Friday 29th March

Sussex Alerts – Wealden Police

Arrests

There were a total number of 14 arrests made last week across Wealden. The two most common offences were general assault which made up 42% of the weekly arrests, and driving under the influence of alcohol at 21%.

It may have been spike awareness week, but that didn't mean our regular patrols were any different! Officers were out day and night patrolling the streets, responding to incidents and deterring crime.

Our burglary rate for last week sat below Wealden's weekly average from 2023, with a total of 3 burglaries reported - 1 of which residential and 2 business related.

Rounding up our Spike Awareness week! 

PCSO Barraclough, PCSO Choppin and Sergeant Camar visited a number of pubs across Wealden on Friday and Saturday night including The Crowborough Cross, The White Hart, The Bricklayers Arms, The Kings Head and The Corn Exchange.

Officers had loads of great discussions with pub staff and security, making sure to share knowledge on the signs to look out for, as well as initiatives that can help the public stay safe, such as ‘Ask Angela’.

We also spoke with members of the public, and even had some share their personal experiences with us. We were able to provide locals with spiking prevention materials like 'foil it' drink toppers, plastic reusable bottle caps and personal protection alarms.

Although Wealden has very few reports of spiking, it can still happen to anyone. We want to make sure that you feel safe on a night out, and are educated on what spiking is, how to prevent being spiked and what to do if you or someone you know is affected.

For more information on spiking, read here What is spiking? | Sussex Police

Wealden NPT go back to school! 

Last week, your Neighbourhood Policing Team went back to school!

We visited High Hurstwood CE Primary School and St Mark's CE Primary School in Hadlow Down to speak to the children about stranger danger and different policing roles, followed by a Q&A. 

The kids were so enthusiastic and eager to ask questions. PC Dickinson was asked if his baton was a light-saber! Another question asked was 'Do you use tranquilliser guns?'

Children were excited to have a look around the Police car and learn what all the buttons do!

It is always so rewarding when we get to visit schools. The excitement and enthusiasm is a huge part of why we love what we do!

Safer Business Action Week 2024

In light of the Safer Business Action Week, patrols have been focused around our bigger towns this week, where business crime is more common.

Last week alone (18th-24th), Wealden received a total of 13 reports for shoplifting, a number that we anticipate would be higher had more incidents been reported.

Over the week, we have engaged with the staff working at the stores most affected to provide support and advice for both dealing with incidents and preventing them going forward. We have also discussed the process of reporting incidents and the varied ways they can do so.

If you'd like more information on keeping your business safe from shoplifters, have a read here 👉 https://www.sussex.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-business-safe-from-crime/how-secure-is-your-shop/

Neighbourhood Watch - Hellingly

Earlier in the week, PCSO Nicoll met with a member of Neighbourhood Watch to discuss concerns in areas of Hellingly.

Local Neighbourhood Watch schemes work in a variety of ways that reflect the needs of the local community. This includes a huge variety of tasks such as sharing crime prevention advice and information; running awareness campaigns; holding social events and discussing concerns with the police.
 

Officers will now be looking to increase patrols around Hellingly due to increased reports of youth related anti-social behaviour.

As always, if you see or hear something - we want to know! 

Police Property Act Fund

On the 26th March, PCSO Thompson was able to present the Hailsham Air Cadets a huge £500 from the PPAF. Being part of the Air Cadets is a rewarding and fulfilling experience, offering children life-long skills that will help them no matter which career path they choose later down the line.

The PPAF is made up from money received by the police from property confiscated by order of court and then sold, or from the sale of found property. The main aim of the fund is to support local projects undertaken by voluntary/charitable organisations that benefit the communities of Sussex.

For more information on the PPAF, please read more on our website 👉 https://www.sussex.police.uk/police-forces/sussex-police/areas/au/about-us/charity-and-community/police-property-act-fund-ppaf/

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.

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.