Targeted action against knife crime starts in four Sussex locations

Two specific areas of Brighton, one in Eastbourne and one in Crawley are the focus of tough police enforcement activity, enhanced patrols and interventions for young people to tackle and further reduce knife crime.

The action was made possible by £600,000 from the Home Office’s Knife Crime Concentration Fund, following a successful bid by Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne working with Sussex Police and local partners.

It will support a combination of targeted enforcement, prevention activity and environmental improvements in areas most affected by knife crime.

It comes as Sussex has recorded a strong reduction in knife crime.

In the past six months knife crime has gone down by 47 per cent due to intense patrol activity in specific targeted areas compared to the monthly average seen in those locations over the past year.

The cost of knife crime has also reduced by 42.7 per cent over the same period when compared to the monthly average over the past 12 months.

Chief Inspector Jim Loader, lead for serious violence and knife crime, said: “Knife crime continues to have a devastating impact on victims, those closest to them and the wider community and Sussex Police remains committed in it’s efforts to catch the criminals perpetrating this violence on our streets.

“Through our analysis, we have a better understanding of the underlying causes of knife crime in specific areas of Brighton, Eastbourne and Crawley and we are adapting our response to address these.

“The intense, problem-solving action, with the support of our partners, is tailored to address the issues, reduce criminality in the long term and make our streets safer.

“Depending on the needs of the area, there will be increased patrols, CCTV cameras, interventions from partners and Live Facial Recognition deployments.

“Areas will see improved lighting and more Night Safety Marshals will be visible in Brighton city centre.

“There are also diversion programmes for young people most a risk of being a victim or a perpetrator of knife crime.

“I urge young people to think before they carry a knife. Our campaign ‘One choice. Two futures. #KnivesCostLives’ hashtag prompts young people to contact the charity Fearless, part of Crimestoppers, to anonymously report information on knife carriers.

“Every time someone chooses to carry a knife, they are putting themselves and others in danger. That is why schemes such as the Knife Crime Concentration Fund are so important.

“Our priority is to keep people safe and feeling safe.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commission Katy Bourne said: “The reduction in knife crime we're already seeing shows that targeted action works but one young person carrying a knife is still one too many.

“This funding gives us an important opportunity to go further, enabling the police to take targeted action in the areas where it can have the greatest impact, to keep people safe and prevent violence before it happens.

“While it is encouraging to see knife crime falling in these hotspot locations, now is not the time for complacency.

“By continuing to work together, Sussex Police, local councils, community organisations and residents can make our neighbourhoods safer and give young people the opportunity to choose a positive future away from crime.”

Partners have come together to help deliver long-lasting change.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s Katherine Kotz, heritage protection project manager, said: “We are excited to be co-creating ambitious and pioneering safety initiatives with exceptional colleagues from Sussex Police, transport operators, venues, Public Health and partners across the wider night-time economy through the City Safe Zone pilot.

“The Knife Crime Concentration Fund could not have come at a more pivotal moment. As a city, we are united in our commitment to reducing violence, increasing visible guardianship and creating safer, more welcoming streets for residents and visitors alike.

“This funding provides a vital opportunity to turn innovative ideas into meaningful action, unlocking additional investment and match funding from partners across the city while strengthening our collective efforts to prevent harm, reduce opportunities for offending and improve safety across Brighton and Hove.

“By building on the strength of our existing partnerships, we have a unique opportunity to deliver lasting change, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these initiatives will have in creating a safer, more vibrant and welcoming night-time economy for everyone.”

Kat Bradshaw-Denton, operations manager for Resolve Security, said: “The Knife Crime Concentration Fund recently increased our funding so we can now provide eight Night Safety Marshals on Friday and Saturday nights.

“Having more marshals on patrol means we can engage with more vulnerable people, provide reassurance and intervene early when issues arise.

“Working alongside police and partners, we help create a safer environment for residents and visitors, while also supporting efforts to reduce violence and knife crime in the city centre.

“The additional funding has strengthened our visibility and presence at key times, helping people feel safer on a night out.”

Kathy Ballard, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Eastbourne Borough Council, said: “We welcome this targeted approach, which brings together partners to tackle the causes of knife crime and support young people who may be at risk.

“The fact that knife crime has already fallen significantly in these areas shows the value of working together to prevent violence and keep communities safe.

“We remain committed to supporting initiatives that help people feel safe and secure in Eastbourne."

Michelle Hunter, chief executive of AudioActive, said: “This programme has enabled police to commission AudioActive’s outreach in Memorial Gardens, Crawley, investing in young people’s safety and wellbeing.

“Through music, trusted relationships and positive diversionary activities, we can reach young people early, connect them with support and opportunities, and work together to build a safer, more connected community.”