Car crime blitz is working

Operation Dorchester was launched three weeks ago to tackle vehicle crime across the Hastings and Rother division.

Although car crime was down on the previous year it was starting to increase, so police decided to act fast.

The aim was to track down and catch those responsible for crimes such as breaking into parked cars and thefts of vehicles. The key element was identifying the main culprits and targeting them. High visibility patrolling has also played a part.

At the start of the action police were sometimes dealing with up to 90 vehicle crimes a week but that figure has already been halved.

Eleven people have been arrested in connection with the operation and several remanded in custody. Stolen property has also been recovered. Superintendent Nick Bennett said: "This operation has shown that police officers and community safety officers on the streets can make a real difference to crime and the quality of local life. We have also shown our ability to act firmly and accurately in dealing with crime problems."

Operation Dorchester follows hot on the heels of the successful anti-burglary initiative Operation Salvo.

Both Hastings and Rother districts have co-operated on the actions under Superintendent Bennett who said: "These successful operations have brought crime down and detection rates up. Active criminals are being caught and sent to prison."

Police say drivers can play their part in bringing down vehicle crime.

They are reminded not to leave any items inside their car which might attract a thief, to lock up their vehicle securely, invest in an alarm or locking device, and where possible park in well-lit areas.

*By the end of the first week of Operation Dorchester car crimes had dropped to 55 (38 in Hastings and 17 in Rother), decreasing to 48 in the second week (39 in Hastings and nine in Rother). Thefts from vehicles counted for 80% of the vehicle crimes.