Arrests made and weapons seized in Eastbourne, Worthing and Brighton from day of police action

A total of 15 arrests were made and 26 weapons seized in Eastbourne, Worthing and Brighton yesterday (February 27) from a day of action for police.
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A total of 15 arrests were made and 26 weapons seized in Eastbourne, Worthing and Brighton yesterday (February 27) from a day of action for police.

Sussex Police said officers carried out a force-wide day of action on February 27 to tackle knife crime, violence and wider criminality as part of Operation Safety.

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The day involved around 80 officers from a number of different teams including Neighbourhood Policing, the Tactical Enforcement Unit and the Dog Unit. New recruits from the Dedicated Coaching Unit also took part in the operation.

Photo from Sussex Police SUS-210228-110401001Photo from Sussex Police SUS-210228-110401001
Photo from Sussex Police SUS-210228-110401001

According to police, 15 arrests were made for offences including weapon possession, weapon importation, robbery, burglary and drug offences. 26 weapons were seized and 39 searches were carried out.

Police say a vehicle was stopped and searched in Offington Drive in Worthing. The occupants, both from Worthing - a 27-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman - were arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply. They have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Police say officers arrested a man wanted for a burglary at a property in Stanmer Villas, Brighton, on February 10 where a bike, some cash and other items were stolen. A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and has been bailed while enquires continue.

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According to police, at 1.14pm officers stopped a 33-year-old woman behaving suspiciously in South Street, Worthing. A small amount of suspected Class A drugs were seized during the search and she was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug. The suspect was cautioned, police say.

Photo from Sussex Police SUS-210228-110421001Photo from Sussex Police SUS-210228-110421001
Photo from Sussex Police SUS-210228-110421001

Police say officers on patrol at 2pm seized a knife during a stop and search of a 36-year-old man seen behaving suspiciously in St James’s Street in Brighton. Police say the suspect was uncooperative with the search and a meat cleaver was found in his possession. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and obstructing an officer and has been released on police bail.

At 2.30pm officers stopped two youths behaving suspiciously in Eastbourne town centre, police say. When officers stopped the pair, both became aggressive and reportedly assaulted officers. Wraps of a substance suspected to be cocaine were seized. The two males - aged 17 - were arrested and charged with assaulting an emergency worker and being concerned in the supply of cocaine, police say. They are due to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on March 1.

Police say at 5pm officers stopped a vehicle in Marine Parade, Worthing. A roadside test for drugs was administered which the driver - a 33-year-old man - failed. He was arrested on suspicion of drug driving. A short time later, officers stopped a second vehicle on Marine Parade and the driver - a 50-year-old woman - failed a breath test for alcohol. She was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, police say.

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According to police, officers arrested a 16-year-old boy wanted for robbery in Preston Park, Brighton at 7pm on February 20. A 15-year-old boy was assaulted after being asked to empty his pockets. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of robbery and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Photo from Sussex Police SUS-210228-110411001Photo from Sussex Police SUS-210228-110411001
Photo from Sussex Police SUS-210228-110411001

Police say officers also carried out arrests for further outstanding suspects for matters including attempted robbery, harassment and assault.

Police sergeant Elizabeth Reschwamm, co-ordinator for the operation, said, “Dangerous items such as weapons and drugs have no place on our streets and we work tirelessly to remove them and keep local communities safe.

“Carrying weapons is extremely dangerous and although some people may carry them to feel safer - it actually puts you at more risk of coming to harm.

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“Yesterday’s operation was a great success. Colleagues from across the force, including new recruits, worked together to tackle the issues such as weapon possession, violence and wider criminal issues.

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SOUTH STREET SUS-210227-140024001

“We will continue to tackle and prevent crime through targeted action and by raising awareness.”

Police and crime commissioner for Sussex Katy Bourne, said, “Sussex Police remain steadfast in their commitment to taking prolific offenders off our streets, preventing knife crime and tackling serious violence.

“This targeted activity has already had some successful, tangible results and the presence in those higher-harm areas is exactly the visible and proactive policing that I know residents want to see.

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“A strong message was sent out - the police will respond swiftly and robustly to prevent serious violence and anyone thinking about carrying a knife should beware of the dangers and life-changing consequences of doing so.

“Please remember that all knives can kill and maim and just by carrying one you are putting yourself and others in grave danger. My message is clear – lose the knife not a life.”

If you have information or concerns about crime in your area, report it online or call 101.