Friday 10th November 2023

Sussex Alerts - Wealden Police

Couple sentenced following defib theft

A Polegate couple who damaged a public defibrillator in Buxted have been sentenced at court.

Police were called to Framfield Road in Buxted on Sunday, 13 June, 2021, to reports a defibrillator outside Buxted Football Club had been destroyed overnight.

CCTV from the scene showed a male aged 23, and a female aged 21, both of High Street in Polegate, throwing, kicking and spitting on the defibrillator.

Both were arrested and subsequently charged with criminal damage. The male was also charged with possession of a Class B drug (cannabis) in relation to a separate incident.

At Hastings Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 1 November, both pleaded guilty to all charges and were given a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work.

They were also ordered to pay costs of £85, a victim surcharge of £95 and to pay £500 compensation to South East Coast Ambulance Service.

Detective Constable Sam Collyer said: “This was a crime that shocked the community and I am satisfied that we have found a resolution that allows both of these individuals to make reparations for their crimes.

“The female involved in particular has shown significant remorse throughout these proceedings and I hope this sentence provides an opportunity for reflection and long-term behavioural change for both parties.”

Distinctive horse riding equipment stolen in Wadhurst

Police are investigating a burglary in Wadhurst in which horse riding equipment was reported stolen.

Stables in Sleepers Stile Road were burgled overnight on Thursday (2 October), between 12.30am and 12.45am.

A significant amount of horse riding equipment was stolen, including the distinctive ‘Western style’ saddle and bridle (more images here).

Anyone who has any information that could help with the investigation, or sees these items for sale, is asked to contact police online or via 101, quoting serial 542 of 04/11.

Model boats stolen in Ticehurst

Police are appealing for information after six model boats were stolen during a burglary in Ticehurst (more images here)

The model boats, each around 2-3ft long and 1-2ft tall, were taken from a garage in Cross Lane Gardens between Friday 3 November and Sunday 5 November.

The boats are unique having been hand-made by the owner and have an approximate value of £2,500. 

Officers investigating the burglary are keen to speak to any witnesses, including anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the area around that time or who may have any CCTV, doorbell or dash cam footage from the surrounding roads.

They’d also like to speak anyone who may have seen any of these boats being offered for sale.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 quoting serial 737 of 05/11.

Op Defence Crowborough

Following recent anti-social behaviour, our patrols under Operation Defence continue this week in Crowborough.

In the last few months, both local residents and Police have seen an increase in the levels of anti-social behaviour (ASB) being reported and committed.

As a result, already a number of dispersal notices have been authorised for the town centre, arrests made, and dedicated hours given to patrolling 'hot-spot' areas both day and night in the last few months to deter criminality and identify those responsible.

As we head into the weekend, these patrols continue, as do our additional ASB targeting patrols under Operation Blitz.

A reminder to residents that each Friday and Saturday between 18:00-00:00 pm, residents can call on 07770 700642 to report anti-social behaviour (ASB) directly to teams out across the district.

These targeted ASB patrols are in addition to regular patrols throughout the week, all reports help to identify 'hot-spot' areas for additional patrol, please continue to use the contact number provided at weekends, and report ASB at the time it is happening.

Outside of these time, please continue to report ASB online or to 101 - in an emergency/crime in action always call 999.

Click, Call & Connect

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 don’t 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.