Local Crime

Arrests‍

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Last week, officers made a total of 21 arrests throughout the Wealden district.

5 drivers were arrested in Hailsham, East Dean, Uckfield and Pevensey. 2 of those were driving whilst over the drink limit, 2 for driving whilst over the drug limit, and 1 for driving with an invalid licence.

We made 1 arrest for criminal damage in Crowborough.

7 individuals were arrested for assault in Hailsham, Polegate, Crowborough and Uckfield.

Other offences included stalking and threats to damage/destroy property.‍

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Court Result

A father and son have been sentenced over their roles in a serious collision near Pevensey.

The driver was behind the wheel of a Ford Escort that was not roadworthy.

Footage from his friends showed him driving at high speeds and showing off.

He later lost control and overturned his vehicle into a watery ditch.

The collision caused serious injuries to a woman travelling in the vehicle.

But instead of calling the emergency services, the then 17-year-old called his father and the pair concocted a story about the crash.

Read more about the story here https://orlo.uk/RVpRq ‍

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Appeal‍

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Did you witness a collision on the A27 at Firle?

We’re appealing for witnesses and information after a serious collision on the A27 eastbound in Firle on Thursday (19 June).

The collision involving three vehicles took place at around 7.20am. Two people were taken to hospital with injuries.

The road was closed in both directions between the Drusillas roundabout and the Beddingham roundabout while the vehicles were recovered. The road has since reopened.

Officers are investigating and encourage anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any relevant information such as CCTV, mobile or dashcam footage to please email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk quoting Operation Oldbeach.

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‍Educational outreach to keep our children safe

As part of our ongoing educational outreach work, we returned to Hailsham Community College this week, on Tuesday 18th June.

Supported by school staff and our drug detection dog, Millie, we conducted a passive search as the students arrived at school.

The visit was not in response to any specific concerns, but formed part of a wider programme designed to raise awareness amongst students and provide insights into the specialist resources available to keep communities safe.

It’s great to work in partnership with schools who share a proactive approach to student well-being and safety.

Thank you to Hailsham Community College for welcoming us again, and to the students who were all displaying both respect and engagement throughout the visit.

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‍Staying safe in the sun

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Many of us welcome the warmer weather, but with that can come health risks.

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We're sharing some tips on how to stay safe in the sun on behalf of the NHS.

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For advice on how to cope in the hot weather, read more here https://orlo.uk/boRpe

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Contact us

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For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, click www.sussex.police.uk, (If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call).

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Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response. In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger always call 999.

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Speak to us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area.

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If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.

Arrests

Last week saw 14 individuals arrested across the Wealden district.

• One arrest for possession with intent to supply a Class B drug in Hailsham
• Three arrests for assault (including one of an emergency worker) in Uckfield and Arlington
• One individual wanted on recall to prison arrested in Crowborough
• Other offences included harassment, burglary, and failure to appear at court

Don't forget, you can report to us online or by phoning 101 if non urgent – 24/7.
Always call 999 in an emergency.

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Teen sentenced for fatal stabbing in Hailsham

A 17-year-old boy who fatally stabbed a man in Hailsham can now be named after a judge lifted reporting restrictions following his sentencing for manslaughter.

Rhys Hedges, 17, from Hellingly, was charged with the murder of 20-year-old Billy Ripley, who died after an altercation in August 2024. A jury at Lewes Crown Court found him not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter following a trial which concluded on Friday, 28 March.

The court heard that police were called to Vicarage Field in Hailsham at around 6.20pm on Thursday, 29 August 2024, following reports of a man being stabbed.

Billy was found lying in an alleyway near The Hailsham Club with a single stab wound to the chest. Despite the best efforts of paramedics and officers, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses reported seeing the victim sitting on a bench in the town centre when Hedges approached. After a verbal exchange, the pair – who were known to each other – moved into the alleyway where the incident took place.

CCTV footage showed an altercation between the two near the entrance to Hailsham Parish Church. Billy then staggered away, calling out he had been stabbed, before collapsing.

The suspect fled the scene but was quickly identified and arrested at an address in Hailsham later that evening. He was subsequently charged and remanded in custody.

On Friday, 23 May, at Lewes Crown Court, Hedges was sentenced to 8 years in prison minus time served.

Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama, of Sussex and Surrey Police’s Major Crime Team, said:
“Billy lost his life in the most tragic circumstances, and our thoughts remain with his family, who have shown immense strength through this incredibly difficult time.

“We are grateful to the witnesses who came forward, and to everyone who supported the investigation.

While nothing can bring Billy back, I hope today’s sentencing brings some measure of closure to his loved ones.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Loader, Sussex Police’s lead for knife crime and serious violence, said:
“Knife crime has devastating consequences. One life lost is too many.

Sussex remains a safe place, with knife crime rates well below the national average. But even one knife on the streets is too many. Please don’t carry a weapon – it endangers you and others. It's simply not worth the risk.”

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Appreciation

'We do this job because we love to help and support our communities'

Last week, a card was hand-delivered to the station for PCSO McDonagh and PCSO Tay.

The message inside read, in part:
"You were both so kind and efficient, helpful and friendly. All your efforts were greatly appreciated – you both deserve ‘gold stars’!"

We aim to go above and beyond for all of those we deal with each day, and it's incredibly rewarding to feel the appreciation for what we do.

What a lovely gesture – thank you for reminding us exactly why we love what we do!

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Out and about in Heathfield!

PCSO Tay and PCSO Park are the new dedicated PCSOs for Heathfield and Waldron, so what better way to get to know their town than getting out on foot!

They took the opportunity to drop in on local businesses, introduce themselves, and catch up on local goings-on.

Both officers are looking forward to getting to know their area better, attend local events, and offer reassurance and support to the community.

Do stop and say hello when you see them out and about!

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Contact us

For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, visit:
www.sussex.police.uk
(If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call.)

Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response.
In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger, always call 999.

Speak to us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at:
www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.

Arrests

Last week saw a total of 20 arrests made across the district.
Two drivers were arrested in Hellingly and Frant. One for causing serious injury due to dangerous driving, and the other for failing to provide a specimen for analysis after officers suspected they were over the legal limit.

We arrested an individual for possession with intent to supply class B drugs in Lower Dicker.
Seven arrests were made for assault in Mayfield, Stone Cross, Pevensey Bay, Horam, Willingdon, Polegate and Hailsham.

Other offences included stalking, threat to damage property, intimidating a witness and fraud.

Appeal

We are appealing for witnesses and information after a serious collision near Hailsham.

Emergency services were called to the A267 North Street, shortly after 1pm on Sunday, 11 May.

The collision is believed to have involved three vehicles, a silver Land Rover Discovery, a green Land Rover Discovery, and a Mercedes, between the junctions with the B2104 and Church Lane.

A 27-year-old man from Hellingly sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital. A 28-year-old man from Hailsham was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and has been bailed, pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to report it to us online or email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk and quote Operation Portree

Community engagement and patrols!

PCSO’S Choppin and Jackson attended the East Hoathly & Halland Parish Council assembly on Monday 12th May.

There were lots of societies, clubs and organisations connected to the parish, all of which invited to attend with stalls to showcase what they do and how you can join them.

Our officers were there to engage with their local communities, offering crime prevention and scam advice as well as provide an open ear for any concerns.

A great day with great community spirit, we were pleased to have been a part of the event!

PCSO Davidson was out on Wednesday morning (14th) patrolling different areas over the south of Wealden.

He visited East Dean - popping into the Village Shop and Market.

Next was Birling Gap, engaging with the National Trust staff and offering support and advice following the large number of tourists visiting the area.

Littlington, Wilmington, Alciston and Selmeston were all patrolled, finishing the morning in Pevensey Bay.

We're pleased to say there was nothing of note to report, and all engagements were positive with many enjoying the weather!

Tackling anti-social behaviour

Officers from our Uckfield hub have linked in with the Wealden Council Housing Team to learn more about anti-social behaviour in the area and what we can do together to prevent it.

We understand that ASB can and does negatively impact communities and can significantly affect residents’ quality of life.

We will take action to address reports of ASB or crimes in progress, and we continue to encourage members of public to continue reporting to us. Your reports help us direct patrols to where they're needed most.

Contact us

For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, click  www.sussex.police.uk,  (If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call). 

Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response. In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger always call 999.  

Speak to us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area. 

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.

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Message Sent By

Ria Robertson

(Police, District Engagement Officer, Neighbourhood Policing Team)

There were a total of 27 arrests made across the district last week.

Three drivers were arrested in Uckfield, Hellingly and Arlington - one for being under the influence of alcohol, and two for drug driving.

We arrested 11 individuals for assault in Uckfield, Hailsham, Crowborough, Horam, Hartfield and Polegate.

There were also 3 arrests made for possession with intent to supply class A drugs in Stone Cross.

Public reports are crucial in helping us keep the streets safe - proven by the drug related offences last week, where significant intelligence came from the public.

Officers attended a car park in Stone Cross on the 24th, after receiving information that drug related offences were taking place in this location.

Upon arrival, officers noticed a distinctive smell and suspicious behaviour from the three men, who were stood by a van that matched the description given to us from the public.

After being detained and searched, a large quantity of cash as well as class A drugs were found and seized - resulting in the three males arrested and taken to custody.

A collaborative effort from both the public and our officers, resulting in the successful prevention of drug related offences in Wealden.

Your reports DO matter. Each report from the public, no matter how small it may seem, could play a crucial part in keeping our streets safe.

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Pit bike seized

Officers have seized yet another pit bike after a male had been riding it on a public road with no insurance.

Not only could this cause serious harm to other road users, but the use of these bikes that we've been seeing across the district is extremely anti-social and in this case - illegal.

Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act means we can also seize vehicles if driven carelessly, are unlicensed or for road tax offences.

With Operation Downsway now underway for 2025 - teams across the force will be providing a highly visible and unmarked presence on the roads across Sussex, engaging, educating, and taking enforcement action where necessary.

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Hailsham man jailed

A Hailsham man who stole from a vulnerable woman has been jailed for robbery.

Mark Stonestreet, 38, has been sentenced to 3 years and 9 months imprisonment following a hearing at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday, April 22. Stonestreet also received a 10-year restraining order, with conditions not to approach the victim, not to visit North Street in Hailsham and not to enter Asda in Hailsham. This restraining order will remain in effect for 10 years.

The sentencing follows an incident on Saturday, February 8 in Carriers Path, Hailsham, where Stonestreet targeted a 66-year-old woman who was using a disability walker. He snatched her wallet and cash directly out of her hand, fracturing her wrist. Following police enquiries, Stonestreet was subsequently arrested and remanded in custody.

This significant sentence acknowledges the fact that Stonestreet had targeted the same victim on previous occasions.

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Supporting businesses in Buxted!

The Buxted small business networking meeting was held on Wednesday 30th April, at the Pig and Butcher in Five Ash Down.

PCSO Choppin attended, along with a new trainee, PCSO Brook, as part of their community engagement duties.

We love having the chance to engage with different sides of the community, and are pleased to have offered support and reassurance to those in attendance!

Thank you for inviting us along!

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Stay safe this bank holiday.

Whilst the weather may be cooler over the weekend than we've seen throughout the week, we still want you to remain safe - whatever you're up to.

We will be out and about across the district as usual, so do say hi if you see us around!

Sussex Police are available 24/7, 365 days a week. If you need us, contact us!

Call 101 or online (https://orlo.uk/NKjKx) if non urgent.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

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Contact us

For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, click  www.sussex.police.uk,  (If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call). 

Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response. In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger always call 999.  

Speak to us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area. 

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.

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