Sussex PCC out with police officers in Eastbourne

Police officers made street-drinking their prime focus as they patrolled Eastbourne town centre with the county crime commissioner today (Friday July 21).
Police crime commissioner Katy Bourne with special constable Adam Godden, PC Ed Faulkner and PC Scott Franklin-LesterPolice crime commissioner Katy Bourne with special constable Adam Godden, PC Ed Faulkner and PC Scott Franklin-Lester
Police crime commissioner Katy Bourne with special constable Adam Godden, PC Ed Faulkner and PC Scott Franklin-Lester

Crime commissioner for Sussex Police Katy Bourne joined officers as part of an anti knife-crime campaign but the focus turned to street drinkers.

“It’s rare to find someone with a knife, but street drinking and antisocial behaviour are a real issue for people here,” said PC Ed Faulkner who patrols the town centre daily.

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During the patrol several members of the public stopped the commissioner and the officers to complain about drinkers on Eastbourne’s streets.

PC Scott Franklin-Lester, Iceland store manager Ian Mason and PCC Katy BournePC Scott Franklin-Lester, Iceland store manager Ian Mason and PCC Katy Bourne
PC Scott Franklin-Lester, Iceland store manager Ian Mason and PCC Katy Bourne

Andrew Russell, who lives on Susans Road, said, “It’s horrendous. People hang around outside All Souls Church, they drink, use drugs, urinate and defecate.

“They waste ambulance time and police time. We want to know what the long-term plan is to deal with this.”

Crime commissioner Katy Bourne said she was lobbying hard to get more done to reduce street drinking and had already noticed an improvement in the past few months.

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The officers also attended an alley off Bolton Road frequented by a group of around 15 drug users and gave a warning to another street drinker at Iceland supermarket.

Eastbourne resident Andrew Russell speaks to PC Scott Franklin-Lester and PCC Katy BourneEastbourne resident Andrew Russell speaks to PC Scott Franklin-Lester and PCC Katy Bourne
Eastbourne resident Andrew Russell speaks to PC Scott Franklin-Lester and PCC Katy Bourne

“If she opens her can she will receive a dispersal order which bans her from the central tourist area of the town,” said PC Scott Franklin-Lester.

Store manager Ian Mason said, “We get a lot of complaints from customers about drinkers in the store. Calling 111 takes too long.”

PC Franklin-Lester said people should call 999 if drinkers are shouting, swearing or causing fear, and asked them not to give up on 111 calls in non-emergency situations.

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The officers also pointed out a former known crack house on Susans Road which had been closed down thanks to police intervention.

PC Scott Franklin-Lester, special constable Adam Godden, PCC Katy Bourne and work experience student Tom Lovell.PC Scott Franklin-Lester, special constable Adam Godden, PCC Katy Bourne and work experience student Tom Lovell.
PC Scott Franklin-Lester, special constable Adam Godden, PCC Katy Bourne and work experience student Tom Lovell.

Max Del Gaudio who runs the nearby Moda Barber shop said the police’s action had made a difference to his business.

“Women walk down the street now where they didn’t before,” he said.

On the issue of knife crime in the area, PC Ed Faulkner said, “If you carry a knife you are more likely to be injured by a knife. The punishment for having one in your possession is really severe. It is much better to avoid it.”