I have been in contact with Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne specifically in relation to the recent incidents of car arson in the town, and the more generally regarding the challenges of combatting anti-social behaviour over the summer.
I sought assurances from her that adequate local policing resources are being applied to assist in resolving these issues.
She expressed concern and sympathy for our affected residents and reassured me that additional resourcing is being applied. She reaffirmed that efforts to resource and support the local Neighbourhood Policing Team are a clear priority for her and a focus for the Chief Constable, and added that our Neighbourhood Inspector for Wealden has confirmed that significant work is being done
My key takeaways from our discussion were as follows:
Significant work is being conducted by the Wealden Neighbourhood Police team to tackle current issues surrounding anti-social behaviour (ASB). These include:
- Arson attacks: police have investigated the circumstances around the incidents and are reassured that there is no concerted campaign of arson in the town. They continue to investigate and PCSOs have been out collecting more evidence and reviewing CCTV footage.
- Anti-Social Behaviour: Operation Empire 3 is currently being run to tackle youth ASB in the town centre. Analytical work has been undertaken to identify the main troublemakers as well as the worst hotspots, while engagement has been carried out with parents and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts have been signed. The most prolific offenders have been identified and arrests made with bail conditions and curfews enforced.
- Safer Streets government funding is being used for additional police officers to be present in the town for the weekend later this month when schools break up, to provide reassurance for local residents.
- JAG FUNDING: Additionally, £12,000 has been allocated by the Joint Action Group (JAG) to extend the remit of Operation Blitz beyond Friday and Saturday evenings, to provide the presence of more police officers in Hailsham at other times during the week to tackle youth disorder.
