Sussex Police reported that increased visible patrols under the national Safer Streets Winter of Action initiative have significantly enhanced community safety across town centres this winter.
Key Results & Impact
As of early February 2026, the winter campaign has achieved the following:
- Engagement: Officers conducted more than 4,000 hotspot patrols, engaging with over 25,000 residents.
- Crime Reduction: The initiative built on the success of the summer programme, which previously saw an 8.9% reduction in overall crime in targeted areas.
- Technological Integration: The use of Live Facial Recognition technology was deployed over the winter months to deter business and retail crime.
- Specific Targets: Patrols focused on reducing anti-social behaviour (ASB), retail crime, and violence within the night-time economy.
Operational Focus Areas
The patrols were strategically deployed in busy shopping districts and high-traffic night-life zones, including:
- High-Visibility Policing: Hotspot patrols in town centres such as Brighton, Eastbourne, Worthing, and Crawley.
- Partnership Working: Collaboration with Night Safety Marshals, Street Pastors, and Business Crime Reduction Partnerships to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
- Retail Protection: Dedicated focus on retail parks and shopping centres during the festive period to deter shoplifting.
According to the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, these proactive measures are intended to send a clear message that crime will not be tolerated in Sussex.
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