Sussex Police and partners are stepping up activity throughout December and January as part of the national Safer Streets Winter of Action initiative.
Building on the success of the Safer Streets Summer programme, this winter campaign targets town centre criminality, shop theft, street crime, and anti-social behaviour.
It also addresses issues in the night-time economy, with a particular focus on tackling violence against women, alcohol-related disorder, and spiking.
Local communities will see more police patrols, officers collaborating closely with shops, venues, and local organisations, and swift action to address the concerns that matter most to residents.
This winter, hotspot policing patrols continue and will focus on busy shopping days, festive events, and areas where vulnerable people may need support.
These dedicated patrols include those by Night Safety Marshals in Brighton, Eastbourne, Worthing and Crawley, who engage with vulnerable people and intervene to safeguard people.
Working closely with the Office of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, councils, retailers, Night Safety Marshals, Business Crime Reduction Partnerships, health services and community groups, officers will focus on early intervention, visible enforcement and problem-solving approaches tailored to each town centre.
There will also be diversionary activities for young people to help drive down crime and make areas safer.
The initiative forms part of a national effort supported by hotspot policing funding and long-term plans to strengthen neighbourhood policing.
The approach has already brought tangible successes this year, with over 6,800 additional hours of patrols between April and June leading to 75 arrests and engagement with 12,885 members of the public.
Hotspot policing generally has been proven to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour across Sussex over the previous two years.
Chief Superintendent Katy Woolford said: “Sussex Police is committed to keeping town centres safe all year round. Winter brings its own challenges, including increased footfall in shopping areas and a busier nightlife scene.
Officers and partners across Sussex will be working hard to find and prosecute those who continue to commit crimes and impact the communities who live and work in Sussex, as well as working to prevent crime from occurring in the first place.
You’ll also see officers patrolling the streets, talking to those in the community throughout December and January, working with partners to reduce crime, protect vulnerable people and support our communities. Please take the time to stop and speak to them and learn about what we’re doing in your local area and how we can all work together to keep Sussex safe.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Cutting crime in our town centres and high streets remains a priority for me and we’re already seeing positive results from the increased policing activity over the summer.
“Across the winter months, Sussex Police will continue dedicated, high visibility policing in the night-time economy so that our residents and visitors can enjoy everything safely – from late-night Christmas shopping to festive parties and other seasonal activities. The public’s safety in our towns and villages remains my priority.”
