Rise in reports of domestic violence in Brighton and Hove

The Community Safety Partnership’s report shows in 2017-18 a total of 26,142 crimes were recorded by the police in Brighton and Hove, a 1.4 per cent increase compared with 2016-17.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s neighbourhoods, inclusion, communities and equalities committee is discussing the report when it meets today (July 2) when it is due to discuss the Community Safety and Crime Reduction Strategy 2017-20.

Recorded violent crime has increased, as have recorded incidents of domestic violence across the city.

Increases in domestic violence, sexual violence and hate crime are put down to better, more accurate reporting.

Officers solved 17 per cent of domestic violence offences. The conviction rate for cases going to court remains relatively high at 77 per cent.

For sexual offences, 73 per cent of cases going to court resulting in a conviction

Incidents of anti-social behaviour have fallen by 1,942 in the last year.

There were 13 incidents of modern slavery in 2017-18, up from four the previous year.

Sussex Police is concerned that it is not sufficiently aware of the signs of this hidden crime.

In an effort to tackle the problem, the force has recruited a ‘modern slavery delivery manager’.

A multi-agency working group is also focusing on the increasing problem of ‘cuckooing’, where drug dealers take over a vulnerable person’s home.

One vulnerable victim whose home was taken over was taken over has been moved to supported accommodation elsewhere.

Councillors are being asked to support the partnership work and contribute to the management of crime and community safety priorities for the city.

The meeting takes place in public at Hove Town Hall from 4pm today (July 2).

Sarah Booker-Lewis is the Local Democracy Reporter for Brighton & Hove.

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