Wealden Police step up patrols to combat crime

Crowborough and Uckfield, among other areas, have recently seen a spike in reported crime, Sussex Police said this week, particularly in break-ins at sheds, garages and rural outbuildings.

Through multi-agency planned days of action with extra high-visibility patrols in North Wealden, officers are working closely with partner agencies to address the spate of burglaries and prevent crime.

Wealden Prevention Inspector Jonathan Gross said: “We recognise the impact being a victim of crime can have on a person. We are visiting every victim of burglary in Wealden, and all viable lines of enquiry for each individual case have been and continue to be investigated.

“We understand the community’s concerns and are working across all the towns, parishes and villages in Wealden to engage with residents.

“We work very closely with councils and other authorities in Wealden, and also regularly share intelligence with other districts within Sussex Police, and other police forces, in a bid to identify those responsible for crimes in the area and bring them to justice.”

Mr Gross said Wealden, and the rest of Sussex, had seen increased investment and resource as a result of a rise in the Sussex Police council tax precept.

“There are more police officers and PCSOs in our local communities, including dedicated rural crime resources, thanks to consecutive increases in the local precept,” he said.

“By the end of March we will have recruited 100 new PCSOs and are on track to recruit 250 police officers by 2023.

“This will ensure towns and villages continue to see a more visible policing presence, keeping communities safe and feeling safe.”

He said extra investment had also seen the introduction of the Tactical Enforcement Unit, which has carried out operations in Wealden, as well as additional resource in prevention and response crews in Uckfield and Lewes.

“It is crucial that people continue to report crimes to us. Every report we receive is useful intelligence for us to work on,” Mr Gross added.