Crime figures down in East Sussex after festive crackdown
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12 January 2011
Violent crime was cut by almost a third in East Sussex over the festive period - one of the busiest times of the year for emergency services.
Officers worked flat out to deal with incidences of drunken revellers who had enjoyed too much alcohol during a night's celebrations, but extra patrols and working closely with licensees helped to prevent offences from occurring.
Reductions in public place violence
Recorded figures show significant year-on-year reductions in public place violence, down 32.4%, and total violence against the person, down 28.0%, during the night-time economy of December 2010, compared to December 2009. New Year's Eve, usually the peak evening for disorder linked to the night-time economy, saw 43.6% fewer offences of violence against the person between 8pm on December 31st 2010 and 7am on January 1st 2011, compared to the previous year.
During the festive period, 222 licensing checks were carried out across the division and police in Eastbourne and Hastings took part in the Safe Space initiative, ensuring people had somewhere to go if they got into trouble or needed assistance or advice on a night out.
Organisations working together
East Sussex Safer Communities Partnership and organisations including Sussex Police, East Sussex County Council, NHS and District and Borough Councils also worked together to share information and put out messages to encourage young people to have fun and stay safe if they did choose to drink alcohol.
Hard work has paid off
East Sussex Policing Commander, Chief Superintendent Robin Smith, said: "It is clear that the combination of extra patrols and working closely with our partners, in particular licensees across the county who demonstrated a really responsible approach, has really paid off.
"I am also really impressed with the skill and professionalism demonstrated by officers who worked over the festive period, ensuring our communities could celebrate safely.
"I'd also like to thank the overwhelming majority of people who took our advice and enjoyed themselves over Christmas and New Year without causing trouble."
Page last updated on 13 January 2011
