Local News
Sussex Alerts - Wealden Police
Arrests
Another busy week for our officers, making a total of 19 arrests across the district last week.
We arrested 8 individuals for assault across Hailsham, Uckfield, Hartfield, Polegate and Wadhurst. One of which was assault of an emergency worker.
3 drivers were arrested in Uckfield and Jarvis Brook - 2 for drink driving and 1 for drug driving.
Other offences included theft, criminal damage and recall to prison.
Officers were called to a report of suspicious activity.
A male had been seen around Regency Close, Uckfield, behaving suspiciously and taking items from a skip.
Upon arrival, officers detained and searched the male, who was subsequently arrested on suspicion of theft and possession of an offensive weapon.
The stolen items were recovered, and a community resolution was completed.
Also - one of our officers had noticed a distinctive smell, and decided to check it out...
On Sunday the 9th March, two officers decided to investigate the smell whilst on foot patrol - leading them to the discovery of a cannabis farm in Hailsham.
We arrested 3 individuals at the scene, who have since been released on bail whilst investigations continue.
As always - we are urging anyone with information to call us on 101, or make a report online.
Fraud Prevention Talks!
We take fraud seriously here in Wealden.
Being educated is a great way to prevent falling victim to fraud, so we often share crime prevention advice through community talks and meetings.
PCSOs Tay, Park, Thompson and Wood joined over 40 members at Oasis in Crowborough to share information and discuss various ways to keep the community safe from scammers.
We encourage members of the public to continue to report incidents to Action Fraud or via 101 for police non-emergencies. Help us stop scammers in their tracks!
If you or someone you know would benefit from a talk similar, please get in contact.
Officers of the future!
On Wednesday 12th March, we attended the Uckfield College Careers Fair, and spent the day meeting and speaking to many future Police Officers!
We find it so rewarding being able to share with students our first hand knowledge of working for Sussex Police, and love hearing how dedicated some students are to join the force one day.
Of course the handcuffs came out - something highly requested at these events!
Thanks for having us, and thanks to Knockhatch Adventure Park for trusting PC Dudley with the dinosaur!
Dog theft awareness day
Today (14th) is Dog Theft Awareness Day
Instances of reported dog theft in Sussex are thankfully rare and with sensible precautions, the chances of your dog being stolen are extremely low.
However, we do advise the public to take preventative measures to ensure your dogs safety, which can be found here. Preventing dog theft | Sussex Police
If you believe your dog has been stolen or you have concerns about suspicious behaviour, report it to us online or by calling 101.
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 are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.
Sussex Alerts - Wealden Police
Arrests
There were 22 arrests made across the Wealden district last week for various offences.
There were 6 individuals arrested for assault in Crowborough, Uckfield, Polegate and Forest Row.
1 driver was arrested for being behind the wheel whilst disqualified, another for drink driving, and 3 for drug driving.
Other offences included theft of a motor vehicle and GBH.
Officers will continue their patrols this week, and keep the safety of our communities at top priority.
Appeal
Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a serious collision near Uckfield.
Emergency services attended the scene of a head-on collision involving two vehicles on the A26 at Herons Ghyll at about 2.45pm on February 5.
The collision involved the driver of a white Hyundai I10, and the driver of a blue Hyundai Ioniq.
The driver of the I10, a 25-year-old local woman, was taken to hospital with serious injuries, where she remains.
The driver of the Ioniq, a 64-year-old local man, sustained minor injuries.
Officers are investigating the circumstances of the collision, and want anyone with information to come forward.
In particular, witnesses, or anyone with relevant CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage of the collision or the vehicles in the area at the time are asked to report it to us.
Information can be reported on the Sussex Police website or by emailing: collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk and quote Operation Clearwater.
Vehicle Theft
Police are aware of a small number of criminal incidents around the Withyham and Hartfield area in the last few days potentially involving unknown males on a quad bike.
Reports have been received of both vehicle theft and damage.
As such Wealden Police will be conducting a number of additional patrols in the area to offer reassurance and conduct enquiries in the area, we encourage and ask anyone with either information or if you too have been a victim of damage or theft to report to police online or by calling 101.
Hailsham Youth Centre
PCSO Whitaker spent some time at the Hailsham Youth Club last week to see how the club was getting on.
It was a great chance to catch up with some of the youngsters, strengthening the bond between the younger community and the police (and not to mention, losing at air-hockey!)
The Youth Club is open to ages 11-17, regardless of background, gender or culture. The club is a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment and there's always lots going on!
You can find regular updates for the club, including opening times and activities, via their Facebook page linked here > (10) Facebook
Protecting your property
CCTV can be a very valuable tool when it comes to keeping your property safe.
Whilst it doesn't prevent a crime being committed, there are still many benefits to using CCTV to protect your home and valuables.
• CCTV linked to a smartphone will alert you to someone crossing your boundary.
• Some cameras work by day and by night, and record when they detect movement.
• Some can be remotely viewed from a smartphone, and allow you to easily download the footage. This is particularly handy in assisting an investigation!
There is legislation for home CCTV use, so always seek advice from an accredited installer first to ensure your system complies with the law.
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 are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.
Message Sent By
Ria Robertson
(Police, District Engagement Officer, Neighbourhood Policing Team)
Sussex Alerts - Wealden Police
Op Hope
#OpHope - supporting all victims of domestic abuse and violence this Christmas.
Statistics sadly show that incidents of domestic abuse tend to rise over the Christmas period, highlighting the importance of proactive engagement with both high-risk victims and offenders.
Over the coming weeks, officers and specialist support workers will be carrying out discreet safeguarding visits to individuals identified as being at high risk of domestic abuse across Sussex, as we intensify efforts to protect victims of domestic abuse during a time when they are often at their most vulnerable.
Anyone in need of support or advice, please report to us online or by calling 101.
In an emergency or if you or someone you know is in immediate danger always call 999.
If calling 999 and unable to speak, pressing 55 will connect callers to the police automatically.
12 Frauds of Christmas
People celebrating this festive season are being encouraged to have a fraud free xmas and stay alert to fraudsters taking advantage of the time of year, as Action Fraud reveal the 12 frauds of Christmas.
Wealden Cadets
Congratulations to the Wealden Cadets team and leaders PC Ian Codling and PC Aaron Gasson.
On Thursday, (December 5), Wealden Volunteer Police Cadets were celebrated at the Lord Ferrers Awards in London, taking home the Volunteer Police Cadet Team Award for their inspiring work addressing Violence Against Women and Girls.
They developed an innovative initiative in rural Wealden schools, ensuring Year 11 students received vital education and resources to promote safety and awareness.
Find out more http://spkl.io/6181fwzwz
This is just one of the many accomplishments for the Cadets in 2024.
We are so lucky to have so many great volunteers of all ages, who give up their own time to make a real difference in their communities.
Speed Watch
In a rush? That's no excuse to speed.
This week, PC Roberts and PCSO Tilbury have been out in East Dean to carry out crucial speed watch, following reports made from the public.
We are pleased to report that no one was caught driving over the speed limit, and all drivers seen were driving responsibly.
Do you know of an area prone to speeding? We want to hear about it. Please get in touch with us here to make a report 👉 spkl.io/6918
Operation Limit
There really is no excuse for driving whilst under the influence of either drink or drugs; it can, and does cost lives.
Last year during our month-long campaign over 500 people were arrested across Sussex for driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
This year's campaign is no different, with increased drug testing of motorists on our roads, and additional patrols in place as part of the nationwide campaign to tackle drink and drug driving.
The focus on drug-driving this year follows a rise in the number of drug-driving offences detected across the country, and officers will also be continuing their efforts to catch drink-drivers as well.
Help us protect communities this Christmas, if you know someone who is driving under the influence of drink or drugs, please call 999.
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 are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.
Sussex Alerts - Wealden Police
Arrests
Last week saw 8 arrests made across the Wealden district.
Offences included assault, drink-driving, and threats with an offensive weapon.
Three men have been arrested in connection with a tool theft series in Sussex.
Officers stopped a vehicle on November 19 in Wiltshire in connection with the investigation.
Three men in their 20s were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal from motor vehicles between September and November.
Detective Chief Inspector, Pauline Lane said,
“Following an increased number of reports of vehicle break-ins and tool thefts in Sussex, enhanced patrols are being conducted across the county.
“We are steadfast in our commitment to holding those found responsible accountable, and ask that if you believe your vehicle has been targeted, or if you have information to report, you contact police immediately.”
Hellingly ASB
Following reports of youth anti-social behaviour in Hellingly, officers have been handing out Acceptable Behaviour Contracts to those involved.
Acceptable Behaviour Contracts are voluntary agreements made between the people involved in anti-social behaviour and the local police (although this can involve other agencies, too).
We urge you to continue reporting all types of anti-social behaviour to us by contacting us online or by phoning 101.
Burglary appeal
We're investigating a burglary which is reported to have occurred at an address in Riverside, Blackboys, some time between 17 September and 1 October.
A secured outbuilding was forced open, and items including a Westwood T80 ride-on lawnmower, a red Honda TRX quad bike, a Stihl BG86 leaf blower and a Stihl FS56 grass trimmer were stolen.
Our enquiries are ongoing, and anyone with any information about the incident – or anyone who has seen either of these items listed or offered for sale – is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting crime reference 47240192160.
http://spkl.io/6188fX6zQ
Wanted
We are seeking to locate Carl Bond who is wanted on suspicion of harassment in East Sussex.
The 34-year-old, of no fixed address, has links to the Wealden area, Hailsham and Eastbourne.
Anyone who sees him or knows his whereabouts is asked to report it to Sussex Police.
Information can be reported to us online or by calling 999 and quoting serial 1038 of 15/06.
Alternatively, contact CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Christmas lights!
Early for some, but not for all!
Last week, PCSO Jackson and PCSO Choppin attended the turning on of the Christmas lights in Heathfield.
The festivities were enjoyed by all - including seeing Santa, carol singers and a few festive stalls. It was another great opportunity to engage with our local community, offer help and support to those who needed it, and provide crucial crime prevention advice.
Despite the weather being cold (but dry!), everyone was in high spirits!
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 are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.
