EASTBOURNE has been identified as one of four priority locations across Sussex for a major police crackdown on knife crime, backed by £600,000 in Government funding.
A specific area of the town will see increased police patrols, tougher enforcement and targeted intervention programmes aimed at preventing young people from becoming involved in knife-related violence.
The operation forms part of a wider initiative involving Sussex Police and local partners, with Eastbourne selected alongside two areas of Brighton and one in Crawley for additional resources.
The funding, secured through the Home Office’s Knife Crime Concentration Fund, follows a successful bid led by Sussex Police and Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne.
Police say the initiative will combine a visible increase in enforcement activity with preventative measures designed to tackle the underlying causes of knife crime, particularly among young people.
Environmental improvements are also planned in the areas identified as being most affected by knife-related offences.
The latest crackdown comes as Sussex Police reports a significant reduction in knife crime following previous targeted operations.
According to figures released as part of the announcement, knife crime in areas already subject to intensive patrols has fallen by 47% over the past six months, compared with the previous 12-month monthly average.
Police also report that the estimated cost associated with knife crime has fallen by 42.7% over the same period.
However, the figures relate to specific targeted locations across Sussex rather than Eastbourne alone.
The latest investment is intended to build on those reductions, with additional police resources concentrated in locations where knife crime is considered a particular concern.
The precise area of Eastbourne selected for the operation has not been identified in the information released so far.
