Robertsbridge murder: Chief Inspector offers reassurance

Chief Inspector Heather Keating, Rother District Commander, stressed that burglary rates in the district were “very low”.

Ch Insp Keating said: “The death of Julian has devastated his family and wider community.

“He was a hard-working local man, who was respected in the community.

“Burglary is very low in Rother and is reducing year on year but we are only talking about very small numbers.

“This is a tragic incident to have happened in such a low crime area, and especially at a time when the police have been working with local residents to keep Rother safe.

“It is very sad that only on Saturday the police, crime prevention officers, locksmiths and alarm companies were on hand to offer advice and information at our Beat the Burglar day in Robertsbridge.”

Ch Insp Keating said residents are kept well informed about crime and police activity in the area.

She said: “We are committed to keeping the public informed about what is happening in their area and we regularly send out messages to community contacts, Farm Watch and Neighbourhood Watch members.

“We encourage residents to be our eyes and ears and report anything suspicious.

“The power of the community and police working together is invaluable and I would urge anyone who has any information, however small, to contact us.”