Business Crime

Supporting local businesses in targeting repeat offenders, and working to reduce business crime through collaborative work, through both increased patrols, and police and partner led operations to tackle business crime, and bring those responsible to justice.

In the last few months officers for Lewes town centre wards have been conducting additional patrols and visiting as many local businesses in the area as possible to not only offer advice and support following reports of recent business crime/business theft, but also to support and encourage reporting of incidents at the time, in particular with the use of the Lewes and Eastbourne Business Crime Reduction Partnership Disc system; the system which offers local businesses a more streamlined way of reporting incidents, as well as suspect galleries and in App messaging/alerts to share details with other businesses signed up is aimed at helping build on the already strong relationship between police and local businesses in the area to ultimately reduce business crime in Lewes.

Anti-social behaviour (ASB)

Swiftly responding to incidents of ASB and effectively using policing powers available to intervene - including powers of dispersal where the actions of individuals or groups impact their wider surroundings; which can lead to wider harm, including the misuse of public spaces or buildings, criminal damage or vandalism, for example graffiti or damage to public buildings.

Working with partners and youth organisations, including schools and colleges to identify opportunities for early intervention with individuals at risk of causing ASB.

Addressing and taking action against ASB in the form of nuisance noise, such as noisy cars or motorbikes.

In the last few months officers for Lewes wards have seen an increase in the reporting of ASB (anti-social behaviour), likely linked to the summer holidays, as such officers have increased patrols in the area at peak reporting times to not only identify but deter those involved in ASB.

Patrols times for the last month average at 2 hours, with patrols averaging two a day for every day officers are on shift.

Patrols will continue, and youngsters have been spoken to about how their behaviours affect the wider community, a number of hours too have been spent in local parks and skate parks with officers holding events over the summer months to engage with youngsters, and help to encourage them into other activities including local sports groups or clubs to help deter from town area ASB.