Seven arrests made in crackdown on crime in Uckfield

Officers and Police Community Support Officers from East Sussex, combined with trading standards and Wealden District Council enforcement officers to mount an operation supported by the Wealden Joint Action Group to target known trouble-spots, acting on information received.

During the operation seven arrests were made and a number of dispersal orders were enforced - temporarily excluding named individuals from specified areas within Uckfield town centre.

Youths acting in an anti-social manner were detained and either collected by their parents or taken home.

In addition to the arrests several vehicles were seized for being uninsured, traffic offences dealt with and other issues reported to the council.

Chief Inspector Anita Turner, district commander for Wealden, Lewes and Eastbourne, said: “We are well aware of recent problems in the Uckfield area and are taking steps to deal with them. This operation was part of that ongoing initiative, carried out with the welcome support of other local agencies.

“Meanwhile anyone affected by crime or anti-social behaviour within their community is encouraged to report incidents without delay. We would also be glad to receive any information about those thought to be responsible for offences and anything else that may help us to effectively deal with local concerns.”

The Wealden Prevention Team has also met with representatives from local schools, businesses, Uckfield Town Council and other agencies to co-ordinate activity to ensure the community is working together to address these issues.

Inspector Jon Gross, of the Wealden prevention team, said: “I am conscious of the concerns raised by many in Uckfield regarding ongoing issues with youth anti-social behaviour.

“I want to reassure people that there has been a significant investment of police time into addressing this, not only in terms of enforcement activity, but also in liaison with other agencies who can help tackle some of the root causes of the problems that have been reported.

“There are several issues that we are addressing and in some cases this has meant recent arrests of young people whose offending hasn’t been deterred by other interventions.

“The vast majority of young people in Uckfield are a credit to the community and no doubt just as disappointed by the actions of a few as everyone else.

“I would urge any young person getting drawn into the anti-social behaviour that has been occurring to take note of the recent arrests and to recognise the impact of their behaviour, even by association, on the rest of the community.”

Details of incidents can be reported to police online or by phoning 101, quoting Operation Asteroid. In an emergency or if a crime is in progress, dial 999.

Alternatively, please visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.