Local News

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year

Please be advised there will be no weekly alerts published on Friday 24th, and Friday 31st, the next alert will be the 7th January 2022.

Christmas is a time for giving…but sadly for taking, too!

We’re working hard over Christmas to keep you and your family safe, but here are a few simple steps you can take to protect your home, presents and loved ones this festive season.

When you are out shopping please remember:

-Keep valuables in inside coat pockets or internal zips in bags to prevent pickpockets
-Only carry the cash you need, do not carry large amounts with you
-Avoid going back to your car to drop off presents part way through your trip, if you do keep presents in the car ensure they are well out of sight and the car/boot is locked

If you’re out in the evening:
-Never leave your valuables unattended in public areas
-Avoid walking home alone in the dark, and never with someone that you do not know
-Drink responsibly, never drink and drive, arrange for a taxi or a designated driver for the evening

When you are at home:
-Don’t leave presents under your Christmas tree if they are visible from windows or doors
-Never keep large amounts of cash at home
-Check you have adequate home insurance to cover high value items
-Make sure your home looks occupied, leave a light on or a timer light or radio playing

After Christmas:
- Avoid becoming an easy target for post-holiday burglars/robbers by not leaving boxes for new electronics and other items outside your bins; break down boxes, and remove labels before putting inside a recycling bin
-Register your newly gifted items with your home insurance provider and with property registering websites - if your valuables are stolen it will allow you to tell the police, your insurer and second-hand traders to assist in recovering your property and catch the thieves

Witness appeal after pedestrian seriously injured in Hailsham collision

Wealden Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Hailsham on Wednesday (December 15) in which a pedestrian was seriously injured.

Officers discovered the 18-year-old local man in Battle Road shortly after midnight, having been hit by an unknown vehicle which failed to stop.

He was taken to hospital with serious injuries, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

Police would like to speak to anybody who witnessed the collision or has any information or relevant dashcam footage that could help with the investigation.

Please contact police via mailto:collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk?subject=0002%20of%2015%2F12, quoting serial 0002 of 15/12.

Our winter crackdown on drink  and drug-drivers continues

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Motorists are being warned that there are no excuses for drink or drug-driving as police launch an annual Christmas crackdown this month (from 1st December).

Drink and drug-driving is one of the most common causes of collisions which result in death or serious injury on our roads.

But hundreds of drivers in Sussex continue to be arrested each month, and give a variety of excuses for being over the limit behind the wheel.

Some of the most common include those who believe they are still fit to drive the morning after a night out, motorists who believe they will not cause harm because they are only travelling a short distance, and motorists who claim they felt “fine to drive”.

It is also the time of year when people are likely to go out socialising with their loved ones, friends or colleagues, but then make the mistake of not making adequate plans to get home safely after their night out.

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This week various checks have been conducted at locations across the Wealden district - a small number of drivers this week have failed either a roadside breath test, or drug swipe, and have been arrested.

Throughout the month at varying times, Sussex Police will have officers dedicated to preventing and detecting incidents of drink and drug-driving. (this is in addition to the routine roads policing work carried out 365 days a year).

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In keeping with previous campaigns, anyone arrested during this period and convicted will be identified on our website and social media channels as a deterrent.

The campaign is being supported by the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, and you can read more about Operation Dragonfly here.

Rural Crime Team December Update

Read our new Rural Crime Team Monthly Update online today. Including updates around our partnership work with Kent Police and more by clicking here.

Roads Policing Team December Update

Read the latest update from our Roads Policing Unit online by clicking here.

Including updates on community speed watch checks this month, and more...

Please continue to report driving offences to us at the time, either online, or to our Operation Crackdown Team - Your reports help Sussex Police to continue reducing casualties on the roads and making them a safer place for all road users.

Operation Blitz - ASB targeting patrols

Additional ASB targeting patrols tonight and tomorrow between 15:00pm and 22:30pm tackling ASB in your towns.

Call 07770 700642 to report anti-social behaviour (ASB) directly to officers out in the town centres, and local parks.

Outside of these time, please continue to report ASB online or to 101 - in an emergency/crime in action always call 999.

Each week teams made up of both PCs and PCSOs take to the streets on additional patrols to areas reported by your communities as having seen an increase in ASB and youth related crime and disorder.

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.

Burglary Summary

A shed was broken into overnight on the 10-11th December at a property on St Johns Road, Crowborough. Unknown individual/s have cut padlocks to the shed to gain entry, an electric strimmer was stolen from inside. (494 of 12/12)

Suspects were scared off from a property off Jevington Road, Filching around 6pm on the 12th December.  Unknown individual/s have begun loading items including power tools and farm vehicles into a van at the address. Fortunately the individual/s were frightened off after being seen by persons at the address. An area search was conducted by Police but no suspects were found. (850 of 12/12)

An attempted burglary was report by a business address on London Road, Crowborough around midnight on the 14th December. Owners were alerted via remote alarms, and on inspection of the property found that doors had been damage whereby unknown individual/s have attempted to force open using unknown tools. (0045 of 13/12)

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.

Sussex Police and Action Fraud scam watch December

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As we head into the Festive Period, we are raising awareness of a number of Festive scams you should be aware of; including delivery scams, and online shopping fraud in the lead up to Christmas, find out more and how to keep you and your loved ones safe this Christmas by clicking here.

Help us keep Sussex safe

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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.

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Appeal to locate Land Rover driver following collision in East Sussex

Police are appealing for witnesses after a motorcyclist was seriously injured in a collision on the A21 near the village of Whatlington in East Sussex.

The collision involving a Land Rover was reported shortly before 4pm on Saturday, December 4 at the junction with Whatlington Road.

Paramedics and the air ambulance were called to the scene to help the motorcyclist who has suffered serious injuries.

The other vehicle, described as a grey or-dark coloured Land Rover left the scene, and was damaged to the front.

It is believed to have been travelling southbound on the A21 and to have left the area via Stream Lane towards Sedlescombe.

Officers from Sussex Roads Policing Unit (RPU) are appealing for information to locate the Land Rover and the driver.

They want any vehicle repair garages in East Sussex to contact the police if a damaged Land Rover is brought in.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to email mailto:collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk?subject=921%20of%2022%2F11 or call 101 quoting serial number 806 of 04/12

Motorcyclist seriously injured in A22 crash

Police are seeking witnesses after a motor-cyclist was seriously injured in crash on A22.

At 12.45pm on Friday 3 December a van and a motor-cycle collided on the A22 Lewes Rd, south of East Grinstead, near Ashurst Wood.

The 35-year-old man riding the black & green Sinnis Apache motorcycle sustained serious leg injuries and was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where he is still receiving treatment.

The woman driving the white Ford Transit was shaken but unhurt.

PC Nicholas Smith of the Surrey & Sussex Police Roads Policing Unit said; "Anyone who saw what happened is asked to contact Sussex Police either via email collision.appeal@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting quoting Operation Vine

Residents urged to be vigilant following spate of burglaries in East Sussex

Police in East Sussex are urging people to be vigilant following a spate of high-value thefts.

Between October 15 and November 25, officers have seen a number of burglaries at properties in rural areas of Wealden, Hastings, Lewes and Rother including Mayfield, Burwash, Etchingham, Wivelsfield and Robertsbridge.

In each case, force has been used to gain entry to the rear of the properties and items such as jewellery, silver and antique valuables have been targeted.

Chief Inspector Di Lewis, district commander for Eastbourne and Lewes, said: "With Christmas just around the corner, we're urging people to be vigilant and to take steps to protect their homes and their valuable possessions.

"Having your home burgled can be one of the most upsetting crimes, with significant emotional and financial impact.

"We continue to patrol our rural communities to identify and deter any criminal behaviour, and we encourage people to get in touch if they see or become aware of any suspicious behaviour."

Residents can protect their properties by installing alarms and checking windows and doors for any insecurities, and fixing as appropriate.

If you are the owner of high-value items, please ensure they are registered with your home/contents insurance and keep them safely locked away and out of sight.

Particularly during the festive season, people are urged to keep wrapped presents or shopping bags out of view of windows and to dispose of packaging discretely so as not to highlight the expensive products you may have in your home.

Other crime prevention advice and tips on protecting your property can be found on the Sussex Police website here.

Officers investigating the recent burglaries in East Sussex believe the suspects have used panel vans or pick-up style vehicles to commit the offences.

If anyone has witnessed any suspicious behaviour in their area, or may have captured any suspicious vehicles on dash cam, doorbell or CCTV footage, they are urged to get in touch with police online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Police launch winter crackdown on drink and drug-drivers

Motorists are being warned that there are no excuses for drink or drug-driving as police launch an annual Christmas crackdown this month (from 1st December).

Drink and drug-driving is one of the most common causes of collisions which result in death or serious injury on our roads.

But hundreds of drivers in Sussex continue to be arrested each month, and give a variety of excuses for being over the limit behind the wheel.

Some of the most common include those who believe they are still fit to drive the morning after a night out, motorists who believe they will not cause harm because they are only travelling a short distance, and motorists who claim they felt “fine to drive”.

It is also the time of year when people are likely to go out socialising with their loved ones, friends or colleagues, but then make the mistake of not making adequate plans to get home safely after their night out.

Throughout the month at varying times, Sussex Police will have officers dedicated to preventing and detecting incidents of drink and drug-driving. (this is in addition to the routine roads policing work carried out 365 days a year).

This week a number of checks for drivers driving whilst under the influence of alcohol of drugs have been conducted across the district, including in Uckfield and the Ashdown Forest area.

If you know someone is driving while over the limit or after taking drugs, call 999.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In keeping with previous campaigns, anyone arrested during this period and convicted will be identified on our website and social media channels as a deterrent.

The campaign is being supported by the Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, and you can read more about Operation Dragonfly here.

Operation Blitz ASB patrols are changing...

Last month we made changes the way we work Operation Blitz and the times we patrol to make it more relevant and appropriate for the current climate and crime trends.

What hasn't changed is the way you can report anti-social behaviour and youth disorder on a Friday and Saturday night.

Residents can continue to speak directly to officers, but between the new times of 15:00pm and 22:30pm on 07770 700642.

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.

Burglary Summary

Overnight on the 2nd a garage off Coppice Avenue, Willingdon reported an attempted break in. Nothing was stolen but damage was caused to garage door in an attempt to gain entry.

A pharmacy off Mimram Road, Stone Cross was broken into late evening on the 4th December. Unknown individual/s have smashed a glass window in an attempt to gain entry, alarms have sounded which has possibly scared off the offender. Nothing was stolen.

A commercial property off Dittons Road, Polegate reported an overnight break in on the 7th December. Unknown individual/s have gained entry to the compound over fences to commit offences. Metal cabling and tools were stolen. Investigations are ongoing.

Unknown individual/s have gained entry as a trespasser/s to a property off Alfriston Road, Alfriston during the daytime of the 8th December. Unknown individual/s have forced entry to a garage and stolen a motorbike and motorcycle clothing.

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.

Sussex Police and Action Fraud scam watch December

As we head into the Festive Period, we are raising awareness of a number of Festive scams you should be aware of; including delivery scams, and online shopping fraud in the lead up to Christmas, find out more and how to keep you and your loved ones safe this Christmas by clicking here.

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.

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, as well as details of your local PCSOs and your local Neighbourhood Policing Teams online here.

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

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A property off Church Street, Willingdon, was broken into late afternoon/early evening on the 3rd November. Owners have reported returning home to find a rear door had been forced open with an unknown tool. Computer games and jewellery was targeted. Attending officers are conducting house to house and CCTV enquiries.

This week we launched our autumn burglary campaign, sharing crime prevention advice on how to protect your homes and outbuildings as we approach the clocks going back this weekend.

With longer nights drawing in, we want residents to think about the hidden security risks around their homes, and make it more difficult for opportunist burglary.

Sussex remains a safe place to live and work. Our burglary solved rate has increased over the last few months and we continue to concentrate our efforts to catch criminals and protect our communities from this crime type.

Sussex Police is committed to reducing burglary in Sussex and catch those response. Recently, officers stopped a cloned white Citroen van on suspicion of being linked to multiple burglaries across Sussex. Officers found number of stolen tools, power tools and assorted gardening equipment. Two men were subsequently arrested.

Chief Inspector Alasdair Henry, said: “Having your property burgled can be one of the most upsetting and destructive crimes to occur and we are committed to do all we can to reduce this crime and catch those responsible.

“Sussex is a safe county and suffers from relatively low levels of burglary and we intend to work to continue to make our county an inhospitable place for burglars to operate.”

To protect your property, you can find practical prevention tips on the Sussex Police website to:

• Protect your home including information on door and window locks
• Keep burglars out of your property
• Keep your shed or garage safe and secure
• Access to all information on protecting your home from crime.

Find burglary crime prevention advice here.‍

There are also other ways to protect your personal belongings by using property marking. Register your belongings on the free Immobilise national property register. It only takes a few minutes and increases the chances of being reunited with your property if it is stolen. Find out more on their website here.