08/10/2026
Yesterday evening, the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce worked alongside Sussex Police, Hastings Borough Council, and Love Hastings to hold a meeting that brought together businesses from the local area to discuss disorderly behaviour and crime affecting our community.
This meeting came to light following local businesses reaching out to the Chamber to share their first-hand experiences of the issues that are being faced regarding concerns around public safety, antisocial behaviour, suspected drug issues and its impact on local businesses, residents, and visitors in both the town centre and wider Hastings area.
As a Chamber, we recognise the challenges involved and appreciate the work already being undertaken by Sussex Police, Hastings Borough Council, and local support services and elected representatives. However, because these concerns keep recurring, we believe there is value in bringing partners and businesses together to discuss practical actions that can be taken collectively.
Last night's meeting aimed to inform local businesses about current initiatives and enforcement activity, and to identify ways to improve communication. Businesses also shared their own challenges, including damage to their property and intimidation. The meeting was supported by the Safer Hastings Partnership (https://www.hastings.gov.uk/community-safety/shp/about/), and the issues raised will be shared with its partners to help inform a wider, joined-up response across the town.
Key points from this meeting:
➡️ In an emergency, or if you are facing an issue in the moment, don't hesitate to call 999. For non-emergencies, call 101.
➡️ It may feel like nothing comes of reporting an incident, but it remains the best course of action. Reports help identify areas where increased patrols may be needed.
➡️ Businesses with physical premises can apply to join the Disc scheme, a business-led local intelligence-sharing platform that aims to reduce crime in Hastings: https://www.disc-net.org/hastings
➡️ Hastings Borough Council's Community Safety Team will be introducing the Safer Hastings Business Forum in November. For more information, please email [email protected].
We’d like to extend our thanks to speakers Inspector Matt Chapman from Sussex Police, Cllr Becca Horn (Community Safety and Environmental Services Portfolio Holder for Hastings Borough Council), and John Bownas from Love Hastings, as well as the wider representatives from both Sussex Police and Hastings Borough Council for their attendance at this meeting.
The Chamber is also very grateful to the White Rock Theatre for allowing us to host this meeting in the Studio 27 space, which enabled us to make this event free to attend.
