Local News

Appeal following collision

We are appealing for witnesses following a collision involving a car and two pedestrians in Crowborough Hill. The incident happened at 8.35am on February 2 at a crossing near the junction with Farningham Road in Crowborough.

Two teenagers were walking at the time, and one suffered serious injuries as a result of the collision, but is expected to make a good recovery.

PC Rob Elshof, investigating, said: “We are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information such as CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward. “Please call 101 or report online and quote serial 200 of 02/02.”

‍

Operation Atlanta rural crime patrols

‍

Late night patrols in areas across North Wealden continue this week following recent reports of stolen motor vehicles across the border in Kent.

If you spot anything suspicious, or perhaps notice vehicles/persons acting in a suspicious manner, or looking around in areas they shouldn't be; particularity around more rural locations, report your suspicions to us online or by calling 101 at the time.            

Always call 999 in an emergency/crime in action.

‍

‍

Working to keep people safe during the night-time economy

Protecting women and girls from violence and crime, particularly during the night-time economy, is a key priority for police in Sussex.

In East Sussex, a scheme launched with a focus on keeping people safe during the night-time economy continues to grow, with additional initiatives being rolled out in recent weeks.

Project WAVE (Wellbeing And Vulnerability Engagement) was introduced at the end of 2021 and saw dedicated teams covering Hastings, Eastbourne, Rother, Lewes and Wealden districts on Friday and Saturday nights. The patrols focus on areas where people have reported feeling unsafe using the StreetSafe app.

‍

The force has now rolled out dedicated Project WAVE cars with livery highlighting Ask For Angela - a national initiative encouraging women to 'ask for Angela' at bars, clubs and other licensed premises if they're feeling unsafe, vulnerable or threatened. The venue's staff would then look to support by reuniting them with friends, seeing them to a taxi or calling security and/or police.

Chief Superintendent Katy Woolford, divisional commander for East Sussex, said: "Ask for Angela is a discrete way for women to get help if they are feeling unsafe while on a night out, and we were keen to help raise awareness of this initiative by highlighting the information on some of our police cars.

"In doing so, it also helps women and girls identify our dedicated Project WAVE cars. These are cars specifically out patrolling areas where people have reported feeling unsafe in our communities, with officers ready and willing to engage with people who may be feeling vulnerable while out and about in the town centres.

"Our Project WAVE cars also carry personal attack alarms which are handed out by officers to women during the night-time economy. On a weekend earlier this month, more than 100 alarms were given out to women in Eastbourne.

"Everyone has a right to be safe and feel safe, and we are absolutely committed to listening to people's concerns and doing all we can to protect them."

As well as the Project WAVE cars, officers are out on foot patrols in identified hotspot locations engaging with the public and licensed premises. This includes officers in plain clothes deployed to specifically look out for, identify and challenge suspicious or concerning behaviour.

Police in East Sussex are also rolling out additional vulnerability training to officers and staff, which will also be offered to all licensed premises in the area. The training will help those working during the night-time economy to better support women and girls and identify areas where steps can be taken to improve public safety.

Project WAVE patrols are part of the force's overall response to tackling violence against women and girls, where activity is based on regular analysis of local crime patterns and feedback from the public via the StreetSafe website.

On StreetSafe, anyone can tell the police anonymously about locations in the neighbourhood that make them feel unsafe. All the reports are analysed at a local level and action is taken to adapt patrol patterns, and to consult with local partners on issues such as street lighting and layout.

‍

‍

Sussex PCC, Katy Bourne said: “The public tell me they want every effort made so that women and girls can feel safe on our county’s streets, especially at night.

"Initiatives like Project WAVE and Ask For Angela and the work with licensed premises so that staff can identify vulnerability, should be supported and sustained.

"These programmes combined with the Safer Streets funding that was secured to improve physical security, such as installing CCTV and new street lighting, continue to make a difference to safety on Sussex’s streets.

"Whilst violence against women and girls is unfortunately prevalent, it is also preventable.

"We can also focus on proactive bystander intervention programmes to help men recognise sexual harassment, misogynistic behaviour and call out their peers to do the right thing.”

See here for more information on the work being done to tackle violence against women and girls in Sussex. To report a crime, contact police online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Sussex Police officers lead operation to tackle serious violence and knife crime

More than 100 officers from the force worked to proactively tackle serious violence and knife crime during a day of action across Sussex on Saturday (5 March).

A range of teams including the Specialist Enforcement Unit, Roads Policing Unit, Tactical Firearms Unit, the Tactical Enforcement Units, police dog unit, neighbourhood policing, new police recruits from our Divisional Coaching Units as well as new recruits from our volunteer Special Constables were involved. They worked collaboratively with officers from British Transport Police (BTP) and their Violent Task Force and Rail Enforcement Officers who supported the whole entire operation around the rail network and surrounding areas.

‍

‍

The high visibility activity part of Operation Safety – the force’s response to tackling knife crime and serious violence took place in Littlehampton, Worthing, Brighton, Eastbourne, Hastings and Hailsham and saw officers offering reassurance to the public and responding to spontaneous incidents.

They made 14 arrests for various offences including possession of an offensive weapon, attempted grievous bodily harm (GBH), possession with intent to supply drugs, possession of drugs, drink and drug driving and breach of court bails, seized 14 weapons, carried out numerous stop and searches and issued six community resolutions

‍

Some of the operational highlights were:

A youth was safeguarded and detained in custody following a vehicle stop where he was found in the passenger seat of a vehicle linked to drug dealing and a stabbing. He was found to had hidden a lock knife on his person.

The BTP Violent Task Force officers were working at Worthing railway station in plain clothes when they along with the Rail Enforcement Officers saw a group of youths attacking a man with a knife before they attempted to discard it in a bush. BTP along with Sussex officers detained a large number of youths at the station and             arrested one suspect for an attempted GBH. They also located another outstanding suspect who was also arrested for attempted GBH.

Officers searched a man in Eastbourne who was found to have a large kitchen knife tucked in his waistband with the handle wrapped with tape. He was arrested for possession of a bladed article. Later on there was another man wearing a balaclava walking through the shopping centre in the town. Despite the face, covering the staff recognised him as being a suspect for carrying a knife. He was intercepted, searched and arrested for being in breach of court bail conditions.

‍

‍

Detective Superintendent Stuart Hale said: "Sussex is a safe place to live, with knife incidents falling below the national average. However, knife crime can have devastating consequences and we are determined to take proactive action to prevent further lives being affected.

"Carrying a knife can change your life. Although some people may choose to carry one to feel safer, they are actually at far more risk of harm and face serious consequences if caught.

"As well as targeting offenders and disrupting criminal activity, our focus is raising awareness of the dangers of knife possession to prevent lives being impacted by knife crime. We work with partners including the local authorities, schools, public health and charities to engage with children and young people and divert them             away from knife crime.

"We all have a part to play in tackling knife crime and we encourage anyone with information or concerns to report it to us so we can take action."

As well as days of action, Sussex Police carries out proactive patrols, carries out educational outreach in schools and among local communities, works with Border Force to prevent knives from being imported, ensures local businesses are aware of Challenge 25 policies, and works to target prolific offenders.

What should I do if I’m worried about knife crime?

If you are under 18, you feel threatened, unsafe or scared about becoming a victim of knife crime you should try to talk with your parent or carer, or alternatively talk to Childline for help on 0800 1111 or go online at childline.org.uk

Operation Blitz - ASB targeting patrols

Call us between 15:00pm and 22:30pm on 07770 700642 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.            

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

A number of high value tools, various machinery and a vehicle were stolen from a unit at an industrial estate off North Street, Hellingly, Hailsham overnight on the 15th March. CCTV which has been passed to the police for investigation shows a white transit style van approach the area, with 2 unknown males inside. It appears the             males have then cut into the walls of the units to gain entry. Details of the suspect vehicle have been passed to the police to investigate any lines of enquiry. (155 of 16/03 relates)

There have been no further reported burglaries this week.

‍

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.

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.

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

‍
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.

‍
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

‍
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.

‍

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:

Facebook

Twitter

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.