Friday 17th January 2025

Sussex Alerts - Eastbourne Police

Three men were arrested on suspicion of aggravated vehicle taking from an address in Eastbourne.

Officers detected a yellow Ford Fiesta in Peacehaven, but the driver then failed to stop for police in the early hours of Saturday, January 11.

The vehicle was driven dangerously at high speed, travelling the wrong way through the one-way ring road in Newhaven.

Specialist officers from the Roads Policing Unit deployed a spike strip to deflate the tyres near Litlington (Seaford), and the vehicle stopped shortly afterwards.

The occupants decamped from the car, with one man arrested by the vehicle, one man arrested near the A27, and a third man arrested after he was traced to a garden by Police Dog Sonny, a three-year-old German Shepherd.

Police can confirm that following the pursuit and an investigation by Eastbourne CID, a 19-year-old male from Hailsham, and an 18-year-old male, of no fixed address, were charged with aggravated vehicle taking - being carried on or in a vehicle that caused property damage.

The 18yo was also charged with possession of a bladed article.

Both men appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday, January 13, where they were remanded in custody.

The 19yo will next appear before Hastings Magistrates' Court on February 3, and the 18yo will next appear before Crawley Magistrates' Court on January 20.

A third 19-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, drug driving, taking a vehicle without the owners’ consent, and driving without insurance, he has been bailed, pending further investigation.

Vehicle thefts rises in East Sussex.

Police are advising owners of Ford Fiestas to review their vehicle security, storage, and parking locations following reports of Ford Fiestas being targeted by thieves using specialist tools to gain entry in recent weeks in areas of East Sussex.

Eastbourne and Lewes District Commander Chief Inspector Mark Evans said: “We are aware of an increase in reports of thefts and damage to Ford Fiestas in East Sussex.

“We are taking action and are focused on this issue, officers are working hard to target known offenders and to recover vehicles, and we appreciate the ongoing impact that vehicle theft can have for owners and the potential resulting anti-social behaviour in our communities from those driving stolen vehicles.

“We encourage everyone to report vehicle thefts and to provide information about these incidents to support our work, quoting Operation Mainland.”

Police are advising owners of Ford Fiestas to review the security, storage, and parking locations of their vehicles.

Police have located and returned some of the stolen vehicles in East Sussex, and made two arrests potentially linked, but continue to highlight the incident as a warning to owners.

Tips to protect your car are:

• Park your vehicle in sight of your home or inside a garage; or where there is street lighting or CCTV.

• Use a steering lock, often highly visible from outside the vehicle, acting as a deterrent to potential car thieves, as well as preventing the steering wheel from being turned.

• Consider ‘blocking’ the vehicle in with the use of a second vehicle or fitting a ghost immobiliser.

• Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second hand car, or if buying second hand check that the key blade is cut and works, by testing it.

If you see or witness anyone acting suspiciously around parked vehicles in your community, report it to police at the time by either calling 101, or reporting online (non-emergency).

Information can be reported on the Sussex Police website or by calling 101, and quoting Operation Mainland.

In an emergency or crime in action always call 999.

We want to hear from you

We are looking for Independent Advisors, these advisors are members of diverse communities from across Sussex, who provide advice and make recommendations to the Police on how policy and practices affect different people.

In this role you will be providing guidance and feedback about the potential and very real impact of policing on different groups. You'll act as a ‘critical friend’, challenging conventional thinking and offering an independent perspective on issues.

We will be running a session on 27 January, 6-7:30 P.M. for people to ask questions about the role.

You can find the link to book your space for the 27th via EventBrite here. 

Find out more about the role here.

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.