Local Crime

Dear Residents,

Wishing you all a very happy and safe New Year 2026.

Get any new toys or gadgets for Christmas?

Be mindful burglars know that many households often have new and often expensive, items in their homes over Christmas.

Post Christmas crime prevention advice:

Avoid becoming an easy target for post-holiday burglars/robbers by not leaving boxes for new electronics and other items outside your wheelie bin.

With computer equipment, you might consider keeping the boxes for safe storage, or moving in the future.

Think about keeping broken-down boxes inside in a garage or loft, or taking them to recycle centres in the New Year.

Register your property on the national property marking database, search Immobilise online.

Arrest summary w/c 22nd December

Last week (22/12-28/12), 23 people were arrested throughout Wealden.

We arrested 3 drivers for being over the alcohol limit in Polegate and Heathfield - 2 of these were on Christmas day!

2 individuals were arrested for criminal damage in Hailsham and Crowborough.

10 people were arrested for assault, one of which was of an emergency worker, in Stone Cross, Pevensey, Wadhurst, Willingdon, Hailsham and Uckfield.

Other offences included burglary, drug driving, and stalking.

We continue to thank, and encourage residents to report incidents to police at the time, online or by calling 101 - in an emergency always call 999.

Domestic abuse - we're here 24/7, 365 to help

Don’t suffer in silence.

If you are suffering from domestic abuse we urge you to call us or speak to an officer.

Please put your trust in us – there is hope after abuse and taking the steps to report it will get you closer to a safer, brighter future.

You can call 101 or 999 in an emergency, if you call 999 but can’t speak, press 55 to get through to the police.

Whilst we often up our campaigns and awareness raising over Christmas and New Year period, remember we are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days per week - we will listen to you, we will take your situation seriously and we will leave you safer than before you called us.

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, including advice on downloading Apps with video guides please visit: https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html.

Arrests

Last week there were a total of 24 arrests across the Wealden district.

We arrested 8 individuals for assault in Hailsham, Heathfield, Willingdon and Crowborough.

5 drivers were arrested in Heathfield, Forest Row, Polegate and Uckfield. 3 for drink driving, 1 for drug driving and 1 for failing to co-operate in a preliminary roadside test.

2 individuals were arrested for theft from another person in Crowborough and Polegate.

Other offenses included stalking, breaking bail conditions, and possession of an offensive weapon.

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Framfield Residents Meeting 

On the 3rd Nov, PCSO Jackson was joined by several Framfield residents at the Memorial Hall.

We had the chance to discuss local issues and general concerns, as well as provide crime prevention advice - specifically on keeping your home and property safe as the darker nights are drawing in.

Thank you to those that braved the weather to come and see us. We love meeting and engaging with our communities and our presence was appreciated by all.

If you want to stay up to date with your local team, you can find more information on our website here https://orlo.uk/YU3B7

Another day, another scam awareness talk!

Reports of scams still remain high across the district, with billions of pounds being lost to fraud across the UK year on year.

This week, PCSO Choppin and PCSO Jackson have held two events, raising awareness on all things fraud, to keep our communities alert to these crimes.

Anyone can fall victim to fraud, and knowing the signs and what to spot is key.

Our scam awareness talks are designed to empower residents with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves and their loved ones. From recognising suspicious messages and calls to understanding how scammers operate, these sessions help ensure our communities stay one step ahead.

Our officers work tirelessly to reach as many people as possible, visiting community centres, local groups, and neighbourhood events to offer free, practical advice and support. Every conversation helps build a stronger, safer, and more informed community.

Together, we can help stop scams in their tracks and protect those most at risk.

Protect your bike

Putting your bike away for the winter? 
Keep your bike safe this winter, by taking steps to layer your security 

• Keep your bike out of sight when not in use.
• Store it in a secure location, consider bolting it down to a ground anchor, or locking your bike to an immovable object with hardened steel chains or a close shackle lock.
• Using a garage? Consider garage door defenders or upgrade your garage door locks.
• Consider installing motion-activated lights, or use shed/garage alarms, where your bike is secured to deter thieves from taking advance of the darker months.
• Having an alarm or tracker on your bike can be a deterrent to thieves, consider an alarm system with tracking, immobilisation, anti-grab or movement sensors.
• Property mark the parts, by marking as much of your bike as possible will make it more difficult for criminals to sell parts on in the event it is stolen.

Marking property can make it less attractive to steal as it is harder to sell on, it will also help police identify parts and return recovered stolen bikes.

Unfortunately security measures can’t guarantee your bike won’t be stolen but, by using multiple security measures, you can make it harder and less attractive for thieves.

Report online or to 101 (non-emergency), and always to 999 in an emergency / crime in action.

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.