Police enlist Bluetooth to help officers fight crime

EAST Grinstead's new acting sergeant, Graeme Prentice, has teamed up with forces in Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill to bring in a Bluetooth warning system in the fight against crime.

The system sends warnings directly to mobile phones when thefts are occurring in the town and also can send out positive messages concerning safety.

Mr Prentice said: "It is a way of contacting residents to be wary of any crimes that have made a common occurrence over recent weeks or months."

After a successful trial period, Sussex Police has now purchased a kit to be shared among the three Mid Sussex towns.

East Grinstead Police are also tackling rogue traders by handing out No Cold Calling stickers to homes in the area. These can be picked up from the police station in East Court.

PC Nicola Follett from the East Grinstead policing team, said: "We think it is better to be proactive than reactive. If we can prevent the crimes in the first place, that's the best way."

Other crime prevention measures being worked on by officers include the erection of signs warning of lead thefts in the area, warning motorists not to leave valuables on show, and raising awareness of the dangers of cycling on the pavement.