Funds boost for police promised

A £1million boost for Sussex Police has been promised by the Home Office to help in the fight against serious violent knife crime.

The news was announced last week by Sussex police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne, who secured the cash boost for the area.

Her office said the welcome funding – a share of the £51million promised for forces across the UK by the Policing Minister – would fund a ‘surge’ in Sussex to tackle serious violence.

Mrs Bourne said: “The chief constable assures me that Sussex Police is developing an operational plan that will mean the force will be ready to step up targeted actions across the county supported by this immediate funding boost.

“This is great news for Sussex Police and Sussex residents and perfectly complements the work we have already begun through our Early Intervention Youth Programme – REBOOT – which in just two weeks has already engaged with 15 young people to steer them away from crime and violence.”

The announcement followed the success of Sussex Police’s crackdown against knife crime last month – Operation Sceptre. During the week-long campaign a total of 607 knives were either seized by officers or handed into amnesty bins.

Assistant chief constable Nick May said: “During the Operation Sceptre week of action for knife crime last month, we were clear this wasn’t one week of action but continues to be part of everyday policing. The additional funding will allow us to build on this and make a real difference to communities across the county. We are carrying out patrols in hotspot areas, targeting repeat victims and offenders, using our stop and search powers, working with trading standards and with partners to prevent crimes and educate young people.”