Local News
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.
Sussex Alerts - Wealden Police
Arrests
Last week saw a total of 17 arrests made across the Wealden district.
2 drivers were arrested for being over the alcohol limit in Crowborough and Uckfield, and another arrested for drug-driving in Polegate.
5 individuals were arrested for assault in Hailsham, Crowborough and Polegate.
We arrested one person for being drunk and disorderly in a public place.
Other offences included the supply of class B drugs, burglary and criminal damage.
Appeal
A 32-year-old man has sadly died following a serious collision on the A267 at Cross in Hand around 7am yesterday.
Two other people remain in a life-threatening condition in hospital.
An investigation is underway, and we're still calling for anyone who saw what happened or captured it on camera to come forward. http://spkl.io/6181fMjWW
Patrols
Officers were out and about across the south of Wealden on the 27th September.
Op Notify patrols that Friday saw us covering many areas that the public had highlighted to us with concern for anti-social behaviour.
Patrols started in Hailsham, covering the town, the Diplocks, and Western Road Recreation ground.
We engaged with a group of youths at the skatepark who were all behaving as they should.
We then made our way over to Polegate, patrolling the high street and train station, before heading over to Willingdon. There were no issues raised in Freshwater Square shops, and nothing of note along Seven Sisters Road or the Triangle.
The rest of the evening saw us back in Hailsham, as well as covering areas of Hellingly and Heathfield, too. We are pleased to report that whilst on patrol in these various locations, all was in order with no cause for concern.
On October 1st, officers in Hailsham were joined by the Town Mayor for foot patrol around Hailsham.
You may have seen Inspector Botley, PCSO Whitaker and Cllr Paul Holbrook out and about! It was a great opportunity for us to discuss any concerns or ongoing issues, as well as to provide reassurance to the public with our presence.
We always encourage members of the public to have a chat with us while we're out and about. Whether it be to report a problem, to seek advice or just to have a friendly conversation - we're here for you no matter what.
Calling all schools!
The Ellie Thornton Foundation is offering grants up to £500 per school in support of any one-off road safety initiatives that will improve the safety for children travelling to or from school.
To find out more, please visit: http://spkl.io/61894hNTF
Thefts from vans
We have seen multiple reports of vehicle break-ins in Hailsham.
On the 2nd October, we received 4 reports that panel vans had been broken into, with tools inside stolen.
All reports are currently being investigated, and we urge anyone with information to contact us on 101.
Vans are often targeted by thieves for the tools kept inside. To help keep your vehicle and the contents safe we advise:
- Mark any tools with your name or company name using paint pens and seal with a clear lacquer spray. Items that are clearly marked are less desirable and more difficult to sell on.
- Consider using a lockable cabinet within your van to store tools.
- Take photographs of items of value, make a note of the serial numbers and consider registering them online at a property register site.
For more information on how to keep your tools safe, visited Secured By Design here http://spkl.io/6188f3k18
We also host further advice on our website http://spkl.io/6189f3k1D
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.
Connect with 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.
Op Notify - Update
Our next Op Notify patrols are as followed:
Friday 20th September, South Wealden, 15:00-23:00.
Saturday 21st September, North Wealden, 15:00-23:00
To report anti-social behaviour during these times, please call us directly on 07500108147.
These patrols are dedicated to preventing and deterring anti-social behaviour (ASB) across the district, and are focused where demand is high.
Always call 999 in an emergency.
