Sussex Alerts - Wealden Police

20/03/2026

Arrests

There were a total of 9 arrests made last week across the Wealden district.

3 arrests were made for assault in Hailsham, Uckfield and Chiddingly.

We also arrested an individual for taking a motor vehicle without the owners consent.

A drink-driver had an unhappy meal after he was arrested by police at McDonald’s 

He had driven to Brighton Marina while more than FOUR TIMES the legal limit – and with a three-year-old girl in the back seat.

We cannot emphasise enough how irresponsible it is to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while over the limit for drink or drugs, irrespective of the circumstances.

The defendant is among the latest nine people to be convicted in court following our Christmas crackdown on drink and drug-drivers, two of which falling under the Wealden district.

Read the full circumstances of their arrests here https://orlo.uk/6wy4W

Lambing Season

As we head into the lambing season, it is vital to remember that sheep are highly vulnerable to dogs at this time.

Livestock worrying isn't just about physical attacks. Chasing or being off lead near pregnant or young animals can cause devastating injuries, miscarriages and death.

When walking with your dog, remember to:

• keep dogs on a lead at all times.

• plan your route and check for livestock before entering a field.

• spread the word and ensure friends and family are aware that "just a chase" is a crime.

To better protect our farming community, the law around livestock worrying has been updated with more animals protected, more locations covered, tougher powers and heavier consequences for offenders, including an unlimited fine. You can read more about the changes to the act here: https://orlo.uk/oUsB3

For more information and safety tips, visit our Rural Crime Team page here: https://orlo.uk/9mbMi

Top Tips to Stop Vehicle Break Ins

As your local neighbourhood policing team, we want to help you keep your vehicle, and your belongings safe. Most vehicle break ins are opportunistic, and small changes can make a big difference. Here are our five top tips:

1. Always lock your vehicle
Even if you’re parking on your driveway, outside your home, or only leaving the car for a moment, make sure all doors, windows and the boot are locked. Offenders will try door handles looking for an easy opportunity.

2. Remove valuables, or anything that looks valuable
Never leave items such as wallets, handbags, laptops, phones, tools or shopping bags in you vehicle or on display. Even a coat or empty bag can make a criminal think there’s something worth stealing inside.

3. Keep keys safe and away from doors or windows
Keyless entry vehicles are particularly vulnerable. Store keys well away from the front door and consider using a signal blocking pouch (Faraday pouch) to prevent relay theft.

4. Park smart
Choose well lit, busy areas whenever possible. If you have a driveway, consider using outdoor lighting or CCTV as a deterrent. Criminals prefer dark, quiet spots where they won’t be seen.

5. Don’t leave your vehicle running unattended
If you’re defrosting your car or popping back into the house, switch the engine off, take the keys with you and lock the vehicle. Many thefts happen while vehicles are left running, even for a few seconds.

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, including help setting up the Relay APP please visit: https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html