£600,000 knife crime crackdown launched in Eastbourne, Brighton and Crawley as offences fall by 47%

A major crackdown on knife crime has begun in parts of Eastbourne, Brighton and Crawley, with Sussex Police receiving £600,000 in government funding to strengthen enforcement, increase patrols and protect young people from violence.

The targeted operation will focus on four locations across the county, including one area of Eastbourne, two in Brighton and another in Crawley.

The initiative follows a successful bid to the Home Office's Knife Crime Concentration Fund by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, working alongside Sussex Police and local partners.

The additional investment comes as police report a significant reduction in knife crime in areas already subject to intensified enforcement.

According to Sussex Police, knife crime has fallen by 47% during the past six months compared with the monthly average recorded in those locations over the previous year.

The force also reports a 42.7% reduction in the cost associated with knife crime over the same period.

The latest funding will support additional police patrols, enhanced CCTV coverage, improved street lighting and targeted interventions designed to tackle the underlying causes of serious violence.

Depending on individual neighbourhood requirements, the operation could also involve deployments of Live Facial Recognition technology.

Chief Inspector Jim Loader, Sussex Police's 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.”

In Eastbourne, the borough council has welcomed the initiative, highlighting the importance of preventing violence before it happens and providing support for vulnerable young people.

Councillor 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.”

In Brighton, the funding will also be used to strengthen safety measures within the city's night-time economy.

Eight Night Safety Marshals will now operate on Friday and Saturday nights, providing reassurance, assisting vulnerable people and intervening when potentially dangerous situations arise.

The additional marshals will work alongside police officers and other organisations to help reduce violence in the city centre.

Meanwhile, in Crawley, part of the programme will concentrate on the Memorial Gardens area, combining enforcement with education and diversionary activities for young people.

Community organisation AudioActive has been commissioned to provide outreach work using music and positive activities to build relationships with young people and offer alternatives to becoming involved in crime.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner 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."

Police are also continuing their awareness campaign, One choice. Two futures. #KnivesCostLives, which encourages young people to consider the consequences of carrying weapons.

Officers are urging anyone with information about people carrying knives to report their concerns anonymously through Fearless, the youth service operated by Crimestoppers.

The force says the latest investment is intended not only to reduce knife-related offences but also to address the circumstances that lead young people towards violence, helping create safer communities across Sussex.

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