Local News

Operation Downsway Patrols this week

Your Neighbourhood Policing Team have been out this week across the district including in Jevington Road, Wannock following your reports and concerns of excess speeding in the area.

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During the course of our checks this morning, we are pleased to report that no offences were detected. Speeding is one of the fatal5 driving offences, so called as they are all main contributors to fatal road traffic collisions on the roads of Sussex each year, and checks will continue at various locations over the Summer, please continue to follow our social media for updates.

The fatal5:

-Careless driving

-Drink and drug driving

-Not wearing a seatbelt

-Using a mobile phone

-Speeding

Contact us 24/7, 365 online, or by calling 101.

In an emergency always call 999.

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Tools Recovered following Warrants in Wealden

This week your Rural Crime Team, supported by Wealden NET Team executed a search warrant, where a number of tools were recovered.            

Among those recovered were a quantity of Stihl branded equipment and this Timberwolf Chipper, which we believe to be stolen.

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Equipment and tool security can be a particular issue for rural businesses and farms, whilst enquiries will be made to help trace owner of the pictured stolen property; we would like to take the time to encourage owners of similar tools to look into marking their property, and take steps to help keep their belongings safe.

Top Tips:

• lock equipment away in a secure building or part of a building when not in use

• invest in a secure storage toolbox

• install a burglar alarm on buildings where equipment is kept            

• always lock vehicles when left outside and keep the keys in your possession

• keep expensive items and vehicles out of sight when not in use            

• consider using hitch locks, wheel clamps or ground anchors

• mark your tools and equipment and register them • keep a record of all valuable items

• consider fitting outside security lights

*UPDATE* We are pleased to report the wood chipper seized during our warrant earlier this week whilst out in Wealden on Tuesday 5th July was returned to it's rightful owner yesterday, a small business in Surrey. Enquiries confirmed the chipper was stolen in April.

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Rural Crime Team patrols this week

Together with your Rural Crime Team, this week we stopped this van near Tunbridge Wells after we suspected that it was involved in illegally procuring scrap metal.

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Turns out their insurers didn't like the idea of what they were up to either, so we seized the van and the owners of the van will be summonsed to court in due course.

Your Rural Crime Team (RCT) continue to proactively patrol the roads of Sussex to disrupt and denying criminals the use of our roads to help make our roads a no go area for crime.

You can follow our dedicated Rural Crime Team (RCT) over on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/SussexRuralCops

Please do not Twitter as a reporting tool, instead please continue to report suspicious vehicle activity in your communities to us online www.sussex.police.uk or to 101 (non-emergencies)

Always call 999 in an emergency, or where there is a crime in action, or suspects still in the area.

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Rural Crime Team monthly updates

This month's Rural Crime Team (RCT) newsletter is now available to read online here.

Including updates on Sussex Police's continued operations to tackle heritage, wildlife, environmental and agricultural issues.

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Be Safe, Be Sound this Summer

Counter Terrorism Policing wants live music fans to Be Safe, Be Sound this Summer as it collaborates with the UK’s biggest music venues, arena’s and festivals to deliver vital safety advice to the public this Summer.

Are you heading to a gig or music festival?

Have an amazing time, but if you see something that doesn’t feel right, report it to security staff straight away. Here are some quick tips to help you have a safe and enjoyable time.

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Quick Tips:

·Arrive early for extra security measures. This will help prevent delays in getting into the event.

·Be patient with security checks and don’t give security, staff or stewards a hard time. It might seem inconvenient, but these measures are in place to help you.

·It is essential that you don’t bring unnecessary items to the event; this will help to speed up searches and your entry to the event.

·If you spot someone acting suspiciously, report it to police or to security staff immediately: don’t leave it to someone else.

·In an emergency, if you think there is an immediate risk, always call 999 and look around you for help from staff – especially those with radios who can raise the alarm quickly.

·Don’t leave bags unattended or anywhere they could cause a security scare. And never agree to look after anyone else’s bags, no matter how genuine they seem.

·If there is an incident, listen to staff and any announcements.            

·Remember, the chance of being caught in a terrorism incident is small. But if it happens – Run, Hide, Tell.

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Burglary Summary 1st July - 8th July 2022

Metal items including cables were stolen from a property off Hempstead Lane, Hailsham overnight on the 1st-2nd July. Unknown individual/s have gained entry to the site by means unknown to commit offences. (404 02/07)

During the daytime of the 4th July, a property off Highlands Avenue, Uckfield was broken into. Unknown individual/s have forced entry to a door of the property, once inside they have conducted an untidy search of the property, it has not yet been established if anything has been stolen. (1045 04/07)

A bicycle was stolen from a secure garage overnight on the 5th-6th July from a property off Church Road, Polegate. Unknown individual/s have forced entry on the garage door to gain entry. (415 06/07)

During the daytime of the 7th July, a property off South Road, Hailsham reported an attempted burglary whereby unknown individual/s have attempted to force locks on a door at the property to gain entry. Fortunately no entry was gained, damage and tool marks were made to the door. (1453 07/07)

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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.

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Ask The Police Website

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.

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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.

Crowborough PCSO meet and greet

Come and meet your local neighbourhood policing team this Saturday at The Community Centre café in Crowborough on 11th June from 10am to 12pm.

This is an opportunity to meet and speak to the team directly about any local issues/concerns you have, as well as hear about updates to the work being done in your town to help keep you safe.

Can't make it to see us? Remember you can contact us 24/7, 365 online or by calling 101.

In an emergency always call 999.

Additional Patrols in Hailsham

This week local officers have been patrolling around Hailsham Town Centre following reports from local businesses around groups causing anti-social behaviour and a small number of thefts in the area.

Officers have been checking in with local businesses to offer reassurance, as well as to follow up on lines on enquiry and provide high visibility patrols as a deterrent to those causing issues in the town.

Local businesses in Hailsham are encouraged to continue reporting incidents to us at the time, or by visiting our Sussex Police website – as well as your information and reports playing a huge part in how we plan our local policing; all reports will also help us to bring any offenders to justice and make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else.

Local shops and businesses are also encourage to join the DISC app which recently launched in the area for local businesses to connect with other shops and the Police to tackle thefts and shoplifting, more information here.

RPU patrols and safety checks this week

Your Roads Policing Unit have carried out vehicle safety checks including speed checks at Cross In Hand over the last couple of days in response to concerns from local residents.

During the course of these checks so far 7 drivers have been issued with tickets, while another driver will soon be facing court after being recorded driving 69mph within the 30mph area.

Checks under the umbrella of Operation Downsway continue, with officer enforcing and educating drivers around the fatal5 driving offences - so named as they are the top 5 contributors to fatal road traffic collisions on the roads of Sussex each year.

The fatal5 include:

• Careless driving
• Drink and drug driving
• Not wearing a seatbelt
• Using a mobile phone
• Speeding

Hailsham ASB

Officers were called to a group of youngsters reported to be causing damage around the War Memorial in the High Street around 7:30pm Tuesday evening.

Units attended, however unfortunately were unable to locate those involved – officers remained in the area and assisted in tidying up the damaged flowers. Senseless acts of vandalism will not be tolerated.

In response to repeated reports of anti-social behaviour around the town centre, additional teams have been out regularly patrolling; unrelated to this matter, 3 arrests have already been made this week.

Whilst we can not be everywhere we continue to target hot-spot areas, and would urge communities to continue reporting ASB at the time to us online or to 101 (non-emergencies), or by calling 999 in an emergency/crime in action.

Burglary Summary

Around 2000 on the 6th, a property off Pump Lane, Uckfield reported a break into an outbuilding at the address. 2 unknown individuals have forced entry to the rear of the property to gain entry, a vehicle inside was broken into and fuel cards stolen. (932 of 7/6)

Around 1030 on the 7th two unknown males were seen by residents stealing items from a garden at a property off Chestnut Drive, Polegate. A lawn mower and tools were stolen, and the males were seen to leave in a white transit van with red writing on the side. (582 of 7/6)

As a result officers have been providing high visibility patrols in the area this week and urging residents to store property/valuables away or out of sight.

More advice on protecting your home from crime can be found online here.

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.

Ask The Police UK

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

Partner Day of action in Uckfield

Your Local Neighbourhood Policing Team were joined earlier this week in Uckfield by our Rural Crime Team (RCT) and local partners, to conduct various vehicle stops alongside targeting waste crime, dangerous vehicles and stolen plant machinery.

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During the course of these checks 15 prohibitions & traffic offence reports issued for varied offences.

Large scale illegal dumping (where lorries are being used to dump rubbish), someone running a waste site without a permit or those not following the rules of a waste management permit; are all things we need to know about, if you have suspicions, or information about these types of crime, please report online to Sussex Police.

If you're aware of hazardous waste that's an immediate danger to the public, report it to us straight away by calling 999.

Other waste or environmental issues can be reported to your local council or other agencies, for example:

Noise pollution, Waste and litter, Fly tipping, Pests, Discarded syringes or drug paraphernalia, Dangerous buildings or structures, Burst water mains and Garden bonfires.

Find details of your local Council here.

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A number of arrests; and more, made during a dedicated month of work to tackle youth anti-social behaviour (ASB) in East Sussex

During the school holiday police operations were launched in hot-spot areas in Eastbourne, Hailsham and Newhaven; with a focus on reducing violent incidents and ASB, engaging with young people to divert them away from crime and taking enforcement action where necessary.

Shifts made up of officers from your Neighbourhood Policing Team, including Police Sergeants, PCs and PCSOs took to the streets of your communities between the hours of 1500-2300 over the month.

As a result of these operations 14 arrests were made across the areas for a number of offences, including:

• grievous bodily harm
• possession with intent to supply
• possession of an offensive weapon
• driving whilst disqualified
• assault of emergency worker
• breaching court bail
• assault
• drink driving
• domestic actual bodily harm

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Other highlights include:

• 12 proactive stop searches
• 26 vehicle stops
• A number of intelligence reports received
• 4 referrals to youth related partners
• stolen property recovered
• a number of bail checks completed on known ASB individuals
• traffic offence reports and community resolutions issued

Over the course of our dedicated operations, over 30 reports of ASB were attended by your local Neighbourhood Policing Teams, helping to reduce the demand on our response officers; we also saw lots of positive feedback from members of the public who were very grateful to see officers on foot, engaging with youngsters and public alike.

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Chief Inspector Di Lewis said: "We see first-hand the devastating impact crime and anti-social behaviour has on those living, working and visiting our communities, and we are absolutely committed to addressing this issue.

"We are aware of recent reports of crime involving young people in Eastbourne, including robbery and knife offences, and youth anti-social behaviour in Newhaven and Hailsham. This behaviour is completely unacceptable, and by launching separate operations in those three towns, we are intensifying our ongoing efforts to tackle this issue and hold those responsible to account.

"We live in a beautiful part of the country and we want people, both residents and visitors, to feel safe and welcome. Our dedicated police operations will see an increased police presence in hot-spot locations such as town centres and parks, and close partnership working with local councils, youth groups and other emergency services to find ways we can engage with those involved in crime.

"We ask the public to continue reporting incidents to us - we can't effectively respond to a problem if we don't know about it. We're also looking to parents and carers to support the work we're doing, by asking questions or raising concerns if they believe their child is involved in crime and anti-social behaviour."

A common reason for a young person to become involved in crime is county lines - when organised crime groups exploit vulnerable people, including children, by recruiting them to distribute drugs.

Police are reminding parents and carers of the signs to look out for, that may indicate a child is involved in county lines:

• Repeatedly going missing from school or home and being found in other areas.
• Having money, new clothes or electronic devices and they can't explain how they paid for them.
• Getting high numbers of texts or phone calls, being secretive about who they're speaking to.
• Decline in school or work performance.
• Significant changes in emotional or physical well-being.

If you have any concerns, or if you would like to report crime or anti-social behaviour, contact police online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Reports can also be made anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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ASB patrols this weekend

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Additional ASB patrols this weekend: Call us between 15:00pm and 22:30pm on 07770 700642 to report anti-social behaviour (ASB) and youth disorder on a Friday and Saturday night.

Each weekend, additional officers head out on patrol in areas which have seen an increase in or reporting of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and youth related crime and disorder.

These areas are directed by your reports, please continue to use the contact number provided at weekends, and report ASB at the time it is happening.

Outside of these times, please continue to report ASB online/101 for non-emergencies, and to 999 at the time in an emergency/crime in action.

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Burglary Summary

A garage at a property off Rannoch Road, Crowborough was broken into over the weekend (last weekend) – unknown individual/s have forced entry to a garage, personal items from the garage were stolen. (551 of 3/5 relates)

Farming machinery (a blue chipper) was stolen from a property off Featherbed Lane, Hailsham around 1515 on the 4th May. A suspect white van/vehicle was seen along with two males who cut locks to an outbuilding to gain entry. Details of the stolen machinery has been passed to the Police and circulated on social media who continue to investigate lines of enquiry. (780 of 4/5 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 online on the Sussex Police website 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.

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.

Operation Downsway Patrols

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Last week we launched our Spring/Summer Operation Downsway campaign, which will see Police providing a high visibility presence across anti-social driving hot spots in and around the district.

Last weekend a number of deployments were out, including on the Ashdown Forest B2026, with officers from your Neighbourhood Policing Team conducting speed checks in the area.

We are still seeing too many distracted, dangerous, and inconsiderate drivers on our roads, one driver along this stretch was recorded at 64mph.

Those exceeding the limits during our checks will hear from us soon!

We know that we can't be everywhere, but we need those that disregard the law to understand that we could be anywhere.

Please continue to report anti-social driving and excess speeding to us at the time, either to 101 or online.

In an emergency always call 999.

Patrols and checks will continue this weekend, and throughout the Summer months under the campain.

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Witness Appeal Roads Policing

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We are appealing for witnesses or anyone with relevant dashcam footage to come forward after a collision involving a motorcycle an a car near Herstmonceux on Monday, April 18.

It happened at about 8.20pm on the A271 Hailsham Road, between the junctions with Old Road and Under Road.

A 48-year-old rider suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital where he remains.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or anyone with relevant footage of the vehicles in the area is asked to contact Sussex Police online or call 101 and quote Operation Jackdaw.

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An East Sussex man who was intercepted by our officers while carrying cocaine in his car with a potential value of up to £400,000, is now starting a six-year prison sentence

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Christopher Morris, 42, of Glessing Road, Stone Cross near Pevensey, was sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Monday 11 April, having previously admitted possession of four kilos of cocaine with intent to supply, and money laundering. Morris had just left his home on 15 December last year when he was stopped by officers from             the force's Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU) who focus on disrupting and enforcement operations on roads across the county, targeting those involved in serious, organised and violent crime.            

As they went to speak to Morris, who was alone in the car, they saw him turn behind him and on looking in the rear passenger footwell they found a bag containing two other bags, one with four one-kilo packs of cocaine with a potential street value of up to £400,000, and the other one with £40,000 cash.

At his home they found a further quantity of cocaine and several thousands pounds more cash. Morris claimed to be carrying the drugs and cash under duress for dealers, but was unable to produce any evidence to support this, and had no option but to admit his guilt. Our interest in Morris does not end with this sentencing.

Expert police financial investigators are planning for further court action against him under the Proceeds of Crime Act, aiming for court orders to confiscate assets he gained from drugs dealing. This is another example of colleagues working together to disrupt drugs supply in our communities.

To report suspicions about drug dealing in your local community, contact the police on 101 or visit us online here.

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Rural Crime Team (RCT) April Updates

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

Highlights:

Launch of the Sussex Rural Partnership Network - a partnership forum to tackle rural issues.

Heritage Watch update on historic assets and cultural property            

More than 50 vehicles stopped during a waste crime and metal theft operation.

Read the full updates online here.

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Rural Crime Team (RCT) Meeting

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Earlier this month your Rural Crime Team (RCT) met with the East Dean and Friston residents association in East Dean for a meeting on rural crime organised by the chair of the association.

Officers from the RCT spoke to a number of attendees, providing information and updates on rural crimes, who and how to report, and what work they have been doing recently in rural locations to tackle and deter criminality.

Our RCT are focused on heritage, wildlife, environmental & agricultural issues, and have been working recently with local farmers during lambing season, highlighting risks and warning dog owners of the consequences of livesstock worrying; as well as raising awareness of the use of CCTV around their farms the help deter criminals.

Criminals will balance risk with reward - the application of CCTV in and around farms and its entrances, in addition to expensive equipment being tucked out of sight, can create sufficient risk to make the reward unattractive to criminals.

Modern CCTV solutions are affordable and can operate in all light conditions. Every year, we are provided with hundreds of hours of CCTV and many criminals are caught in this way - please help us to help you by installing cameras where possible.

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ASB targeting patrols this weekend

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Remember you can call us between 15:00pm and 22:30pm on 07770700642 to report anti-social behaviour and youth disorder on a Friday and Saturday night.

Each weekend, additional officers head out on patrol in areas which have seen an increase in or reporting of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and youth related crime and disorder.

These areas are directed by your reports, please continue to use the contact number provided at weekends, and report ASB at the time it is happening.

ASB can have a lasting effect on local communities and often leads to more serious offences, such as theft and criminal damage - if you are experiencing issues of ASB in your towns or villages please report it to us at the time, all your reports help to plan these additional weekend patrols in areas which have been affected the most.

Outside of these times, please continue to report ASB online/101 for non-emergencies,             and to 999 at the time in an emergency/crime in action.

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Burglary Summary

During the afternoon of the 18th April, a property on Dover Road, Polegate was broken into. Unknown individual/s have smashed a rear window to gain entry. Cash and bank cards were targeted. Details of cards and any use have been passed to the police for investigation. (894 of 18/04 relates)

A lock up off the A272, Hadlow Down, was reported broken into on the 18th April. Over a period of 8 days unknown individual/s have smashed padlocks on the lock up to gain entry, electric power tools were stolen. (1235 of 18/04 relates)

In the small hours/early morning of the 18th April, a business address on Chiddingly Road, Horam, reported a break in, whereby unknown individual/s have removed secure fencing to the property to gain entry, once inside electrical items and tools were targeted. (573 of 21/04 relates)

Overnight on the 18-19th April, an attempted burglary occurred whereby a garage and vehicle on Wannock Lane, Wannock, had doors tried/opened. Fortunately, nothing was taken. (693 of 19/04 relates)

In the small hours of the 19th April, a slim male in dark clothing was seen on CCTV entering a vehicle parked on Southfield, Polegate. Although the vehicle was entered, fortunately nothing was taken. (326 of 19/04 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.

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.