Observer column 13 October 2026

Cllr Becca Horn, lead councillor for community safety 

October sees two awareness campaigns around community safety –  Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, and 10 to 17 October is National Hate Crime Awareness Week. 

Here in Hastings, around 20% of all crime is domestic abuse, and this has sadly been the case for many years.  

The month is around supporting victims of domestic abuse of any age or gender.  

Advance is the new provider of domestic abuse support and referrals in East Sussex. They provide advice, support and information to all victims of domestic abuse. You can visit their website or call 0330 055 9278 or email EastSussexDA@advancecharity.org.uk.

Hastings Borough Council is a White Ribbon accredited organisation, showing our commitment to tackling violence against women and girls. We will be taking part in the 16 days of activism from White Ribbon Day on 25 November. This will include regular posts on our social media offering advice and support for anyone who needs it. 

Everyone has a part in play in the safety of women and girls, from education, to reporting and calling out misogyny, to creating a culture of respect and equality across our town.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week encourages anyone who is a victim of hate crime to report it to receive the support they need. Sadly, much hate crime goes under-reported, and this is something we must work with the police to improve. 

As a partner of the Safer Hastings Partnership we will be working with other agencies to encourage reporting and supporting victims of hate crime. You can report hate crime online, or through 101. If it is an emergency, call 999. 

As we come into autumn, the mornings and evenings are getting darker which can increase the chance for crimes. You can take some simple steps to help keep yourself and your family, your home and your vehicles safer. 

You should lock doors and windows, even when you are at home, and make sure any side gates, sheds or garages are kept locked.  

Timers for lights can be useful if you are out in the evening when it is now dark, and they can be bought quite cheaply.  

If you’re starting your Christmas shopping, make sure you get rid of packaging carefully, and don’t leave it for others to see in your recycling bin. 

When you’re out in your car, make sure you take valuables with you when you leave it, don’t leave anything on display. You should also double-check that you’ve locked your vehicle before you walk away, and could consider using a steering wheel lock or other visible security device. 

It’s also important to think about your safety if you’re walking as it gets darker – use well-lit routes, and avoid distractions like phones or headphones. You should also let someone know where you are planning to go and how long you expect it to take. 

October is also Bonfire season as well as Halloween, which can be fun for many residents, but it can also cause worry for older or more vulnerable residents. Sussex Police have posters on their website that can be printed out and stuck on doors or windows if you prefer not to have ‘Trick or Treaters’ call on 31 October – search for Halloween on their website. 

If you’re planning to go out trick or treating, have fun, be safe – particularly when crossing roads in the dark - and please respect those who don’t wish to engage.