21/03/2025

Arrests

There were a total of 15 arrests made across the Wealden district last week.

We arrested 5 drivers across Hailsham, Lower Dicker, Uckfield and Jarvis Brook. 4 of which were drink driving, and 1 was over the drug limit.

Other offences included criminal damage, assault, burglary, and breaking bail conditions.

The public play a huge part in keeping our communities safe, by staying vigilant and reporting things to us that we may need to be aware of.

If you see or hear something that needs reporting, please call us on 101 or make a report online here https://orlo.uk/TszYE

Business Crime Reduction Awareness week

This week (17th March) is Business Crime Reduction Awareness week.

We're proud to support businesses across Wealden. Here's just small peek into what we've got up to this week to support our local businesses:

PCSO Jackson and PCSO Choppin spent some time in Heathfield over the weekend, supporting their 'Small Business Saturday' event. We had the chance to speak with various business owners, offering our support and to discuss any local issues.

PCSO Choppin also dedicated part of Monday's shift to further supporting businesses in Uckfield. This included foot patrol through the high street, where we were able to speak to various businesses - big and small - about any ongoing issues or concerns. She headed down to McDonalds, to check in with the manager about the continuous anti social behaviour they'd been experiencing. It was great to hear that, despite there still being the odd issue, the majority of youth ASB has stopped and our presence has helped deter disruptive youths.

PCSOs have also visited the Ashdown Industrial Estate in Maresfield, this time visiting M&S and Home Bargains to discuss any ongoing issues.

We also had the opportunity to sign more stores up to DISC - our Wealden Business Crime Partnership system.

This scheme is open to all businesses in the area and provides a number of important benefits:

Access to details of local offenders
Ability to submit incident and intelligence reports regarding local offenders
Ability to Direct Crime Report to Police
Ability to receive local news and alerts
Ability to instant message other local businesses

If you think your business would benefit being part of this scheme, you can find more info here https://orlo.uk/bnJAb

#BCRPUnitedAgainstCrime

Plain-clothed patrols to catch and prevent shoplifters.

Plain clothed officers have been patrolling the Co-op in Forest Row, following a significant increase in shoplifting reports.

On Saturday 8th March, officers were able to stop and deal with 5 offenders - 4 of which were youths.

We were able to link a total of 25 previous shoplifting offences to those stopped based off of CCTV evidence.

Through both the youth justice service and community resolutions, we aim to prevent re-offending and focus on addressing the behaviour through intervention.

The hard work doesn't stop there - officers were also patrolling on Sunday 16th March, stopping 2 more offenders, and will continue with further plain clothed patrols following the success seen so far.

Tackling anti social behaviour!

Following recent reports of anti social behaviour at Maresfield Recreation Ground during the evenings, PCSO's Jackson and Choppin have covered the area as part of their evening patrols.

Reports from the public really help us determine where is best to dedicate our patrols, and ensure that our presence is aimed where we're needed the most.

Uckfield, Willingdon, Hailsham, Upper Dicker, Danehill and Nutley were also included on Sunday evening.

Back to school!

On Monday 17th, PCSO Choppin was invited down to St Mark's Primary School in Hadlow Down.

All of the children were incredibly engaged - knowing who to call in an emergency, the difference between borrowing and stealing, and to say no to strangers.

Of course the most exciting part is getting the chance to explore the police car, sitting behind the wheel and hearing the sirens! 

Thank you for having us, we loved meeting you all!

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.