VIDEO: Police pursuits and drugs busts among SEU highlights

More than 2,000 arrests. More than 1,500 stop searches. More than 1,500 intelligence reports.

These are just some of the successful statistics attributed to Sussex Police’s Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU).

And now, as it marks its fifth anniversary, officers are calling upon the public to continue to report any suspicious activity to ensure criminals are denied the use of our roads in Sussex.

Inspector Ollie Pullen, who heads up the SEU, said:

“The SEU was created to relentlessly pursue and arrest some of the most dangerous and prolific criminals in Sussex by denying them the use of our roads.

“Over the past five years, the team has delivered exactly that – with more than 2,000 arrests, hundreds of stop searches, extensive intelligence submissions, vehicle stops and seizures.

“The unit has consistently demonstrated its commitment to our force priorities of protecting communities, catching criminals, and providing an outstanding service."

"The SEU is intelligence-led, responding directly to information that comes from the public. I want to thank our communities for the intelligence they continue to share with us; without their support, the impact we’ve achieved simply wouldn’t have been possible.

“I encourage anyone with concerns about criminality in Sussex to keep coming forward – you can contact us through our website at www.sussex.police.uk or anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

The Specialist Enforcement Unit carries out disruption and enforcement operations on roads across the county, targeting those involved in serious, organised and violent crime.

It consists of highly-trained police officers with a range of skills including advanced drivers, drone pilots, pursuit tactical advisors, medics and more.

The unit is equipped to be a one-stop-shop for road crime and other criminality – with the ability to identify, intercept and apprehend and disrupt offenders as they travel, seize drugs and stolen goods, and to support the investigation of any crimes through to conviction.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “The launch of the Specialist Enforcement Unit in 2021 was all about providing extra, visible and robust policing on Sussex’s roads, with the ability to deter, detect and disrupt those intent on travelling to commit crime.

“We know that organised criminals use roads to commit their crimes, from drug dealing and violence, to people trafficking, child exploitation, theft and more. This makes our road network a prime hunting ground for the police.

“I am incredibly proud of the positive results the SEU has achieved so far, and long may this continue.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Back in 2020, residents were calling for more dedicated policing to target the most serious and prolific criminals using our Sussex roads. Thanks to an increase in local precept funding, Sussex Police were able to establish the Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU) in 2021.

“In its first week, the team made 17 arrests, demonstrating both the demand for their work and how frequently prolific offenders use the road network to commit crime. Five years on, their dedication to keeping our roads safe remains unwavering and the incredible results speak for themselves.

“It is vital that residents and visitors continue to share intelligence so the SEU can keep apprehending those causing real harm in Sussex. My thanks and congratulations to Inspector Pullen and his team for their robust approach and continued success.”