While conducting prominent patrols in Crowborough’s town centre on Wednesday, 11 October, in response to recent complaints of unruly behaviour, police officers and PCSOs encountered a group of youth at Pine Grove. The group reportedly grew confrontational, leading to the alleged assault of an officer and a PCSO.
Two 14-year-old boys are now in custody; one facing charges of suspected assault on an emergency service member and interference with police duties, and the other suspected of assaulting an emergency worker and causing a public disturbance.
In light of these events, a Section 34 dispersal order has been activated in the town centre of Crowborough and will remain effective through the weekend. This mandate grants the police the authority to instruct any individual, believed to be engaging in or predisposed to causing a disruption or committing a crime, to vacate a designated region and abstain from returning for up to two days. Residents can anticipate an amplified police visibility throughout this period.
Chief Inspector Andy Nicklin, of the Wealden Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This recent anti-social behaviour in Crowborough is entirely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“We are taking proactive steps to address the issue, including increased high-visibility patrols in key areas and using the policing powers available to us, such as a dispersal order, to deter any further criminal behaviour.
“Our officers are dedicated to protecting the public in Crowborough and we will continue to work hard to tackle this anti-social behaviour and criminality.”
Anyone who witnesses any anti-social or criminal behaviour should report it to police online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
