Local News

Friday 22nd December 2023

(This will be the last alert until the New Year)

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Wealden Police

Wishing all of our residents and followers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We're here for you over the Christmas period if you need to contact us:

💻 www.sussex.police.uk for all non-urgent crime reporting, advice and support.

☎️ 101 or 999.

Use 101 in a non-emergency situation, if a crime has already taken place.

Call 999 in an emergency situation where a crime is taking place, there is threat to life/property or you or someone else are in immediate danger.

Further support over Christmas.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline 📞 0808 2000 247

Samaritans 📞 116 123

Child Line 📞 0800 1111

NHS non-emergency 📞 111

Crime Stoppers 📞 0800 555 111

Business crime awareness week

During business crime awareness week 2023 officers have been giving extra patrols to your high streets, retail parks and shopping areas to raise awareness of all things business crime related.

In Uckfield yesterday Officers were on patrol to speak to Christmas shoppers about keeping themselves and their shopping safe from theft, and stopping in on our local business owners to share with them the latest crimes going around, as well as what actions we are taking, and what they can do to safeguard against business crime this Christmas.

Today our business crime awareness week patrols will be heading to Crowborough – in addition to crime updates and prevention tools/advice, officers will be looking for new businesses to join the Wealden DISC App available to all businesses in the area.

If you are a business in the area and wish to find out more about DISC please visit: Business crime | Sussex Police

Local Officer awarded with Chief’s Commendation

Meet Police Constable Ben Barnatt, who was given a Chief’s Commendation earlier this month.

PC Barnatt carried out a brave and tenacious act in arresting two masked men who broke into a property in Hailsham.

They held a knife to the victim's throat and made threats of violence, demanding to know where the safe and cash were. They also threatened to kill the victim's dog.

The men made off on foot, but were quickly apprehended by PC Barnatt and PD Skye, who has sadly since passed away.

PC Barnatt recovered the knife from a jacket inside the stolen vehicle, which was on false plates and had been linked to other knife-related offences in the days leading up to the incident.

Both men were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, possession of a bladed article, and theft of a motor vehicle.

After receiving his award, PC Barnatt said: “It was an honour to receive this commendation from the Chief.

“To me, I was just doing my job, so to be recognised for it is lovely – and for Skye!”

The commendations marked the outstanding achievements of people from across policing, as well as members of the public who had stepped in to do the right thing.

Action Fraud Christmas fraud and scams

The 12 online frauds of Christmas campaign launched this Christmas by Action Fraud delivers key crime prevention messages, raise awareness of online fraud and ultimately allow people to protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud.

For anyone who has missed our shares in the lead up to Christmas, or would like a round-up of the scams and frauds being highlighted, residents can view an online PDF version of the top 12 frauds online here.

Drink/drug drive campaign - Operation Limit

Over 130 arrests already made following our crackdown on drink/drug driving which launched on the 1st December.

Op Limit sees officers across the district take to the roads of your towns and villages to conduct roadside checks to target drink and drug drivers this Christmas.

Find out more about these arrests, our campaign, and how we are asking the public to support us in reporting those who they know or believe to be getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs online here.

The Christmas crackdown on drink and drug drivers is a campaign which runs from December 1 to January 1.

This is in addition to the routine roads policing work carried out 365 days a year.

In keeping with previous campaigns, some of those convicted of drink and drug-driving will be identified on our website and social media channels as a deterrent.

If you believe someone to be about to take to the roads after consuming alcohol or drugs, call 999.

Operation Hope - Domestic abuse at Christmas

Domestic abuse can and does affect anyone, nationally, nearly half of male victims (49%) of domestic abuse don't tell anyone.

No one should suffer from domestic abuse - If you report to us, we will support you.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse in any form you can contact us online or by calling 101.

If you don't wish to speak with us, there are lots of agencies and support services for all victims, who can help.

You can find contact details online here.

In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger always call 999.

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Sussex and Surrey Police Fraud Newsletter October 2023

Dear residents,

Please find attached the latest Fraud Newsletter from your Sussex and Surrey Police Police Economic Crime Unit.

In this month’s edition, we focus on the digital switchover, online selling scams and sexual blackmail phishing.

Each month we see many incidents of fraudsters targeting our residents in an attempt to defraud them. We’re working hard to prevent this and support vulnerable victims of fraud or scams.  

By following our tips and encouraging family, friends and colleagues to do so too, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

T/Detective Chief Inspector Simon Doyle, Surrey Police & Sussex Police Economic Crime Unit

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Staying Safe In The Digital World

Sick of asking relatives or friends to help show you how to do something online, worried about cyber crime online? Then this training input could leave you feeling so experienced, others will be coming to you for tips!

We can help you feel confident using the internet no matter your age or prior experience with our Surrey & Sussex Police Cyber Crime Unit webinars.

We hope you will join us in this exciting opportunity to hear directly from the Cyber Protect Officer for Surrey Police and Sussex Police. Learn from the expert about the most common types of Cyber-Crime affecting people in your community, and how you can massively reduce your chance of being a victim.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions relating to Cyber Security at the end of each session.

For your convenience, your Surrey & Sussex Police Cyber Crime Unit will be hosting these webinars on the following dates – Just click the link below to register and be ready to join when the event starts.

You can join Microsoft Teams meetings as a guest if you don’t have an account.

16th October – 6PM-7PM – Cyber Security for Humans. Easy tips to stay safe in a Digital World. Tickets, Mon 16 Oct 2023 at 18:00 | Eventbrite

18th October – 1PM-2PM – Cyber Security for Humans. Easy tips to stay safe in a Digital World. Tickets, Wed 18 Oct 2023 at 13:00 | Eventbrite

20th October – 5PM-6PM – Cyber Security for Humans. Easy tips to stay safe in a Digital World. Tickets, Fri 20 Oct 2023 at 17:00 | Eventbrite

Unable to make the online events? View, save and share the latest (5th edition) of the Little Book Of Big Scams online here to help keep you and your loved ones safe from scam and fraud.

If you have been a victim of scam or fraud, report it to us online or by calling 101.

You can also report to CrimeStoppers and Action Fraud.

Five people have been arrested in connection with an investigation into money laundering and the supply of controlled drugs in East Sussex

On Thursday (28 September), police executed multiple warrants at residential and business properties in Polegate, Hailsham and Eastbourne.

Significant quantities of steroids and other prescription medication were found and seized.

Two steroid production facilities were uncovered – one concealed in a shipping container at an address in Hailsham Road, Polegate, and a second at a property in West Terrace, Eastbourne.

Officers also seized more than £300,000 in cash and a number of high-value items including a Lamborghini Urus and designer clothing.

A 42yo male, of Hailsham Road, Polegate was one of five people arrested on 28 September. He was subsequently charged with the production of anabolic steroids; possession with intent to supply a controlled Class C drug; being concerned in the supply of a Class C drug; and acquiring / using / possessing criminal property.

He appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (September 30) and has been remanded into custody to next appear before the court on October 30.

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Four other people were also arrested on the day of action. They are:

• A 39-year-old woman from Eastbourne arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of anabolic steroids; being concerned in the supply of a Class C drug; and acquiring / using / possessing criminal property.‍
• A 39-year-old man from Eastbourne arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of anabolic steroids; possession with intent to supply a Class C drug; and acquiring / using / possessing criminal property.
• A 39-year-old woman from Eastbourne arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply a Class C drug; possession of a Class B drug; and concealing / disguising / converting / transferring / removing criminal property.
• A 38-year-old man from Hailsham arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of anabolic steroids; possession with intent to supply a Class C drug; and acquiring / using / possessing criminal property

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All four have been released on conditional bail while the investigation is ongoing.

Multiple policing teams were involved in the planning and execution of the warrants, including officers from the Tactical Enforcement Unit and Specialist Enforcement Unit, Digital Investigation Support Unit, Economic Crime Unit, and Community Investigations Team.

Anyone who has any information which they believe may assist with the police enquiries is asked to report online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Law.

Alternatively, information can be supplied anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Out and about this week

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In addition to a number of patrols and street meetings this week, Officers from your Crowborough Neighbourhood Policing Team attended Buxted Scout Hut to meet with the Squirrels.

Officers met with youngsters and Squirrel leaders for a morning of fun and safety advice; from keeping themselves safe and looking out for their peers, to what to do in an emergency situation.

Everyone had a great time and enjoyed trying out the Police car and asking Officers lots of questions, thank you so much for having us along on Saturday – we hope you all had a wonderful weekend, have a great week and stay safe gang.

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Road safety checks this week

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Officers carried out speed checks this week as part of our continued focus on anti-social driving behaviours.

During a 40 minute period in Dittons Road, Stone Cross we recorded one traffic offence report with a vehicle identified by the use of speed gun at 53MPH in a 40MPH area. We also gave words of advice to two drivers for doing over 40MPH but under 50MPH.

In South Road, Hailsham over a period of 35 minutes we issued one traffic offence repor to the driver of a vehicle identified by the use of speed gun at 41MPH in a 30MPH area and gave words of advice to another for doing over 30MPH but under 40MPH.

Operation Crackdown is an initiative run by Sussex Safer Roads Partnership, which gives the communities of Sussex an opportunity to report specific instances of anti-social driving, as well as abandoned vehicles on the road.

Your reports help give us an oversight of when and where anti-social driving incidents in Sussex are taking place.

Find out more online here.

Thank you for helping us keep Sussex roads safe.

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Operation Scarecrow

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On Saturday and Sunday of last week your Crowborough Neighbourhood Policing Team carried out two days of action across the Wealden district, to give public reassurance and crime prevention advice as the dark evenings start to roll in.

Officers held street meetings in both Crowborough, and Forest Row on Saturday, where we were joined by lots of locals queuing up to see us; we spoke about a range of topics, including ASB in the area, as well as offering both advice and tools for residents to help protect their homes in the coming months, as well as relaying the importance of reporting incidents at the time to Police.

As well as meeting locals, a number of Counsellors joined us, and lots of youngsters who were all thrilled to have a go at sitting in the Police car.

On Sunday Officers parked up in both Uckfield and Maresfield in the local Tesco as well as surrounding playing fields.

Officers again spoke with a number of residents, offering advice on home security, and giving out literature on ‘top tips’ to follow to help residents protect their property through the Autumn and Winter months.

Simple reminders such a remembering to lock doors, check windows on both internal and external areas of your property keeping an out for damaged or locks that need replacing can quickly identify areas where potential burglars could enter your home.

Residents had the opportunity to relay any current issues to Officers, including recent road related problems and reports of ASB in the area.

As we head into the Autumn/Winter months, we continue to encourage residents to review their home security, as well as share any advice and tips with both family and friends to help keep each other safe.

A library of crime prevention advice, tools and support can be found on our Sussex Police website here.

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Arrests this week

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In addition to arrests elsewhere on the district, proactive Police patrols and public reporting have already lead to a number of arrests in Crowborough this week.

Following your reports, and patrols from Police two youngsters in the area of Pocket Park Crowborough were arrested earlier this week for drug related offences, with a further arrest made later in the week for an assault in the town following calls to a domestic matter.

In addition to arrests, Officers from your Crowborough Neighbourhood Policing Team caught up with a group of youngsters causing anti-social behaviour at a local supermarket thanks to reports from the store via the Wealden DISC App.

Both drug and ASB related matters can have a significant impact on local communities, and we are committed to continued targeted patrols in areas reported by residents, and areas which seen an increase in ASB or crime.

As we head into the weekend, the welfare and safety of our communities remains a top priority; if you are out and about and see or hear anything we need to know about, please report it at the time.

Remember each Friday and Saturday evenings from 6pm and midnight residents can call Officers directly on 07770 700642 to report any anti-social behaviour or youth related disorder as part of our continued ‘Operation Blitz’ ASB targeting patrols conducted across the district in addition to regular patrols throughout the week.

Outside of these times, please call 101 or report online for all non-emergencies, and always by calling 999 in an emergency/crime in action.

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Halloween Crime Prevention Advice

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Halloween has become an increasingly popular celebration over the past few years for children, families and young people especially, but it is important not to have fun at the expense of others.

To make it easy to see who’s welcoming of trick and treaters and who doesn’t wish to be disturbed, we have produced trick or treat posters. Residents are advised to continue to be vigilant when opening the door to strangers or unexpected callers.  

One way to deter unwanted trick or treaters on 31 October is to print and display the 'no trick or treaters' poster which you can find and print up online here.

Physical copies can also be obtained from your local Police Station.

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Further advice to residents:

Don’t open your door if you’re unsure who is there. Use your spyhole, look out of a window, and use your door chain if you do decide to open your door.

Have a contact number of a close relative or good neighbour to hand by your telephone, just in case you need to phone them.

If you are part of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, let your coordinator know that you will be on your own at Hallowe’en.  

If you are a coordinator, please identity people in your scheme that may be vulnerable and offer them reassurance.

If you are driving on the evening of the 31st, remember that excited children may be crossing the road unexpectedly, so slow down in residential areas and take extra care.

There will be increased patrols this Hallowe’en to deter any anti-social behaviour; officers will be quick to disperse groups of people who are found to be causing a nuisance. Sussex Police will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour at any time of the year.