Police to increase patrols in town centres this winter

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.