Resorts crack down on violent crime

Despite a two per cent drop in violent crime from April to August this year compared to 2002, police from across the Force area will be mounting high visibility patrols and using other tactics in a bid to reduce and detect the number of offences even further.

The initiative is based around partnership working, and will see the Force teaming up with West and East Sussex County Councils, Brighton and Hove City Council, borough and town councils, the fire service, licensees, door staff and British Transport Police for the week-long initiative.

It is hoped that Resolve 3 - the name given to the operation - will contribute to a further reduction and detection of violent crime, including assaults, robbery and wounding, and make the towns of Sussex even safer to live, work and visit.

Assistant Chief Constable Geoff Williams said: "By mounting Operation Resolve 3, we do not want to give the impression that there is a problem with violent crime - it has to be kept in perspective. Having said that, everyone wants to feel safe and that is one of the key aims behind this operation - to work with our partners and encourage people to come to the towns and villages of Sussex.

"It is fair to say that those who most fear becoming a victim of a violent crime are least likely to. For example, a significant proportion of violent crime occurs over the weekend with 50 per cent of all offences happening on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

"This is caused by the large numbers of people in public areas, together with increased customs in licensed premises.

"Added to this is a strong daily time trend.

"Some 77 per cent of all public-place violent crimes occur between 3pm and 3am. The most significant peak begins at 8pm and continues until 3am. This is the time when pubs and clubs are at their busiest. The most significant time period, from 11pm to midnight, coincides with the typical 'closing time', resulting in many people being in public areas for up to two hours."

Operation Resolve will see high visibility patrols.

Local officers from all divisions will be working with specialist teams including intelligence officers, dog units and road policing departments. Police have been proactive in identifying known offenders through DNA and fingerprint intelligence, and will be targeting offenders who are identified as wanted.

Officers will also be carrying out joint visits with licensees and Trading Standards; identifying and targeting known "hot spot" areas; liaising with local Pub and Club Watch schemes to ensure early warning of any potential problems; carrying out leaflet drops outlining the objectives of Operation Resolve 3 to local residents in hot spot areas; briefing publicans; and issuing warrants.

Police Authority chairman Mark Dunn said: "Complex social issues such as violent crime need to be tackled in partnership with key agencies to make our communities safer."

Public-place violent crime makes up around 17 per cent of all violent crime in Sussex. Reducing this area of crime is a target within the Local Public Service Agreements made between the Government and West Sussex County Council, East Sussex County Council and Brighton and Hove City Council.