Sussex Alerts- Brighton & Hove Police

February 2025

February has flown by and as we head into March, we are all holding out for some lighter evenings and warmer weather.  We know that better weather brings more people to the city and we are looking forward to working with all of our communities in Brighton & Hove and helping to keep you all safe.

Nighttime Economy

As we move towards summer, we know that our vibrant and busy nighttime economy will start to get busier. There is always something happening and as a result we welcome people not only from the local community, but from far and wide who are drawn to Brighton for all it has to offer.  

Sadly, there are people who use this as an excuse to take advantage of people out enjoying themselves and perhaps when their attentions are elsewhere.  We are asking people to be extra vigilant if out enjoying their Friday and Saturday nights.  Our core advice remains consistent all year round:

We work with many partners in Brighton & Hove, and we value each and every one.  They all play their part in making our city the great place that it is.   I just want to take a moment to flag one of our partners who specifically help us during the nighttime economy on a weekend.

Safe Space operates on a Friday and Saturday night out of St Pauls Church, West Street and supports anyone who is vulnerable, intoxicated, injured or needs emotional support.  They offer first aid, signposting, they have mobile phone chargers and most importantly they offer a warm welcome and keep you safe.

Whilst we hope people do not find themselves in a situation where they are vulnerable, it is important people know this service exists and is available, should it be needed. 

Please share this information with family and friends and help us spread the word about this excellent provision. 

You can find out more, including their opening times on their website: https://www.changegrowlive.org/safe-space-brighton/info

I would like to thank the volunteers who facilitate this service and make a big difference to people in need. 

Fraud

Some of you may have celebrated Valentine’s Day earlier this month!  Love it or hate it, sadly it is an occasion when romance fraudsters can prey upon unsuspecting and vulnerable victims. 

Our monthly fraud newsletter is available for you now to read and has information included about this crime- you can find it attached to this email.  

I would urge all our residents to stay vigilant and mindful of scams, the perpetrators of this crime are making it increasingly difficult to spot.  Please share the newsletter with any family or friends who may not have access to this information, it isn’t always online, often these crimes are committed in person too.

PCSO Patrols and Communication

Our ward PCSOs have been working hard over the course of the last few months and have been clocking up their steps in their wards.  From North Portslade to Palace Pier to Hollingdean – wherever you live, you can expect to see your PCSO out in the community.

We appreciate people are not always around when our PCSOs are out and so want to ensure there are other ways to interact and communicate with your PCSO.

You should all be receiving a monthly ward update directly from your PCSO – please use this opportunity to engage and feedback to your PCSO if there is anything you wish to raise or if you have any questions or issues to flag. 

We do want to increase the number of people signed up to receive the updates as it is an excellent way for people to stay abreast of what is happening in their area and to have contact with their PCSO.  Please share the information about Sussex Alerts with your friends and family to help us spread the word!  Sign up link is: Home Page - Sussex Alerts

Stay safe everyone and remember, if you need us, please get in touch.

Si Marchant

Chief Inspector

Neighbourhood Policing Team

News

Man pleads guilty to kidnapping woman in Hove

A man who kidnapped a woman after asking her for directions in Hove has pleaded guilty at court. Read more here

Barber jailed after attacking a person with scissors

A barber has been convicted after attacking a man with scissors in Brighton.  Full story here.

Former Hove Scout leader jailed for dozens of child sex offences

Former Scout leader Ian Silvester has been jailed for committing dozens of child sex offences. Read more here.

Brighton man jailed for raping, assaulting and controlling woman

A Brighton man who raped, controlled and abused a woman – including assaulting her into unconsciousness while she was pregnant – has been given a 20-year sentence. More here.

Four sentenced for deliberate fires in Brighton

The series began on September 24, 2023, when a Range Rover was set alight outside a property in Downsway, Woodingdean.  Full story here.

Brighton couple charged in connection with young girl abuse

Sussex Police has charged two people in connection with offences involving a young girl in Brighton. More here.

Information and Advice

Mental Health

Mental health struggles can touch anyone, anytime.

Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone.

Free, confidential Sussex support services are available 24/7.
You'll be listened to & heard, so spread the word and support those who might need it.

Safe Space Sussex

Have you or someone you know been affected by domestic abuse and need help or support?

Safe Space Sussex is here for you. This dedicated platform provides immediate access to local services for those affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, and other serious crimes.

With just a few clicks, you can find more information about confidential advice and specialised support.

Sussex Police is committed to ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need.

Visit Safe Space Sussex to find support.  You’re not alone—support is here.

Consent

What separates sex or affection from rape or sexual assault? The answer is consent.

Visit Consent Is Everything to find out more about consent.

There are many common myths about rape and sexual assault that might make you blame yourself, or question whether what's happened is a crime.

You can find out more about rape myths from Rape Crisis England & Wales and also on our website.

Road Safety

Have a safe TRIP.

Heading out this weekend?  Please take the time to check your vehicle and plan your journey accordingly.

Rain can affect your ability to see ahead or be seen by others, as well as affect your vehicle’s performance and responsiveness.

 

Before you travel, plan your route, check the weather forecast and live traffic conditions for any disruptions or potential delays to ensure you have a safe TRIP.

T- top up on fuel, oil, screen wash
R- rest, take a break from driving and rest every two hours
I- inspect your tyres
P- prepare for weather, if there are delays, is your mobile charged, have you left enough time for your journey

Even moderate rain can reduce your ability to see and be seen, a good rule of thumb is; ‘if it’s time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down’!

More seasonal weather driving advice can be found on the Met Office website.

Recruitment

Do you want to help build a safer Sussex? Be the change you want to see.

We’re recruiting PCSOs who are committed to making a positive impact on their community.

You can learn more about the role and how to apply here 

Reporting

In an emergency, call 999.

For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, visit www.sussex.police.uk

Call 101 when you don’t require an urgent response. 

Visit us at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area.

If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, you can contact us using TypeTalk on 18000 or by sending a text to 65999.

Follow your local police team on social media, find us on