Labour MP hits out at rise in crime and anti-social behaviour in the Old Town
Local Labour MP Helena Dollimore organised a public meeting at the Stables Theatre on the 7th August to address the recent spike in incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour in the Old Town.
The theatre was packed out with local residents and business owners who expressed deep concerns over the alarming rise in burglaries and an upsurge in overt drug use and dealing, and aggressive begging which has left many within the community feeling unsettled.
Addressing the Challenges
The MP, sitting alongside Simon Yates, Sussex Police District Commander for Hastings and Rother, and John Whittington, the Public Safety Manager with Hastings BC, urged Old Town residents, businesses and law enforcement to unite as a community in addressing these challenges.
She said: “It’s important that we see robust police action to protect residents, business and visitors in Hastings Old Town, especially during this busy summer season and beyond.”
The meeting heard graphic details of the impact the increase in crime and anti-social behaviour has had on the local community and on businesses, which have suffered financial losses due to theft. Local residents complained of feeling heightened anxiety as a result of the persistent street drinking, drug use and burglaries.
Anger and Frustration
There was anger and frustration too, at the lack of response from the police to their concerns with repeated claims that calling the police hotline 101 was a waste of time.
Commander Simon Yates, who is from Hastings originally, acknowledged the frustrations of local people in using the 101 hotline. However, he urged people to report all incidents of crime, telling the meeting that the only way he could allocate more resources to Hastings was by ensuring all reports were logged with all instances of crime reported.
Sussex Police will hold a further session on Sunday, 31 August between 11am-12pm at the Stade to meet with local people to discuss community safety in the area.
Helena Dollimore will write to the District Commander with full details collected at the meeting and has promised to keep local residents and businesses updated.
(Image Credit: Peter Mould)
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