Home Secretary Suella Braverman visits Sussex

She met with Sussex Police to discuss ways the force has been tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence.

Police said the Home Secretary visited Brighton on Thursday (February 9) and was met by senior leaders including Chief Constable Jo Shiner and PCC Katy Bourne for a presentation on how data-led, hotspot policing and partner working has brought some significant successes.

A police spokesperson said: “Innovative data analytics techniques allow the police to spot patterns, identify risks and serial offenders, and target resources more effectively and efficiently.

“Allied with ongoing community engagement, it enables Sussex Police and its partners to develop a picture of the specific issues affecting neighbourhoods in the county.

“Not all problems can be solved by policing, which is why a holistic, partnership approach is needed to make sure the steps we take address the root issues.

“Anti-social behaviour and serious violence are tied to a range of social and environmental factors, such as overgrown public areas, inadequate street lighting and drug and alcohol-related behaviour.”

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “Protecting our communities takes teamwork. Central to that is understanding the issues that affect the people of Sussex every day, and the areas where we can have the greatest impact.

“By targeting our resources more effectively, alongside our partners, we can continue to bring about real change in our communities and help keep Sussex a safe place to live, work and visit.”

Sussex Police said it identified The Level in Brighton as an area of concern. It said a year on, ASB reports are down by 55 per cent and overall crime has fallen by 28 per cent.

Police said StreetSafe data showed people felt unsafe at The Level.

The police spokesperson said: “The park and wider community were affected by drug and alcohol-related incidents; graffiti and criminal damage was prevalent; youth-related violence and ASB was regularly reported and serious violence was a concern.

“Police and partners identified a range of contributing factors, including a lack of suitable CCTV, poor lighting, overgrown vegetation, vacant premises and social issues among the local community.

“In response, we opened an engagement hub in a council building to provide a reassuring presence and clear point of contact. High-visibility foot patrols were also increased, led by data to target them at the most effective times and locations.

“We worked with the council to improve CCTV and add additional street lighting, while the council’s teams cleaned up the graffiti and trimmed the vegetation.

“Community partners also took part in a number of outreach and social projects to tackle the issues that underpin anti-social and violent behaviour.

"Going forward, daily patrols will continue and the community, partner engagement will expand to ensure The Level remains a cornerstone of Brighton and Hove for years to come.

“The Level is just one example of targeted and evidence based policing.