This festive season Sussex police are offering prevention advice to help protect people across Sussex against burglary.

While we recommend taking steps to help prevent these types of offences throughout the year, extra precautions can help to keep homes more secure throughout the Christmas season.

Detective Chief Inspector Alison Hutchings said: “During this time of year homes can be more at risk of burglary.

“We encourage the public to be extra security conscious during their preparations for the Christmas period.”

The burglary prevention ‘battle plan’ inspired by the ‘Home Alone’ film provides tips for securing the home against burglary in the lead up to Christmas.

This includes:

• Securing all windows and doors.
• Keeping presents away from windows where they can be seen by people passing by.
• Disposing of packaging carefully. Empty boxes and bins full of packaging are a perfect advert for burglars.
• Don’t leave keys, money or valuables on windowsills or near the front door.
• Keeping presents and valuables secure; don’t store them in your car, shed or garage.
• Making use of free and secure registration websites such as Immobiliseto register items of value such as computers and laptops.
• Testing burglar alarms to ensure it’s working correctly.
• Not posting locations if you are away from home to prevent alerting potential burglars of an empty house.
• Making your home look occupied by using timer switches on your lights and radios. If you don’t have them, ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your home and draw your curtains if you are away.
• Join your local Neighbourhood Watch.

Detective Chief Inspector Hutchings continued: “We understand the traumatic impact burglary has on victims emotionally as well as the financial loss.

“Sussex Police carries out a significant amount of engagement work with communities to prevent crime and bring perpetrators to justice.

“We are committed to attending every residential burglary in-person, to afford us the best possible opportunity to gather evidence and reach a successful outcome for victims.

“We encourage victims to continue to report crime and any suspicious behaviour, and we will investigate all reports thoroughly. Always call 999 in an emergency.”

Find more advice: protecting your home from crime here: Protecting your home from crime | Crime prevention | Sussex Police.

Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses in relation to the driver of a vehicle assault another on November 25 at traffic lights in Crawley Avenue, Gossip Green.

It’s reported that at around 2.15pm, the driver of a grey Audi Q3 cut in front of the victim and exited his vehicle.

He walked to the victims vehicle and went on to assault him through the window, causing facial injuries.

It is believed that multiple members of the public may have witnessed the incident, and we ask that if you saw what happened, or if you have any information, you make a report to police.

Reports can be made online, or by calling 101 quoting reference 746 of 25/11.

From 10am on Monday 5 January 2026, residents with low incomes can apply online for a small grant from the Tandridge Winter Support Scheme.

The £150,000 grant is funded entirely from Tandridge District Council’s own resources to support residents who live in the Tandridge district with the cost of living. Only people living in the district are eligible to apply.

Residents can apply online or call 01883 722000. Applications will be processed on a first come, first served basis and the scheme will close once all funds have been allocated.

Grants are available to households even if they have received other grants this winter, for example from the government’s Household Support Fund.

Successful applicants to the Tandridge Winter Support Scheme will receive a one-off payment either at the end of January 2026 or at the end of February 2026. Successful applicants will receive an e-mail letting them know when they will receive payment.

• Eligible households without children will receive £125.
• Eligible households with children aged 18 or under will receive £225.

To apply, residents aged 16 or over must upload three full bank statements (from September to November 2025) showing all transactions. If any information is missing or covered up, the application will be rejected. Those applying by phone will need to bring their documents to the Council Offices in Oxted.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Catherine Sayer, said: “Our grant scheme provides vital support to residents most in need this winter. Eligible residents should not delay in applying.”

Crawley Borough Council is delighted to announce that it has been awarded funding through the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund (SHF) Wave 3 to deliver energy efficiency improvements to 600 homes across the borough. This significant investment will help reduce energy bills for residents and support the council’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

The funding, which is match-funded by existing Housing Revenue Account budgets, will help pay for 600 homes in Crawley to have loft insulation, cavity wall insulation, external wall insulation and replacement windows as part of a complete energy-saving retrofit.

The council has already insulated approximately 2,200 homes, using grant funding the Towns Fund and from what was previously known as the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF).

Initial assessments for SHF Wave 3 are already underway at Caburn, Downland, and Hambleton Court blocks in Southgate West, with work expected to begin early in the next financial year. Properties in Ifield West originally proposed under SHDF Wave 2 will roll over into SHF Wave 3, with on-site work anticipated to start in January.

This is fantastic news for Crawley residents. Securing full grant funding which is matched by the council means we can transform the energy efficiency of hundreds of our homes, save tenants money on their bills and reduce our carbon emissions. Healthier, wealthier and safer – a winning combination.

Councillor Ian Irvine

Cabinet member for Housing

Crawley Borough Council