Raid foiled by vigilant neighbours

A burglary occurred in the late afternoon of Wednesday February 16 when two men allegedly entered a house in the Old Town and used distraction tactics to steal items from the property.

Police attended the scene and say thanks to the local knowledge of officers and good descriptions from witnesses, two were arrested a short while later.

One man arrested was charged with burglary and remanded in custody, while a youth is on police bail.

All was recovered and Rother Neighbourhood Watch (RNHW) Chairman Charles McIlwrick said this kind of swift action proves the importance of being a good neighbour.

Charles said: “As a result of the co-operation of all, with prompt action from neighbours giving detailed descriptions and prompt action of the police, these arrests were made.”

RNHW was recently relaunched in the area and Charles said it has kicked off to a good start but more residents need to sign up to the scheme.

Charles said: “Since our launch of the Privilege Card on January 28 we have had a good response from the public but there are a number of people who are under the impression that receiving emails about crime means that they are part of Neighbourhood Watch. This is not so, remember Neighbourhood Watch is not about crime, it is about looking after each other.

“The Privilege Card, which gives discounts to RNHW members to a range of local businesses, goes live on March 1.

On that day Derek Shaw butchers in Western Road has a very special offer. The first 10 RNHW members who go along and present their card will receive £5 worth of meat completely free of charge

Charles said: “We have quite a number of businesses taking advantage of our web site but there is room for more.”

Charles said many co-ordinators and members of schemes do not have email access and asks those who do to keep in touch with those who do not and pass on information, whether about businesses making offers or problems in the area.

“We encourage our members to read the Observer where each month there will be an update on what is taking place. Our website is up-dated regularly and is being re-designed. Please use this for information.”

“On the website will be dates of meetings including panel meeting which I am pleased to say have been very well attended over the last few weeks.

“These meetings are designed to keep the public in touch with the Neighbourhood Policing Team to air any issues which need attention.

“Following the success of our meeting in Bexhill in January, we are holding a similar meeting on Saturday April 2 at 10.30am in Rye Town Hall when Amber Rudd MP will be in attendance

“If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to assist and the system will only be as good as you yourselves make it.”

• For further information visit the website at: www.rothernhw.org.uk