Crime Slumps Across Sussex as Police Target Hotspots
Sussex Police have scored a major win against crime after a six-month blitz in the county’s most troubled areas. Since the launch of the Hotspot Policing Team in April 2024, offences have plunged by 14% across 29 high-risk zones.
New Unit Cracks Down on Crime
The Hotspot Policing Team’s mission: tackle anti-social behaviour and violent offences head-on. With over 10,000 extra patrol hours logged and tens of thousands of public interactions, Sussex’s streets are becoming safer by the day. Officers aren’t just enforcing laws – they’re teaming up with local groups to root out the causes behind crime.
- Anti-social behaviour crimes down 17.9%
- Reports of grievous bodily harm slashed by 29.1%
Chief Inspector Jim Loader, in charge of serious violence and knife crime, said: “Over a sustained period of time, this data shows that our approach is working. Our communities are now even safer, with fewer knives on the streets and violent offenders tackled robustly.”
Knife Crime Numbers Tell a Mixed Tale
While most crime is dropping, knife offences rose 10.3% — but only in two new knife crime hotspots in Brighton. Elsewhere, knife crimes plunged 22% across the other 27 hotspots.
This spike partly reflects tougher, proactive policing. Officers are stopping people, finding hidden blades, and removing weapons from the streets.
“Offences involving knives include possession of bladed articles. More searches mean more knives seized and fewer weapons endangering the public,” Loader explained.
- 150+ searches conducted
- 23 knives confiscated
- 27 stolen items recovered
- 37 drug seizures
- 161 arrests
Community Pods Bring Police Closer to Locals
In November, Sussex introduced ‘community pods’ — visible police bases in seven hotspots: Hastings, Eastbourne, Brighton, Crawley, Horsham, Worthing, and Chichester. These pods offer safe spaces for residents to chat with officers and deter petty criminals.
Loader added: “The new pods are another boost, providing a greater presence in our towns and cities. I encourage the public to say ‘hello’ – we are here to help.”
Ongoing collaboration between police and communities remains vital. Residents are urged to keep reporting concerns and play their part in making Sussex safer.
Loader concluded: “Community input is key to sustaining our success. Together, we will keep Sussex safe.”
