POLICE have stepped up their work in a town centre blighted by crime and drug problems.
They have been focused on the area of Willowfield Square and Belmore Road in Eastbourne where there have been several arrests in the last month.
The majority have been regarding the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, with hundreds of wraps seized by Sussex Police.
The Argus has revealed the town centre was blighted with the most sexual or violent crimes in Sussex with 124 in April alone. In all, the town centre area recorded 307 crimes in April, which is the latest police data.
Chief inspector Di Lewis, district commander for Eastbourne, said: “We want to make it difficult for people to conduct any sort of criminal activity in our community.
“By directing our resources to a very localised area, we have been able to intensify our efforts and in the space of a few weeks, have seen multiple drug and cash seizures as well as arrests and a conviction.
“Where we become aware of ongoing issues in a certain area, our neighbourhood policing teams will work together to tackle it through dedicated engagement and enforcement activity, giving local residents a reprieve from the concerning behaviour that negatively impacts their day-to-day lives.
“We encourage people to report such matters to us, so we can respond effectively. Information can be passed to police online or via 101, or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
On Wednesday, May 25, officers arrested James Barnes in Belmore Road after witnessing him conduct a drug deal in nearby Seaside.
He was searched and found in possession of two vape pens containing wraps of heroin and crack cocaine.
At Lewes Crown Court on Friday last week, 37-year-old Barnes pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply heroin. Barnes, of no fixed address, was sentenced to 45 months’ imprisonment
On June 1, officers arrested Jack Beaver on suspicion of burgling a property in Belmore Road in January.
Beaver, 30, of no fixed address, was subsequently charged with burglary dwelling and theft, and possession of a bladed article.
He was remanded in custody and was due to appear in court yesterday.
On June 10, officers identified a man in Willowfield Square in possession of 12 wraps of cocaine and £1,200 in cash. The drugs and money were seized, and the man issued with a conditional caution.
Last Friday, response officers arrested Kayne Nicholas-Wilson at an address in Belmore Road. Class A drugs were seized and Nicholas-Wilson, 21, was charged with nine offences.
He has been remanded in custody to appear before the court on July 20.
On Saturday, officers arrested a drug runner from the area after spotting him dealing in Wellesley Road. His phone was seized, along with ten wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, and he received a conditional caution.
On Tuesday, police raided an address in Willowfield Square. Around 200 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, £300 in cash and multiple phones were seized.
Four people were arrested and on Wednesday at Brighton Magistrates' Court they all pleaded guilty to offences.
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