Sussex Alerts - Wealden Police

17/10/25

Arrests

Last week saw a total of 15 arrests across Wealden for a number of offences.

4 individuals were arrested for assault in Stone Cross and Hailsham.

We arrested two drivers for being over the alcohol limit in Herstmonceux and Uckfield.

An arrest was made for burglary in Polegate.

Other offenses included possession of an offensive weapon in public, affray and breach of restraining order.

Hate Crime Awareness Week

This week (11-18th) has been hate crime awareness week. We have been working with partners across the county to raise awareness, talk about what a hate crime is, the impact it has on victims and the wider community and how to report.

Hate crime is when a person is targeted due to their disability, race, religion, transgender identity or sexual orientation, or any other perceived difference.

On Saturday 11th, Sergeant Camar visited the Farmers Market and the Community Fridge in Uckfield. He spent the morning speaking with staff, stallholders, and members of the public at the market raising awareness on hate crime. Some great conversations were had, with each discussion being informative and eye opening for all - including information on how to report a hate crime, what impact it can have on people, and what happens when a report is made.

On Thursday 16th, isitors at Dippy Doodahs in Hailsham were only too pleased to see familiar faces, PCSO Choppin and PCSO Jackson. Joined by a Victim Support worker, officers spent the morning discussing various crimes and providing crucial prevention tips. From hate crime to fraud, we offered a lot of advice on what the crimes involve and how to report them. Thank you for your warm welcome, all conversations had were extremely valuable. We hope to see you again soon!

Tomorrow (18th) we will be at the East Hoathly Sports Pavillion, BN7 6EG from 4pm to 5pm - pop down and see us there!

Sentenced

A man has been given a 10 year restraining order after assaulting a woman in Heathfield.

35-year-old William Bennett was charged in July 2024 after assaulting a woman the previous year, causing an injury to her nose, and damaging her teeth.

In August, he pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage. At his trial, he was found guilty of assault.

At his sentencing on October 10, Bennett received a restraining order against the victim, was ordered to undertake rehabilitative activities, fined, and received an 18 month suspended prison sentence.

PC Caden Miles said, "No one should ever have to experience violence.

“We are committed to investigating every report of violence with diligence and determination, supporting victims and holding offenders to account wherever possible.

“If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic abuse, you can make a Clare’s Law request online to find out if a current or former partner has a history of abusive behaviour.”

https://orlo.uk/6hmfH

Hailsham Bonfire

Tomorrow (18th) is the Hailsham Bonfire Procession and Fireworks 🔥

Road closures will be in place from 19:00 to 22:00 (approximately). Please plan your route in advance.

Officers will be present to ensure that the community remains safe and enjoyable for all involved.

Look out for each other and stay alert. If you see something that doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and tell staff, security or police.

Stay safe and have fun! 🎆

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 have a hearing or speech impairment, or other forms of communication difficulties.

Those with textphone can text 18001 101, or BSL users can use SignVideo to provide a Video Relay Service (here: https://signvideo.co.uk/), to report crime through a live online interpreter, who will contact the police on your behalf, when you do not require an urgent response.

In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger please use the textphone service 18000 or text us on 999.

BSL users can call 999 BSL (here: https://999bsl.co.uk/)  to use a British Sign Language interpreter.

For more information on textphone and Relay UK please visit: https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html.