FoBS

We have now entered into a new performance year in Brighton & Hove and it is perhaps an opportune moment to reflect on our results from the previous year.
One of our key aims was to continue reducing crime in the city, making it an even safer place for you to live, work and visit. It proved to be a challenge in light of the current economic situation we are experiencing and the fact that we have achieved so much already in previous years. However, I am delighted to say that we reduced crime by a further 3.1% compared to 2008/09. This may not seem a huge amount but it means that there were 774 fewer offences over the year

The historic West Laine between Brighton Old Town and the parish of Hove was divided into 121 'furlongs [or field divisions] that on the Hove border next to the beach being named the West Field or Black Lands. At present this furlong contains as its one of its main features, Bedford Square. Behind this charming 'urban field' lies a warren of tiny streets, alleys and yards as well as the 20th century developments of Embassy Court and Golden lane

The Environment and Community Safety Overview and Scrutiny Committee at Brighton & Hove City Council has set up a Scrutiny Panel to conduct a ‘Speed Reduction Review: An investigation into 20 mph speed limits/zones’.

As part of the scrutiny process the panel is keen to canvas opinion from a wide range of groups and organisations about 20 mph speed limits and 20 mph zones. In particular, the panel would like to hear the views of Neighbourhood Forums about the impact of possible speed reduction initiatives in their area. 

Please could you contact me as soon as possible, but by no later than the 31 December if you would like to provide information and evidence for the scrutiny panel to consider.

Many thanks,


Libby Young

Overview & Scrutiny Assistant

Brighton & Hove City Council



Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Letter from Sarah Davis Sussex Police.
District Commander - East Brighton.  January Update

'Proud to be serving you and keeping our communities safe'


For those of you who were not aware; I am your new District Commander.  Chief Inspector Jacqui Griffiths successfully applied for a position within Special Branch, and will be using her previous experience of criminal intelligence to best effect. She provided solid leadership to the district while she was here, and we wish her the best of luck in her new position.

Most of my experience is in neighbourhood policing across a broad range of communities including Hastings and the numerous rural wards of Battle. This is the first time that I have worked in the same area as I live, and this gives me an even greater sense of personal responsibility. Although police are relied upon to service a raft of complex needs, I believe that our mission is simple. We need to accept that communities are made of people, each with the own hopes, fears and expectations. Our service will evolve to ensure that we are mindful of this, and increase satisfaction with what we deliver from call to conviction.  Local people look to us to be there when they need us; catch criminals; and make the area safer. This is always at the back of our minds and it has helped the team to consistently perform well, reducing crime to such an extent that we have to work doubly hard to detect the crimes that are reported.

There is a real energy and determination within your police teams, whether their roles involve getting to you quickly in an emergency, engaging and resolving local issues, or investigating priority crimes. As I mentioned: I have a broad experience of neighbourhood policing, and the East District policing team are some of the most productive and dedicated individuals I have worked with. They take our business personally which is often a recipe for success and a key offender in custody!

Over the last few years they have achieved great things with our partners, and there have been considerable improvements in local life for some of the communities who traditionally suffered particular challenges. The East Brighton New Deal for Communities Partnership (formerly EB4U) scheme is a fine example of this. We would struggle to achieve our aims without the support and involvement of local groups and agencies, who share our determination in building confident communities and improving the quality of life for local people. They also help us to deal with offenders who target victims for who they are, and to assure vulnerable victims of the support we could offer them. We are also in discussions with local businesses, keen to invest in the communities they work in. I look forward to updating you with how we can move this forward.

Operation Athlete, our key strategy for anti-social behaviour and young people, is now funded until the end of the year, and our activity extended into Saturday evenings. This puts us in a strong position, in readiness for some positive intervention over the warmer months. We have to remain mindful that young people are a community in themselves - some will never get into trouble; some will forever be in trouble; and a significant number could move either way. Because of this they should be regarded in an intelligent fashion, maximising both the opportunities to apprehend the key young offenders, and positively influence those who could be drawn into criminality by them.   

I mentioned earlier that headline performance is strong. Violent crime continues to fall and more offenders are being caught. Vehicle crime is down by a further 20% and we use a variety of tactics to arrest our main offenders. We are experiencing a rise in burglaries, reflected force wide, and often committed in flats and houses which have not been secured properly. In spite of our campaigns, vehicles are also left insecure with valuables on show. Please continue to convey the message that we cannot offer thieves that sort of temptation.

As part of the divisional command team I will continue to review our capabilities and look to remove unnecessary barriers, duplication and bureaucracy. We continue to find ways to improve our service and meet your expectations. In return we rely on your support and involvement, without which we would struggle to make our area a safe place to live, work and visit. Irrespective of how well we perform, we will always seek to improve, and our mantra will continue to be one victim is one too many.

Don't forget to check out the local team who are serving you via http://www.sussex.police.uk/

There has been a recent increase in the un acceptable behaviour within the square. This includes people who have been congregating on the benches and urinating in the bushes.
We have been informed of where these people are coming from but will not disclose it unless we have definate proof.
However if you spot anything then please inform the police immediately.

There has been a marked increase in ASB within the Square recently.

In the last week we have had 2 arson attacks (one reported in the local
paper).

ASB from residents of one house that consisted of: Drunkenness, urinating in
the bushes, BBQ on the pathway, smoking possibly illegal substances. This
'party' was broken up by the police.

People yelling for their friends to let them in - at 2.30am!

A clamped car had its clamp forcibly removed by a motorist. Yes the police
got the reg number.

In general there is a dramatic increase in totally ASB within the square. If
you see anything that you think is unacceptable then either call crime
stoppers on 0800 555 111 or the police on 0845 60 70 999 - 999 if urgent

Are you suffering from student ASB?

We have been asked to compile a list of areas that are getting issues, along with a record of their problems.  

comments or emails to me please

Hello,

We have recently launched the Care to Share project (funded by SEEDA)
which is working with the Care Sector helping with their recruitment and
retention for a range of roles from maintenance, gardening,
administration and care assistants.