Local Crime

Police non-degree entry routes now open

We are pleased to announce a new way you can join us as a police officer. Our new non-degree scheme means people with or without a degree can join our policing teams in Sussex.

Four years ago mandatory degrees were introduced nationally for all English and Welsh forces. The launch of this non-degree route is an interim Sussex Police programme ahead of the launch of a new national non-degree route.

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It is our aim to make a career in policing more accessible to a broader and more diverse range of candidates and the programme is open immediately for applicants. We hope its introduction will provide greater choice and appeal to a range of aspiring police officers.

Classroom-based learning continues to be blended with practical “on-the-job” training to equip our new recruits with the skills and experience they need to meet the demands of modern policing.

Sussex Chief Constable Jo Shiner, who has recently completed 30 years’ policing service, said:

“Whether officers have a degree or not, it is their drive and commitment to public service that make them an asset to the police service and to their local communities.”

This route is now live and we are welcoming applications!

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For more information, click here.

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Sussex Alerts- Wealden Police

Friday 14th April 2023

A former solicitor in Sussex has been jailed over seven counts of fraud towards former clients. At the time he stole more than £1.7 million over a three-year period from people who had trusted him as their solicitor. His victims were left in severe financial difficulties and some were not able to redeem their mortgages as a result of his fraud.

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Detective Sergeant Andy Hobden from the Economic Crime Unit said: "Victims should have been able to trust him with their money, emotions and wellbeing, knowing he would do his best by them. "But he breached that trust." You can read more about the case and the prison sentence imposed online here.

Weekly Arrests

As we head into the weekend the safety and welfare of our local community remains our top priority.

Already this week over 10 arrests have been made across the Wealden district for various offences, including; stalking, ABH, criminal damage, and drug possession.

If you are out and about this weekend, and see of hear anything we need to know about, stop and let us know, or contact us online/101 (non-emergency)

Remember always call 999 in an emergency/crime in action.

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Two men charged after cannabis plants found in Heathfield

Two men have been remanded in custody following an investigation into a cannabis production site in Heathfield.

Officers were informed by the public of a significant quantity of cannabis plants at an industrial estate in Ghyll Road on February 13.

Two arrests were made as part of a search of the site.

Samuel Cuni, 22, of no fixed address, and Redilon Halilaj, 27, of Burges Road, East Ham, London, were charged with producing a class B drug.

They appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on February 14, and were remanded in custody before their next appearance before Lewes Crown Court on March 14.

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Catalytic Converter Thefts this week

One catalytic converter has been targeted this week in Wealden, as such we continue issuing the below advice, and the signs to look out for.

(Details of the above in the burglary summary of this alert)

Signs a catalytic converter theft is being committed:

-a vehicle being raised using a car jack in a car park or residential area

-a loud drilling or cutting sound coming from underneath the vehicle

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What to do if you witness the above:

-if the crime is happening now call 999 - if you are unsure, we’d rather hear about it and decide if a theft is occurring

-if it is safe to do so, take photos of suspects or the number plate of their car (do not approach suspects, as they have been known to use violence)

-if the crime has already happened then you can report it to us online or at your local police station

For more advice on protecting your vehicle from catalytic converter theft please visit our website guidance here.

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Suspicious Vehicles

A small number of reports have been received from the public living in and around the Kent and Sussex border of suspicious vehicles driving around and occupants looking around homeowners driveways.

If you spot a vehicle that is unknown to you or your neighbours, particularly around more rural properties, take note of the registration number and report either to 101 or online – although it may seem like nothing at the time, we would rather hear from you and be able to conduct various checks, than for vehicles/occupants to go on to commit offences in your communities.

Checks can be conducted to see if the vehicle is already known to Police for suspicious activities, and will assist officers in conducting proactive patrols in known locations using your community intelligence.

Remember always call 999 if you believe a crime is taking place.

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Operation Blitz

This weekend our patrols under Operation Blitz will focus mainly on Heathfield, and Hailsham, and Uckfield and Crowborough both Friday and Saturday night.

Call 07770 700642 (between 1500-2230 each Friday and Saturday) to report to officers out on the ground if you witness/become victim of ASB including ASB driving.

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.

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.

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March Fraud Team Newsletter

Read it here.

"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 Rob Walker, Surrey Police & Sussex Police Economic Crime Unit

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Burglary Summary

Around 0645 on the 25th, homeowners of a property off Lewes Road, Cross In Hand, Heathfield, woke to find a young female in their conservatory. The female had smashed glass doors to gain entry, Police were called and a search of the area was conducted, a female was found and arrested on suspicion of burglary. (198 of       25/02).

Over the 22nd-25th a property off Hartfield Road, Forest Row, was broken into. Unknown individual/s have entered by forcing a front window of the property. An untidy search of the property had been conducted and jewellery targeted. Fortunately there are potential lines of enquiry with our SOCO (scenes of crime officers) owing to footprints left by the individuals. (872 of 25/02)

A shed at a property off Winchester Way, Willingdon, was broken into overnight on the 25-26th, unknown individual/s have forced a window on the shed to gain entry, and targeted various electrical tools. (334 of 26/02)

During the day of the 26th, a catalytic converter was stolen from a parked vehicle at a property off Walhatch Close, Forest Row. Owners have discovered their vehicle damaged the following morning, and on inspection at a garage confirmed the catalytic convertor had been cut from their car. (144 of 02/03)

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.

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Sussex Police and Action Fraud scam watch

Watch out for these FAKE Amazon emails. We've received over 2,000 reports in one week.

Received an email you're not quite sure about? Forward it to: report@phishing.gov.uk

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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.

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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 online here.

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

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During the day time of the 11th July, a property off Eastbourne Road, Willingdon reported a burglary whereby a male has entered the rear of their property. Suspect male has caused damaged to a rear door and window to gain entry. Personal items, including electronics were targeted as well as garden items. Investigations have been allocated. (0795 of 11/07 relates)