sophisticated methods to manipulate people, from impersonating banks and the police to investment scams, romance fraud and courier fraud. My message is simple: if you become a victim, never feel embarrassed or ashamed. A scam is fraud, fraud is crime and it should be reported.

Here in Sussex, there is a lot of good work underway to prevent people from losing their money and to support those who do fall victim. The Banking Protocol has prevented £22.65 million in losses since its introduction in Sussex, while the pioneering Bank Notification Scheme has provided protection and/or reimbursement to more than 874 vulnerable victims.

Through funding from my office, the Sussex Fraud Caseworker Service, delivered by Victim Support, also provides specialist help to vulnerable victims. Over the past three years, the service has helped recover more than £2.75 million for people affected by fraud.

The best advice is often the simplest: stop, take your time and check. If somebody is pressuring you to move money or make an urgent financial decision, pause and verify who you are dealing with independently.

Don’t let somebody else’s urgency become your emergency.

Katy Bourne OBE
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner