Sussex Alerts - Wealden Police

08/05/2026

Rural theft

Following recent reports of thefts from rural outbuildings, we’re reminding residents to take a few simple steps to help keep machinery, quad bikes and tools secure.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Simon Whitehead said: “We understand the impact these offences can have on rural communities and we take reports of this nature seriously. Officers are carrying out patrols and working with partners to help prevent further offences. We'd also encourage residents to take simple steps to secure valuable machinery and equipment.”

Items such as ATVs, trailers and agricultural equipment can be attractive to thieves, particularly if left unsecured overnight.

A few simple prevention tips:
• Keep sheds, barns and gates locked
• Remove keys from vehicles and machinery
• Consider CCTV, alarms or tracking devices
• Make a note of serial numbers and photograph valuable items
• Report suspicious vehicles or activity in rural areas

More rural crime prevention advice can be found here: https://orlo.uk/hdkXp

Violence Against Women and Girls.

On Thursday (7th), we were at The Quintins, Hailsham, supporting a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) community engagement event, working alongside partner agencies to raise awareness, offer advice and speak with residents about personal safety and support services available locally.

A big thank you to everyone who came along and to our partner organisations, including Interventions Alliance and Advance Domestic Abuse Services, for their support throughout the event.

We also handed out anti-spiking merchandise, kindly funded by the Wealden Joint Action Group, helping us continue important conversations around staying safe on nights out and recognising the signs of spiking.

Events like this are an important opportunity to engage with the community, provide reassurance and highlight the support available to anyone affected by violence against women and girls.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by to speak with us.

Celebration among the community 

It was a pleasure for PC De Jongh and PC Slade to attend celebrations at Goldsmiths Recreation Ground last week, marking local sporting hero Matt Weston receiving the Freedom of the Town following his incredible achievement as a three-time Olympic gold medallist.

Officers were on hand throughout the event to support organisers, engage with the community and help ensure everyone attending could enjoy the celebrations safely.

Thank you to everyone involved in organising such a fantastic community event.

Hailsham Youth Club engagement 

Positive engagement with young people is a vital part of effective policing, so we've been spending time at the Hailsham Youth Club.

By building trust and open communication, we can better understand the challenges young people face and work together to prevent anti-social behaviour before it starts.

Early intervention, visible presence, and genuine conversations help create safer spaces where young people feel heard, respected, and supported. Strong relationships between officers and our younger communities not only reduce incidents of ASB, but also encourage positive choices and long-term confidence in policing.

We’re committed to working alongside local schools, youth groups, and families to create opportunities, offer guidance, and ensure every young person feels part of a safe and inclusive community.

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