28/03/2025

Arrests

Last week there were a total of 12 arrests made across Wealden.

We arrested two drivers. One for drink driving in Polegate, and one for being over the drug limit in Pevensey.

4 individuals were arrested for assault in Upper Dicker, Heathfield, Five Ashes and Hailsham.

1 arrests was made for criminal damage in Uckfield.

Other offences included theft, burglary and fraud.

Court Result

A boy who fatally stabbed a man in Hailsham has been convicted of manslaughter.

The 17-year-old, from Hellingly, was charged with the murder of 20-year-old Billy Ripley who died after an altercation in August 2024.

But, following a trial at Lewes Crown Court which concluded today (28 March), a jury found him not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.

An investigation was launched after emergency services were called to Vicarage Field in Hailsham, at around 6.20pm on Thursday, 29 August, 2024, to reports of a man having been stabbed.

Billy was found lying on the floor in an alleyway, just past The Hailsham Club, with a single stab wound to his chest.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics and officers, he was sadly confirmed deceased at the scene.

Initial enquiries were carried out and a suspect was quickly identified and located at a property in Hailsham.

The suspect was subsequently charged with murder.

Following the verdict, the 17-year-old boy has been remanded in custody to face sentencing on 23 May.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cullimore, of Sussex and Surrey Police’s Major Crime Team, said: “Billy lost his life in the most tragic circumstances and our thoughts remain, as they have throughout this investigation, with his family and loved ones."

Read more https://orlo.uk/yiooK

National Crimebeat Awards

Congratulations to the Wealden Police Cadets.

On Tuesday 18 March, a team of dedicated Wealden Police Cadets proudly represented East Sussex at the National Crimebeat Awards in London, securing an impressive third place for their powerful presentation on Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Project 16.

The cadets -Holly, Sid, Christopher, Lydia, Evie, and Abi- accompanied by PC Will Sergi and PC Ian Codling, were recognised at the awards event, held at the Royal National Hotel in London, for their work in raising awareness and educating young people about VAWG. 

Their project, delivered to 15-16-year-olds in schools, aims to shift perspectives and foster important conversations around this crucial issue.

Chief Inspector Graham Bond praised their work: "This is another amazing achievement for the Wealden Cadets. Their efforts are making a real impact in schools, and we are immensely proud of them".

The cadets will present Project 16 at the Cadet Annual Parade on 11 April, continuing their mission to educate and inspire.

Read more https://orlo.uk/lSAbv

Patrols and community engagement 

We've been out and about in Mayfield and Wadhurst.

In Mayfield, PCSO Greck popped into some of the local shops to check in with the business owners. We were able to discuss any ongoing or new issues, give on advice on shoplifting, as well as discuss DISC - our Wealden Business Crime Partnership system.

We then visited the allotments and the skate park - both of which were sadly subject to anti-social behaviour (ASB) over the weekend.

In Wadhurst, we again discussed any shoplifting issues with the local shop owners, providing support and reassurance, before heading out on foot patrol around the area.

On Tuesday (25th), PCSOs Choppin and Jackson attended a number of venues across Wealden raising awareness of VAWG (violence against women and girls) and fraud.

Whilst on patrol, we handed out posters to licensed premises, making sure the teams are aware of the "Ask Angela" campaign.

Other engagement included two scam talks - one at Buxted Memory Cafe and the other at Lion House Park in Hailsham.

Educating the community on all things fraud is such an important part of our role, raising awareness on current scams that are doing the rounds and ensuring people are staying vigilant.

Community day in The Diplocks, Hailsham

On Wednesday (26th) officers attended a community day on the Diplocks Estate in Hailsham.

Hosted by the Home Group, we were invited alongside all residents on the estate to address a number of issues and to build community cohesion.

It was a great opportunity to discuss past and present issues, providing reassurance to the community and to set plans going forward.

We'd like to thank the Home Group for organising the day, and are pleased to see the positive outcomes!

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.