POLICE patrols have been stepped up in Hailsham following a recent spate of car fires and ani-social behaviour.
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has given assurances that measures are being taken to not only investigate recent incidents but also crack down on individuals causing trouble around the town.
East Sussex County Councillor for Hailsham New Town, Gerard Fox contacted the Police & Crime Commissioner to seek assurances that work is being done. Katy Bourne confirmed 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 the Neighbourhood Inspector for Wealden said significant work is being done.
She added that Police have investigated the circumstances around the recent car fires and are reassured 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.
In addition, significant work is being conducted by the Wealden Neighbourhood Police team to tackle current issues surrounding anti-social behaviour (ASB), according to the Commissioner.
The Operation Empire 3 campaign is currently being run to tackle youth Anti-Social Behaviour 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 apparently 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.
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.
