Local Crime

Arrests

There were 20 arrests made in total throughout Wealden last week.

We arrested an individual for theft of a motor vehicle in Herstmonceux.

A drink driver was arrested in Heathfield.

Six individuals were arrested for assault in Crowborough, Buxted, Willingdon, Polegate and Pevensey Bay.

Other offences included being in possession of an offensive weapon in public, breaking bail conditions and failing to appear at court.

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Operation Downsway

We continue to conduct road safety checks and patrols of your roads as part of our Op Downsway Summer activities.

Whilst on a patrol earlier this week on the roads around Uckfield, officers were alert to a vehicle driving with a tyre defect.

After being safely stopped just outside Uckfield and spoken to, it was quickly apparent the vehicles tyre was flat; after speaking to the driver and conducting further checks, it also transpired the driver held no insurance and was also disqualified from driving!

As a result the vehicle was seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act, and the driver will now be summonsed to Court for the offences of no insurance and driving whilst disqualified.

Drivers are reminded of their responsibility to not only ensure their vehicle is road safe, but also that all documents are in order; continued patrols and stop checks will continue throughout the Summer months as part of commitment to keeping the roads of Sussex safe for all road users.

Our officers have also been out conducting regular speed checks this week in response to concerns from residents.

Speed contributes to more than half of all fatal collisions on our roads, and on average kills or injures 137 young people a week. This includes collisions where the driver was within the speed limit but driving too fast for the road conditions.

Yes, we're still out catching criminals - policing comes in many different forms, and keeping our roads safe is one of our many priorities.

We aim to act as a deterrent, ensuring that drivers are following the speed limit in areas that are prone to speeding, as well as:

- Reduce death and injury on the roads.

- Improve the quality of life for local communities.

- Increase public awareness of inappropriate speed.

You can also report ASB driving via Operation Crackdown here: https://orlo.uk/bfuuy

If a crime is in action, or there's an emergency, please call 999.

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Eastbourne 999 event!

Join us at this year's Eastbourne 999 Weekend!

The 999 Weekend will take place this weekend on Saturday 12th July and Sunday 13th of July between 1000 (Sat) 1100 (Sun) - 1700.

Organised by Sussex Police, East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, South East Coast Ambulance Service, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, RNLI and supported by your Eastbourne Borough Council; the event has become a favourite in the local calendar and gives the opportunity for visitors to meet members of their local emergency services and get an up-close look at some of the 999 response vehicles used across Sussex.

Find out more about the, teams, stands, units and services on display over the weekend on the gates and timetables displayed on site over the weekend.

More info here 999 Display Weekend

Arrests‍

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Last week, officers made a total of 21 arrests throughout the Wealden district.

5 drivers were arrested in Hailsham, East Dean, Uckfield and Pevensey. 2 of those were driving whilst over the drink limit, 2 for driving whilst over the drug limit, and 1 for driving with an invalid licence.

We made 1 arrest for criminal damage in Crowborough.

7 individuals were arrested for assault in Hailsham, Polegate, Crowborough and Uckfield.

Other offences included stalking and threats to damage/destroy property.‍

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Court Result

A father and son have been sentenced over their roles in a serious collision near Pevensey.

The driver was behind the wheel of a Ford Escort that was not roadworthy.

Footage from his friends showed him driving at high speeds and showing off.

He later lost control and overturned his vehicle into a watery ditch.

The collision caused serious injuries to a woman travelling in the vehicle.

But instead of calling the emergency services, the then 17-year-old called his father and the pair concocted a story about the crash.

Read more about the story here https://orlo.uk/RVpRq ‍

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Appeal‍

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Did you witness a collision on the A27 at Firle?

We’re appealing for witnesses and information after a serious collision on the A27 eastbound in Firle on Thursday (19 June).

The collision involving three vehicles took place at around 7.20am. Two people were taken to hospital with injuries.

The road was closed in both directions between the Drusillas roundabout and the Beddingham roundabout while the vehicles were recovered. The road has since reopened.

Officers are investigating and encourage anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any relevant information such as CCTV, mobile or dashcam footage to please email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk quoting Operation Oldbeach.

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‍Educational outreach to keep our children safe

As part of our ongoing educational outreach work, we returned to Hailsham Community College this week, on Tuesday 18th June.

Supported by school staff and our drug detection dog, Millie, we conducted a passive search as the students arrived at school.

The visit was not in response to any specific concerns, but formed part of a wider programme designed to raise awareness amongst students and provide insights into the specialist resources available to keep communities safe.

It’s great to work in partnership with schools who share a proactive approach to student well-being and safety.

Thank you to Hailsham Community College for welcoming us again, and to the students who were all displaying both respect and engagement throughout the visit.

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‍Staying safe in the sun

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Many of us welcome the warmer weather, but with that can come health risks.

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We're sharing some tips on how to stay safe in the sun on behalf of the NHS.

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For advice on how to cope in the hot weather, read more here https://orlo.uk/boRpe

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Contact us

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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).

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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.

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Speak to us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area.

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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.

Arrests

Last week saw 14 individuals arrested across the Wealden district.

• One arrest for possession with intent to supply a Class B drug in Hailsham
• Three arrests for assault (including one of an emergency worker) in Uckfield and Arlington
• One individual wanted on recall to prison arrested in Crowborough
• Other offences included harassment, burglary, and failure to appear at court

Don't forget, you can report to us online or by phoning 101 if non urgent – 24/7.
Always call 999 in an emergency.

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Teen sentenced for fatal stabbing in Hailsham

A 17-year-old boy who fatally stabbed a man in Hailsham can now be named after a judge lifted reporting restrictions following his sentencing for manslaughter.

Rhys Hedges, 17, from Hellingly, was charged with the murder of 20-year-old Billy Ripley, who died after an altercation in August 2024. A jury at Lewes Crown Court found him not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter following a trial which concluded on Friday, 28 March.

The court heard that police were called to Vicarage Field in Hailsham at around 6.20pm on Thursday, 29 August 2024, following reports of a man being stabbed.

Billy was found lying in an alleyway near The Hailsham Club with a single stab wound to the chest. Despite the best efforts of paramedics and officers, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses reported seeing the victim sitting on a bench in the town centre when Hedges approached. After a verbal exchange, the pair – who were known to each other – moved into the alleyway where the incident took place.

CCTV footage showed an altercation between the two near the entrance to Hailsham Parish Church. Billy then staggered away, calling out he had been stabbed, before collapsing.

The suspect fled the scene but was quickly identified and arrested at an address in Hailsham later that evening. He was subsequently charged and remanded in custody.

On Friday, 23 May, at Lewes Crown Court, Hedges was sentenced to 8 years in prison minus time served.

Detective Inspector Amanda Zinyama, of Sussex and Surrey Police’s Major Crime Team, said:
“Billy lost his life in the most tragic circumstances, and our thoughts remain with his family, who have shown immense strength through this incredibly difficult time.

“We are grateful to the witnesses who came forward, and to everyone who supported the investigation.

While nothing can bring Billy back, I hope today’s sentencing brings some measure of closure to his loved ones.”

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Loader, Sussex Police’s lead for knife crime and serious violence, said:
“Knife crime has devastating consequences. One life lost is too many.

Sussex remains a safe place, with knife crime rates well below the national average. But even one knife on the streets is too many. Please don’t carry a weapon – it endangers you and others. It's simply not worth the risk.”

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Appreciation

'We do this job because we love to help and support our communities'

Last week, a card was hand-delivered to the station for PCSO McDonagh and PCSO Tay.

The message inside read, in part:
"You were both so kind and efficient, helpful and friendly. All your efforts were greatly appreciated – you both deserve ‘gold stars’!"

We aim to go above and beyond for all of those we deal with each day, and it's incredibly rewarding to feel the appreciation for what we do.

What a lovely gesture – thank you for reminding us exactly why we love what we do!

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Out and about in Heathfield!

PCSO Tay and PCSO Park are the new dedicated PCSOs for Heathfield and Waldron, so what better way to get to know their town than getting out on foot!

They took the opportunity to drop in on local businesses, introduce themselves, and catch up on local goings-on.

Both officers are looking forward to getting to know their area better, attend local events, and offer reassurance and support to the community.

Do stop and say hello when you see them out and about!

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Contact us

For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, visit:
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.

Arrests

Last week saw a total of 20 arrests made across the district.
Two drivers were arrested in Hellingly and Frant. One for causing serious injury due to dangerous driving, and the other for failing to provide a specimen for analysis after officers suspected they were over the legal limit.

We arrested an individual for possession with intent to supply class B drugs in Lower Dicker.
Seven arrests were made for assault in Mayfield, Stone Cross, Pevensey Bay, Horam, Willingdon, Polegate and Hailsham.

Other offences included stalking, threat to damage property, intimidating a witness and fraud.

Appeal

We are appealing for witnesses and information after a serious collision near Hailsham.

Emergency services were called to the A267 North Street, shortly after 1pm on Sunday, 11 May.

The collision is believed to have involved three vehicles, a silver Land Rover Discovery, a green Land Rover Discovery, and a Mercedes, between the junctions with the B2104 and Church Lane.

A 27-year-old man from Hellingly sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital. A 28-year-old man from Hailsham was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and has been bailed, pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to report it to us online or email collision.appeal@sussex.police.uk and quote Operation Portree

Community engagement and patrols!

PCSO’S Choppin and Jackson attended the East Hoathly & Halland Parish Council assembly on Monday 12th May.

There were lots of societies, clubs and organisations connected to the parish, all of which invited to attend with stalls to showcase what they do and how you can join them.

Our officers were there to engage with their local communities, offering crime prevention and scam advice as well as provide an open ear for any concerns.

A great day with great community spirit, we were pleased to have been a part of the event!

PCSO Davidson was out on Wednesday morning (14th) patrolling different areas over the south of Wealden.

He visited East Dean - popping into the Village Shop and Market.

Next was Birling Gap, engaging with the National Trust staff and offering support and advice following the large number of tourists visiting the area.

Littlington, Wilmington, Alciston and Selmeston were all patrolled, finishing the morning in Pevensey Bay.

We're pleased to say there was nothing of note to report, and all engagements were positive with many enjoying the weather!

Tackling anti-social behaviour

Officers from our Uckfield hub have linked in with the Wealden Council Housing Team to learn more about anti-social behaviour in the area and what we can do together to prevent it.

We understand that ASB can and does negatively impact communities and can significantly affect residents’ quality of life.

We will take action to address reports of ASB or crimes in progress, and we continue to encourage members of public to continue reporting to us. Your reports help us direct patrols to where they're needed most.

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.

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Message Sent By

Ria Robertson

(Police, District Engagement Officer, Neighbourhood Policing Team)