Local News

Read this month’s Rural Crime Team update and find out about our work to protect isolated and rural communities.

Highlights include:

-Gundog Theft Awareness Week

-Mailbox Fraud

-Arrests and convictions in Wadhurst and more online here.

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Follow the Rural Crime Team on Twitter @SussexRuralCops

You can report rural crime online.

You can also anonymously report rural crime online using The National Farmers' Union's Rural Crime Reporting Line or calling 0800 783 0137.

This lets you give information about crime relating to:

• large scale industrial fly-tipping
• hare coursing
• machinery theft
• livestock theft.
  

Help us keep Sussex safe

If you see or hear anything, or have any information about any incident in this message or links, please contact us online, or call 101.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

You can also visit our website at www.sussex.police.uk where you can find our easy to use online forms to report all non-emergencies to us.

On our website you can also find police advice to keep you safe and help you understand the law, and also browse our crime prevention pages for first-hand knowledge, industry best practices and practical crime prevention advice from officers and specialist teams all across the police.

Have you ever had a policing question that doesn't actually require direct police involvement to answer?

Ask the Police is a great online source of information for the most frequently asked policing questions, visit www.askthe.police.uk/ for more information.

Your local teams

What's happening in your area?

Get the latest crime statistics and advice, help us with appeals for information and find out what we’re doing to tackle crime in your area online here.

Follow your local Police team on social media, click below:

Facebook

Twitter

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Speed check locations this week

Following community concerns raised on previous posts around excess speeding in Punnets Town, officers from your Wealden Neighbourhood Policing Team took to the area late last week to conduct patrols, and speed checks as a deterrent to those ignoring the speed limit through the village.

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As well as patrols, officers also spoke to a number of residents and drivers in the area - if speeding continues to be an issue, we encourage communities to report it at the time to us either online or by calling 101; all reports help to highlight problem areas where appropriate action can then be taken by Police and partners to help keep you safe.

Details of those exceeding the limit during the course of our checks will be passed to our Operation Crackdown team, and excess speeders will be notified in due course.

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Police Cadets weekend of action

Late last month Wealden Police Cadets had another weekend of action conducting knife sweeps of local parks, skate parks and open public spaces across the district.

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Supported by their leaders, Cadets searched for discarded or hidden knives, and other potential weapons, as well as discussing the dangers of knife crime in their groups, and with park users across areas of Hailsham Uckfield and Crowborough.

Teams conducted searches, and spoke with a number of youngsters around not only the dangers, but the potentially fatal consequences of carrying offensive weapons - during the course of our checks we are pleased to report that no weapons or potential weapons were found.

If you have information about knife crime, you can report online, or anonymously to CrimeStoppersUK.

In an emergency always call 999.

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Vehicle Thefts in Sussex

Car key and keyless vehicle thefts can have a big impact on your daily life; disrupting work, seeing friends and family, school runs and of course the emotional impact on the victim.

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Whilst it may not be possible to eliminate thefts totally, there are steps you can take to minimise the chances of becoming a victim:

• Keep car keys out of sight from opportunist burglars
• Make sure all vehicle windows and doors are closed and locked
• For keyless vehicles, check if you can turn the signal off or consider buying a signal-blocking pouch

More advice can be found online here.

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Rural Patrols this week

PCSOs from your Wealden Neighbourhood Policing Team have been out and about this week across our more rural towns and villages including in and round Folkington, stopping in on small and rural businesses to update on patrols, reported crime and offer a number of valuable crime prevention tools and advice as we head into the winter months.

Rural crime is an issue for large areas of the country but it tends to go unreported. It can impact on insurance premiums, food prices and damage local communities.

It can be hard to know whether something is a crime and whether to contact the police or another charity or organisation.

Rural crime tends to fall into one of four categories:

• agricultural
• equine
• wildlife
• heritage

Officers will continue across the district into the weekend, if you see or hear anything we need to know about, for example suspicious vehicles or persons around rural/farm areas or in areas they shouldn't be, let us know.

If you’re not sure it’s a crime, we’d rather hear from you and determine that ourselves - report non emergency crime or information to us 24/7 online or to 101, and to 999 in an emergency.

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Rural Crime Day Of Action

On Wednesday 2nd November your B Section Wealden Neighbourhood Policing Team made their way across the district for a day of action in visiting a number of farms, rural villages and a small businesses to offer support, advice; as well as an array of crime prevention tools to help protect their livelihood and property as we head into the darker months.

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Officers visited farms in areas of Selmeston, Chiddingly, East Hoathly, Whitesmith, Waldron, Forest Row, Blackham, Groombridge, Wadhurst, Cowden, Holtye and Hartfield during the course of the day, with farms ranging from cattle farms, to stud farms and everything in between!

Some owners shared with the team that they had previously been a victim of burglary; so our visit served as a timely reminder to secure property and put extra interventions in place, especially as the nights draw in, and we head into the Winter months.

Officers issued a number of farms ‘Selecta DNA Kits’ to assist owners in marking their valuable tools, equipment and machinery, as well as providing CCTV posters and information on the UK’s National Property Register ‘Immobilise’, as well as helping owners find and use their serial numbers and take photographs of valuable property to help identify ownership in the event their property (including animas) are stolen as a result of a burglary.

Together with farm owners, Officers also shared a number of suggestions and tips to help keep their rural home, business and belongings safe, which we would like to share below:

• lock equipment away in a secure building or part of a building when not in use
• install a burglar alarm on buildings where equipment is kept
• keep expensive items and vehicles out of sight when not in use
• mark your tools and equipment and register them
• consider fitting outside security lights
• install a visible burglar alarm
• make sure windows and door frames are secure and in good repair
• fit strong locks to sheds, garages and outbuildings
• consider security bars and grilles for vulnerable windows and openings
• make sure gates cannot be lifted off or have their fixing bolts removed
• check security equipment regularly to ensure it works properly
• use locking posts or temporary obstructions to control wide access points to yards

For additional security you could also:

• install automatic security lights that come on at dusk and turn off at dawn
• install CCTV cameras to watch over the most vulnerable areas of the property
• install a monitored intruder alarm system
• install an entry control system infrared, intercom or keypad
• use a single gated entrance/exit, removing all private access points not in use

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Patrols this week

Already this week a number of patrols have taken place across the district, with officers from your Neighbourhood Policing Team visiting local areas to meet residents and businesses; to identify crime trends, and offer both reassurance and crime prevention tools and advice to help continue keeping your communities safe.

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Earlier this week, officers visited both Blackham, Groombridge and surrounding villages; conducting both foot and vehicle patrols in the area, speaking to local residents about any concerns they have; and parking up in areas reported by residents to keep an eye out for any suspicious activities and act as a deterrent to drivers ignoring a number of road safety and speed limit signs.

As we head into the weekend, the safety and welfare of our local communities remains a top priority - if you see or hear anything in your communities you think we need to know about, report it to us at the time, remember you can contact us 24/7, 365 online or by calling 101.

In an emergency always call 999.

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Rural Crime Team dates

Your Sussex Police Rural Crime Team  will be attending South East Marts livestock auctions in Hailsham on the following dates:

16th, 23rd and 30th November, as well as the 7th December 2022.

Rural Crime Teams officers will be in attendance to offer valuable crime prevention advice, support and tools to help protect your farms, livelihood and property.

You can also register on the day to book in a 'SelectaDNA' property marking visit from the team.

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Bonfire and firework advice

If you're attending any bonfire or firework events this weekend, have fun and stay safe

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Please take a moment to consider your personal safety, and take time to familiarise your surroundings; parking in a well lit area for example to help keep your car safe, or planning a route which keeps you to well lit areas or paths/roads that you know.

Our officers will be supporting partner agencies and local Councils at a number of events to ensure public safety,  to ensure that everyone can enjoy themselves safely.

If you are attending any of these events, have a great time, and stay safe – Trust your instinct, if something doesn’t look or feel right report it to a bonfire steward or the Police at the time.

In an emergency always call 999.

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Speeding concerns from residents

Following reports from local residents, Officers from your Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted high visibility patrols through the village of Selmeston this week, to keep an eye out, and act as a deterrent to those ignoring the speed limits through the village.

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Whilst we can not be everywhere, we could be anywhere, and we continue to encourage residents across the district to report road and driving related offences to us either online or to our Operation Crackdown Team.

Operation Crackdown is a joint initiative run by Sussex Safer Roads Partnership (SSRP) and Sussex Police, which provides communities of Sussex an opportunity to report specific instances of anti-social driving, as well as abandoned vehicles on the road. In instances where there is sufficient evidence, road users are contacted and educated by Sussex Police to highlight the impact of ant-social behaviour on the roads on the wider community.

All reports provide a vital oversight of when and where anti-social driving incidents are taking place, assisting in the long term operational strategy of colleagues within SSRP and Sussex Police.

Contact us 24/7, 365 online or by calling 101 (all non-emergencies) - always call 999 in an emergency.

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Burglary Summary

Tools including a chainsaw were stolen from a secure outbuilding at a property off Dundale Road, Tunbridge Wells around 2050 on the 6th November. Homeowners noticed two unknown males entering their outbuilding, and made off when alerted, the males made off from the scene. Police were called and our SOCO (scenes of crime officers) will investigate any lines of enquiry. (1150 6/11 relates)

A bike was stolen from a garage at property off Tunbridge Wells Road, Mayfield late evening on the 10th. Unknown suspects have entered the garage as trespassers to commit offences, and exited via a garage window which was left damaged by the individual/s. (1406 10/11 relates)

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Burglary Advice

Members of the public and business owners are asked to remain alert to any suspicious activity in their area, and to report any concerns to police online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

There are a number of steps residents can take to property their property, including alarm systems and CCTV cameras, for a range of crime prevention advice, support and tips to keep you and your property safe click here.

If you have been the victim of a burglary, please report online, or by calling 101 – always dial 999 in an emergency/burglary in action.

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Help us keep Sussex safe‍

If you saw or heard anything, or have any information about any incident in this message please contact us online, or call 101, quoting the reference number provided.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org‍

You can also visit our website at www.sussex.police.uk where you can find our easy to use online forms to report all non-emergencies to us.

On our website you can also find police advice to keep you safe and help you understand the law, and also browse our crime prevention pages for first-hand knowledge, industry best practices and practical crime prevention advice from officers and specialist teams all across the police.

Have you ever had a policing question that doesn't actually require direct police involvement to answer?

Ask the Police is a great online source of information for the most frequently asked policing questions, visit www.askthe.police.uk/ for more information.

Attempted robbery appeal Hailsham

We are appealing for witnesses to an attempted robbery in Hailsham. The victim was sat in a parked Asda delivery van when an unknown person approached him and demanded money.

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The suspect fled the scene empty-handed moments later. It happened between 9pm and 9.15pm on Thursday (September 29) in Observatory View.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5’ 8” and wearing a dark hooded jumper and balaclava. Investigating officers are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour, in particular the occupants of a vehicle thought to be driving through the area at the relevant time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact us online or by calling 101 quoting serial 1402 of 29/09.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ICE (in case of emergency) sticker for cyclists, motorbike owners, and horse riders

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If you are found unconscious, or unable to respond at the scene of an accident, ICE Stickers are a vital tool to help provide medical care, and could help save lives.

Designed to sit at the back of a helmet, the ICE Sticker enables first responders and members of the public to access key medical and personal information as quickly as possible should you be involved in an accident.

Information uploaded by the biker during registration can be accessed by scanning the bespoke QR code, displaying information such as allergies or medication, along with next of kin and contact details.

Get yours online here by completing our contact details form.

Commercial vehicle unit patrols this week

The commercial vehicle unit (CVU) have been out and about across the district this week conducting various vehicle safety checks, including along the Polegate A22 and A27 road network, and the A22 Uckfield.

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A number of vehicles were stopped and dealt with at the time for a range of road related offences including:

3 x overweight loads, with the max being over by 42%, 3 x insecure loads, 1 x disqualified driver, who also held no insurance and 3 x prohibitions issued during the day of action in Polegate

Whilst in Uckfield, he following offences were detected; 1 x dangerous goods offence 7 x prohibitions issued 2 x overweight offences 4 x fixed penalties issued 1 x large arctic that held no tax.

The CVU help provide specialist enforcement, knowledge and investigative capability in respect of commercial vehicle activities, alongside contributing towards improving the safety of all those using the roads in Sussex.

As well as policing compliance and adherence to the wide range of legislation and regulation associated with commercial vehicles, the CVU has an important role in the disruption and investigation of a range of criminality associated with commercial vehicle activity and use.

See or hear anything suspicious on the roads of your district, report it at the time online or to 101. In an emergency/crime in action always call 999.

A warm welcome to our 88 new officers!

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In a historic moment not seen for 70 years, our newest recruits attested and swore their allegiance to His Majesty, King Charles III, earlier this week.

Of the 88 new officers, 71 will be training to be Police Constables and 17 will be training as Detective Constables strengthening both our local policing teams and investigative capabilities.

Meet four of our new recruits Anita, Cristine, Caden and Samuel and read about their motivations for joining here.

Our recruitment for PCs, PCSOs and contact officers is still open, to find the latest vacancies and apply today by clicking here.

Have you heard about the new Safe Space Sussex app?

A new app called ‘Safe Space Sussex’ aimed at helping people if they find themselves feeling unsafe, feeling vulnerable, whilst out and about during the day, evening or night time is now available to download free, search 'Safe Space Sussex' on your Apple App or Google Play stores.

Once downloaded and logged in, users will see a map showing their location and a number of red pins indicating all Safe Spaces near them, such as local shops, pharmacies, supermarkets, pubs and clubs.

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Tapping on a red pin will show opening times and directions from their current location to all venues who are signed up to the app. On arrival at the Safe Space users can identify themselves to staff who will be able to offer them somewhere safe to wait until the Police or a trusted contact can reach them.

Download and share with your friends and family today from your App Store, or by scanning the QR code in the image above.

Burglary Summary

We are again pleased to report that there have been no reported residential burglaries across the Wealden district for the period 2nd- 6th October 2022.

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Burglary Advice

Members of the public and business owners are asked to remain alert to any suspicious activity in their area, and to report any concerns to police online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

There are a number of steps residents can take to property their property, including alarm systems and CCTV cameras, for a range of crime prevention advice, support and tips to keep you and your property safe click here.

If you have been the victim of a burglary, please report online, or by calling 101 – always dial 999 in an emergency/burglary in action.

Help us keep Sussex safe

If you saw or heard anything, or have any information about any incident in this message please contact us online, or call 101, quoting the reference number provided.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

You can also visit our website at www.sussex.police.uk where you can find our easy to use online forms to report all non-emergencies to us.

On our website you can also find police advice to keep you safe and help you understand the law, and also browse our crime prevention pages for first-hand knowledge, industry best practices and practical crime prevention advice from officers and specialist teams all across the police.

Have you ever had a policing question that doesn't actually require direct police involvement to answer?

Ask the Police is a great online source of information for the most frequently asked policing questions, visit www.askthe.police.uk/ for more information.

Your local teams

What's happening in your area?

Get the latest crime statistics and advice, help us with appeals for information and find out what we’re doing to tackle crime in your area online here.

Follow your local Police team on social media, click below:

Facebook

Twitter

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Operation Downsway Nutley

Following concerns from residents around speeding in and around the A22 Nutley, local Neighbourhood Policing Teams conducted speed checks late last week to help deter speeding, and address any community concerns.

Any vehicles recorded exceeding the limit during checks will be reported to Operation Crackdown, notified in due course, or given words of advice at the time.

Checks under Operation Downsway continue into the Autumn months, and are aimed at enforcing and educating drivers around the fatal5 driving offences, so called as they are the top 5 contributors to fatal/serious RTCs on the roads of Sussex each year.

These are:

-excess speed

-distracted driving (inc. use of mobile phone)

-not wearing a seatbelt

-careless/dangerous driving

-drink or drug driving

We encourage local residents to continue reporting fatal5 driving offences to us at the time, all reports help to plan targeted activities in areas that have seen an increase in both offences and reporting.

Thank you to all our Sussex Police Officers, Staff, and Volunteers

We are proud to have played our part in what has been a significant moment in our nation’s history as we said goodbye to our longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

Over the ten day mourning period we have worked side by side with our colleagues in Surrey Police, Thames Valley Police and Metropolitan Police Service to support this prodigious policing event.

We have supported localised Proclamation ceremonies across Sussex; strengthened our presence at Gatwick airport ensuring the safe arrival of heads of state and lined the route of Her Majesty’s final journey from London to Windsor.

Across Sussex our teams have continued to deliver policing within our communities and met demands during this extraordinary time.

At our headquarters yesterday we paid tribute to Her Majesty with a short service at our flag pole, reflecting on her life and dedication to public service.

We were honoured to carry out one last duty for the Queen Elizabeth II - May she rest in peace.

Enough is enough - UK Government campaign

Knowing what abuse is helps all of us to recognise it when it happens. It can be words or actions.

Online or in person, at home, at work or in the street; anywhere.

If you are worried about your or someone else’s behaviour, it’s not too late to make a change.

This month Officers for your local Neighbourhood Policing Team will be raising awareness of this campaign whilst out on patrol, when visiting victims, and when attending community meetings and events.

Let’s all be part of the change, no-one should live in fear of abuse.

Enough is enough, we can all do our bit to keep women and girls safe, even just by sharing this information with other you are helping to raise awareness.

Find out how you can support, spot the signs of abuse, and help to change for the better online here.

Sussex Police Officer recruitment sessions

Have you ever considered becoming a Police Officer for Sussex Police, or have already thought about it, but have some questions you'd like to ask...why not join one of our virtual recruitment information sessions online?

These sessions are open to anyone who would like more information on how to apply, what qualifications are needed, and the different routes of entry we offer; as well as the chance to ask our recruitment team any other questions you may have about joining as a Police Officer in Sussex.

Join our free online sessions and book your place online here today.

Burglary Summary

Overnight on the 18th September, a pedal cycle was stolen from an insecure shed at a property off Shepards Hill, Hartfield. An unknown individual/s has entered the homeowner’s property as a trespasser to commit offences, no tools were used. (1088 19/09)

There has been no further reports of residential burglaries that occurred between the period 16-22 September 2022.

Burglary Advice

Members of the public and business owners are asked to remain alert to any suspicious activity in their area, and to report any concerns to police online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

There are a number of steps residents can take to property their property, including alarm systems and CCTV cameras, for a range of crime prevention advice, support and tips to keep you and your property safe click here.

If you have been the victim of a burglary, please report online, or by calling 101 – always dial 999 in an emergency/burglary in action.

Help us keep Sussex safe

If you saw or heard anything, or have any information about any incident in this message please contact us online, or call 101, quoting the reference number provided.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

You can also visit our website at www.sussex.police.uk where you can find our easy to use online forms to report all non-emergencies to us.

On our website you can also find police advice to keep you safe and help you understand the law, and also browse our crime prevention pages for first-hand knowledge, industry best practices and practical crime prevention advice from officers and specialist teams all across the police.

Have you ever had a policing question that doesn't actually require direct police involvement to answer?

Ask the Police is a great online source of information for the most frequently asked policing questions, visit www.askthe.police.uk/ for more information.

Your local teams

What's happening in your area?

Get the latest crime statistics and advice, help us with appeals for information and find out what we’re doing to tackle crime in your area online here.

Follow your local Police team on social media, click below:

Facebook

Twitter