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TARGETED action to tackle knife crime is set to be stepped up in parts of Eastbourne after Sussex secured a major funding boost to address the issue in key hotspots.
Nearly £600,000 has been awarded to Sussex Police from a new Home Office initiative aimed at reducing knife crime in four areas across the county. The funding will focus on two locations in Brighton, one in Crawley, and one in Eastbourne, identified through data as having the highest concentration of offences.
Police say the extra resources will allow for a tailored approach in each area, which could include increased patrols, enhanced CCTV coverage and the use of Live Facial Recognition technology, depending on local needs.
Alongside enforcement, officers are launching a renewed campaign aimed at young people, urging them to think carefully before carrying a knife. The message—’One choice. Two futures. #KnivesCostLives’, will run alongside the national Operation Sceptre campaign next month.
Young people will also be encouraged to report concerns anonymously through Fearless, a service run by Crimestoppers.
Chief Inspector Jim Loader, force lead for serious violence and knife crime, said while progress has been made, more work is needed.
He said: “Public place crime involving a knife has fallen by 24% over the last year, but we must build on this. The tragic events in Brighton over the weekend show how a single incident can have devastating consequences.
“Every time someone chooses to carry a knife, they are putting themselves and others in danger. By analysing the data, we can understand why certain areas are more affected and take coordinated action with partners to tackle the root causes.”
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said the funding would help expand an approach that is already delivering results.
She said: “Hotspot policing patrols have played a vital role in reducing crime while providing a visible police presence. This proactive approach sends a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated.
“This investment allows us to go further—focusing efforts where they are needed most and helping to keep communities like Eastbourne safe.”
Police say the aim is not only to reduce incidents in the short term, but to deliver long-term solutions by addressing the underlying causes of knife crime in affected neighbourhoods.
