Local Crime

Arrests

Officers in Wealden arrested a total of 18 people last week for a number of offences.

🚗  6 drivers were arrested across Hailsham, Willingdon, Uckfield, Pevensey, Heathfield and Crowborough - 2 for drink driving, 2 for drug driving and 2 for failing to provide a specimen for analysis.

‼️ We arrested an individual for criminal damage in Uckfield.

🚨   3 people were arrested for assault in Pevensey Bay, Uckfield and East Hoathly.

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Be deer aware!

As the deer rutting season begins, you might have noticed an increased level of movement as the deer make their way to their traditional rutting sites. They are most active around the morning and evening rush hour, meaning there is an increased risk of collisions with vehicles.

Please drive carefully and anticipate that deer could appear at any moment. Be aware that more deer may be following behind.

In the unfortunate event that your vehicle hits a deer, here's what to do:

• If the deer is alive and either in the road or could go back onto the road, please call 999 and ask for the Police. Sussex Police co-ordinate the deer warden scheme, so by calling 999, the Police will despatch the closest warden.
• If the deer is alive but injured and unlikely to go back into the road, please call 101 and police will contact the closest deer warden
• If the deer is dead but causing a road obstruction, also call 999
• If the deer is dead but not in the carriageway, please contact Wealden District Council for collection: https://www.wealden.gov.uk/recycling-and-waste/dead-animals/

Movement of deer will increase over the next couple of months so please take care on the roads.

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Hate Crime Awareness Week events

Hate Crime Awareness Week begins this weekend, and we are working with partners across the county to raise awareness, talk about what a hate crime is, the impact it has on victims and the wider community and how to report.

We will be holding a number of events to speak to as many people as possible during the week of awareness*.

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Find us:

11th October: We will be visiting the Uckfield Farmers Market at Luxford Car Park, discussing hate crime as well as rural crime prevention.

16th October: Officers will be attending Dippy Doodahs in Hailsham to discuss and raise awareness on what hate crime is, and how it can be reported.

*In addition to public events, Officers will also be visiting a number of local community groups during the week, with drop in sessions planned at venues of faith, worship and religion, play and activity groups for young children and adults with learning difficulties, as well as meetings with our Global Majority shops and charities and our LGBTQIA+ communities across Wealden.

Hate crime is someone being targeted due to their disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity or any perceived difference.

Report online or by calling 101 (non-emergency) and by calling 999 in an emergency.

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Knife crime and amnesty bins

Worried your child may be carrying a knife or mixing with those who do? You're not alone.

Talking to your child can make all the difference. Help them understand the dangers and life-changing consequences of carrying a knife.

Most young people don’t carry knives, and those who do are at greater risk of being hurt themselves.

Create a safe space to talk. Reassure them. Listen without judgement.

It starts with a conversation.

Amnesty bins are placed within our stations so that anyone can dispose of a knife or blade safely, without any consequences or questions asked.

More knives in the bin mean less on the streets, so please help us spread the word.

Find your nearest police station here: https://orlo.uk/MEGp8

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 have a hearing or speech impairment, or other forms of communication difficulties.

Those with textphone can text 18001 101, or BSL users can use SignVideo to provide a Video Relay Service (here: https://signvideo.co.uk/), to report crime through a live online interpreter, who will contact the police on your behalf, when you do not require an urgent response.

In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger please use the textphone service 18000 or text us on 999.

BSL users can call 999 BSL (here: https://999bsl.co.uk/)  to use a British Sign Language interpreter.

For more information on textphone and Relay UK please visit: https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html.

Arrests

A total of 15 arrests were made last week in Wealden.

An individual was arrested in Uckfield for possession with intent to supply a class A drug.

Two drivers were arrested for being over the alcohol limit in Hartfield and Hailsham.

5 people were arrested for assault, one of which of an emergency worker, in East Hoathly, Horam and Hailsham.

Other offences included criminal damage and blackmail.

Help us tackle anti social behaviour

Antisocial behaviour affects us all. That’s why we have increased patrols in key areas.

If you witness anything that needs attention, don’t hesitate to report it. Your report could make all the difference.

If we aren’t aware we can’t act.

Not sure where to report? You can find advice here https://orlo.uk/atjzX

Horam Patrols

While out on patrol in Horam, PCSO Thompson and PCSO Park stopped by the new pump track.

Some great conversations were had with local residents and young riders, who were clearly enjoying the space and even showed us a few impressive tricks!

It’s brilliant to see the continued investment in Horam’s activity areas and play parks, and a great addition to the community that we hope will be enjoyed for many years to come.

Fraud Aware - investment fraud

Be scam aware, it could be investment fraud...

If you’ve been tempted by a get rich quick scheme, you’re not alone. Online investment fraud and associated scams are now prolific on social media, often using celebrities to promote them.

With victims of investment fraud in Sussex losing an average of £34k to investment fraud, so far this year, we are asking the public to be extra vigilant to scams when looking to invest.

You can read more here https://orlo.uk/hr3Ja

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Every year, the British public loses billions of pounds to fraudsters.

With scams ranging from the simplest confidence trick to the most sophisticated high-tech online fraud, it pays to keep up to date with the latest news and advice.

Read the latest Surrey Police and Sussex Police Fraud Newsletter online here https://orlo.uk/LW4DF

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Join the Rural Crime Team this Saturday! 🚜

Organised by the East Sussex Ploughing Match Society, we invite everyone down for a day of tradition, skill and community spirit at this years Ploughing Match!

 This is always a fun day for all ages, and will be a great chance to meet and speak with our Rural Crime Team.

Find us at

📍 Blackbarn Farm, Lower Dicker, BN27 4BZ
📅 Saturday 27th September
🕒 From 09:30 onwards

We hope to see you there!

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 have a hearing or speech impairment, or other forms of communication difficulties.

Those with textphone can text 18001 101, or BSL users can use SignVideo to provide a Video Relay Service (here: https://signvideo.co.uk/), to report crime through a live online interpreter, who will contact the police on your behalf, when you do not require an urgent response.

In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger please use the textphone service 18000 or text us on 999.

BSL users can call 999 BSL (here: https://999bsl.co.uk/)  to use a British Sign Language interpreter.

For more information on textphone and Relay UK please visit: https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html.

Arrests

There were 23 arrests made in Wealden last week.

We arrested a male for shoplifting in Hailsham.

Two drivers were arrested in Polegate and Uckfield, one for drink driving and the other for drug driving.

We arrested two individuals for theft of a motor vehicle in Mayfield.

Other offences included assault, recall to prison, threats to kill and criminal damage.

Vehicle owners in East Sussex – stay vigilant!
We’ve seen a rise in thefts of Toyota Hiluxes in recent weeks.

🔒 Please take steps to protect your vehicle:

- Park in a garage, driveway, or well-lit area with CCTV
- Use a visible steering lock to deter thieves
- Consider a secondary immobiliser or blocking in with another vehicle
- Reprogram keys if you’ve bought second-hand
- If you own an EV, secure your charging cable

If you see anything suspicious, report it to us online or call 101 quoting Operation Aldwich, or dial 999 in an emergency.
Let’s work together to keep our communities safe.

Read more 👉 Advice to vehicle owners following East Sussex thefts | Sussex Police

Cadets Supporting Safer Communities

As part of our ongoing commitment to serious violence reduction, our cadets took part in a knife sweep in Hailsham.

The cadets carried out open-air searches at Western Road Rec and Gleneagles Country Park, engaging with members of the public, including other young people, to raise awareness about #Op Safety - our dedicated response to reduce knife crime and serious violence in Sussex.

Our cadets were able to put into practice the search techniques they've been learning in the classroom, resulting in:

🗣️ 24 people spoken to
🔍 1 large cannister of nitrous oxide recovered
📄 Evidence of drug use located
📢 Intel submitted for further action

It was fantastic to see our cadets out in uniform, positively received by the public, and taking an active role in crime prevention.

Uckfield Carnival patrols
As Uckfield prepares for a busy carnival weekend, there will be an increased police presence in the area. This is part of our continued efforts to keep the community safe and ensure the event runs smoothly for everyone.

Following reports of incidents and concerns from both residents and businesses around youth anti-social behaviour, there will be a dispersal order in place this weekend - giving officers and PCSOs the power to direct any persons to leave the location.

Superintendent Rachel Swinney says “Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will take swift action where necessary to remove individuals who are causing alarm or distress to others. Our priority is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the carnival for everyone in the community”.

We hope you have a safe and enjoyable weekend.

Government Alerts

The government is testing the Emergency Alerts system on Sunday 7th at 3pm.

Compatible mobile phones and tablets will receive an alert, make a loud siren-like sound, and vibrate.

You will not need to take any action.

Emergency Alerts are used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather.

Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, in case it needs to be used in a life-threatening emergency.

Find out more here https://orlo.uk/HUkwe

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

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.  

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, or other forms of communication difficulties.

Those with textphone can text 18001 101, or BSL users can use SignVideo to provide a Video Relay Service (here: https://signvideo.co.uk/), to report crime through a live online interpreter, who will contact the police on your behalf, when you do not require an urgent response.

In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger please use the textphone service 18000 or text us on 999, BSL users can call 999 BSL (here: https://999bsl.co.uk/)  to use a British Sign Language interpreter. (For more information on textphone and Relay UK please visit: https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html.)

22/08/2025

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Arrests

Officers made 29 arrests across Wealden last week.

10 arrests were for assault in Hailsham, Polegate, Crowborough, Uckfield, Westham and Forest Row. One of which was assault of an emergency worker.

We arrested an individual for the supply of class A drugs in Herstmonceux.

6 of these arrests were on the roads: 1 for drug driving, 2 for drink driving, 1 for dangerous driving, 1 failed to provide a preliminary test and another failed to stop when requested.

Other offences included drunk and disorderly, GBH, harassment, and controlling behaviour.

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Shoreham Airshow

Today, we remember the 11 people who tragically lost their lives in the Shoreham Airshow disaster on this day 10 years ago.

At 1.22pm, we will be pausing to reflect with a two-minute silence. Our thoughts remain with all the families, communities and the emergency services personnel affected.

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Building relationships within the community

On Wednesday 20th August officers attended a community event at Roebuck Park Cricket Ground in Hellingly, where we had the pleasure of engaging with local families and children.

We gave the children the chance to explore our police car, try on uniform, and ask plenty of great questions about policing and what we do in the community.

It was brilliant to see such a great turnout and to connect with so many local residents in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along, we loved meeting you! 💙

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Are you fraud aware?‍

PCSO Jackson met with staff, residents and relatives at Lydfords Care Home in East Hoathly this week.

We shared vital tips on how to stay safe from scams - especially those targeting older and vulnerable individuals.

We also discussed how the Herbert Protocol can support families and carers if a loved one with dementia goes missing.

PCSO Jackson will be visiting again on the 14th November, between 14:00-16:00. If you missed it this time, come and see us again in November!

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Contact us

Contact us online www.sussex.police.uk or by calling 101 (non-emergency reporting and support).

In an emergency call 999.