02/05/2025

Arrests

There were a total of 27 arrests made across the district last week.

Three drivers were arrested in Uckfield, Hellingly and Arlington - one for being under the influence of alcohol, and two for drug driving.

We arrested 11 individuals for assault in Uckfield, Hailsham, Crowborough, Horam, Hartfield and Polegate.

There were also 3 arrests made for possession with intent to supply class A drugs in Stone Cross.

Public reports are crucial in helping us keep the streets safe - proven by the drug related offences last week, where significant intelligence came from the public.

Officers attended a car park in Stone Cross on the 24th, after receiving information that drug related offences were taking place in this location.

Upon arrival, officers noticed a distinctive smell and suspicious behaviour from the three men, who were stood by a van that matched the description given to us from the public.

After being detained and searched, a large quantity of cash as well as class A drugs were found and seized - resulting in the three males arrested and taken to custody.

A collaborative effort from both the public and our officers, resulting in the successful prevention of drug related offences in Wealden.

Your reports DO matter. Each report from the public, no matter how small it may seem, could play a crucial part in keeping our streets safe.

Pit bike seized 

Officers have seized yet another pit bike after a male had been riding it on a public road with no insurance.

Not only could this cause serious harm to other road users, but the use of these bikes that we've been seeing across the district is extremely anti-social and in this case - illegal.

Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act means we can also seize vehicles if driven carelessly, are unlicensed or for road tax offences.

With Operation Downsway now underway for 2025 - teams across the force will be providing a highly visible and unmarked presence on the roads across Sussex, engaging, educating, and taking enforcement action where necessary.

Hailsham man jailed

A Hailsham man who stole from a vulnerable woman has been jailed for robbery.

Mark Stonestreet, 38, has been sentenced to 3 years and 9 months imprisonment following a hearing at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday, April 22. Stonestreet also received a 10-year restraining order, with conditions not to approach the victim, not to visit North Street in Hailsham and not to enter Asda in Hailsham. This restraining order will remain in effect for 10 years.

The sentencing follows an incident on Saturday, February 8 in Carriers Path, Hailsham, where Stonestreet targeted a 66-year-old woman who was using a disability walker. He snatched her wallet and cash directly out of her hand, fracturing her wrist. Following police enquiries, Stonestreet was subsequently arrested and remanded in custody.

This significant sentence acknowledges the fact that Stonestreet had targeted the same victim on previous occasions.

Supporting businesses in Buxted!

The Buxted small business networking meeting was held on Wednesday 30th April, at the Pig and Butcher in Five Ash Down.

PCSO Choppin attended, along with a new trainee, PCSO Brook, as part of their community engagement duties.

We love having the chance to engage with different sides of the community, and are pleased to have offered support and reassurance to those in attendance!

Thank you for inviting us along!

Stay safe this bank holiday.

Whilst the weather may be cooler over the weekend than we've seen throughout the week, we still want you to remain safe - whatever you're up to.

We will be out and about across the district as usual, so do say hi if you see us around!

Sussex Police are available 24/7, 365 days a week. If you need us, contact us!

Call 101 or online (https://orlo.uk/NKjKx) if non urgent.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

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.