Ten people arrested in Eastbourne on drugs offences and arson

Each day of the October half term, around a dozen officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team conducted targeted patrols in hotspot areas, visited vulnerable communities, and took action against road-related and drug-related crimes.

The team, made up of police officers and police community support officers, arrested 10 people for offences including drug dealing, possession of drugs, and arson.

Police say this included two people who were arrested after officers stopped a vehicle suspected of being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. This also led to a vulnerable woman being safeguarded from potential harm. She was also at risk of cuckooing, which is when the home of a vulnerable person is taken over to establish a base for illegal drug dealing.

A wanted person was also arrested after police paid an unannounced visit to a vulnerable man who had been targeted by drug dealers in the past. Officers working to safeguard the man took proactive action to support him and in doing so, found someone who was wanted for failing to attend court.

Police say this was one example of around 10 visits paid to victims of cuckooing to ensure they are supported and sufficient safeguarding is in place.

In addition, five vehicles were seized during the week for having no valid insurance. The drivers were fined and given penalty points. Police have said seizures included drugs, knives, alcohol and a suspected stolen credit card.

As well as this, a large quantity of alcohol was seized from underage drinkers in the Motcombe area. Police say the group had been causing a significant disturbance and were dealt with by PCSOs.

During the week, police also gathered 30 pieces of intelligence around drugs, suspicious vehicles, and wanted persons.

Ed Faulkner, the Eastbourne NPT acting sergeant, said, “We are always listening to the concerns of our communities, and working to address the issues that are a priority for those living and working in our town.”

He said officers have carried out a total of 435 hours of dedicated patrol activity in areas including Gildredge Park, Pavilion Gardens, Longland Recreation Ground, Shinewater, Colonnade Gardens and many others.

Acting sergeant Faulkner said, “Much of this activity has been in the evenings, when anti-social behaviour often increases.

“While we always focus on anti-social behaviour and protecting the vulnerable, we stepped up our activity to coincide with the October half term and Halloween, and we saw some great results from this.

“We want to be clear that we will not accept any behaviour that affects the quality of life for our residents, and we will continue to tackle it all year round.”