THE head of a group dedicated to reducing crime against businesses in Brighton and Hove has encouraged business owners to take advantage of the opportunity to quiz those in charge of policing.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, Chief Constable Giles York and Brighton commander Nev Kemp will answer questions from the public on Monday in Hove Town Hall.

Lisa Perretta, manager of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership, said: “This is a unique opportunity for businesses to have their voices heard by those who make key decisions about policing in Brighton and Hove.

“With Sussex Police facing £43 million budget cuts over the next three years, partnership-working will be key to tackling crime.

“This is a great chance for businesses and the public to raise concerns, make suggestions and find out more about how we can work together to make Brighton and Hove an even safer place to live.”

Chaired by The Argus editor Michael Beard, the evening public meeting is the first in a series Mrs Bourne will host in Sussex, which she says will “help set the context for policing” in the county.

Brighton and Hove commander Mr Kemp also encouraged people to come and ask questions.

He said: “I have a good idea of what many of the key issues are – but I’m not complacent. The event gives me time to hear about them from people affected.

“Some of the issues that often get raised with me are travellers’ encampments, antisocial behaviour and our response to crimes.

“This event will help me become better informed and that has to help me do a better job.

“Every single week I am pleased to say that I have people contacting me to say what a good service officers and staff have given them and what a difference we have made, often at a distressing or difficult time in their lives.

“I am not expecting people to come to tell us what a great job we are doing – much as I would like that – because, by it’s very nature, this is an event where people with concerns will want to ask me, the chief constable and the police and crime commissioner about policing-related matters that are on their mind, and I welcome that.”

Questions can be on any policing topic but it is expected the discussion will cover domestic abuse, burglary, sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, protests, public satisfaction in the police and travellers.

Questions not answered on the night will be answered and published online, as long as they do not contain personal information.

Everyone is welcome and the event is free. To submit a question, email news@theargus.co.uk, phone 01273 544 520 or visit www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk, where you can also register, which is recommended as spaces are limited.

Doors open at 6pm and the event will end at 7.45pm. Hove Town Hall is in Norton Road BN3 4AH.