Sussex Police have responded to figures suggesting an increase in crime in Brighton and Hove.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the force recorded 28,225 offences in Brighton and Hove in the 12 months to June.

That was an increase of 13 per cent compared with the previous year, when there were 24,908.

And, at 96.7 crimes per 1,000 people, that was higher than the rate across England and Wales, which stood at 91.3.

But Sussex Police said the ONS recommended comparing the 2022 figures with pre Covid figures, rather than 2021, in order to get an accurate picture of how the crime rate was changing.

The force said if that comparison was made, it would show an overall drop in crime.

The ONS report compares the Crime Survey for England and Wales figures, which Sussex Police said recognises that recorded crime in Brighton and Hove decreased from 29,254 crime reports in the year end March 2020, to 28,225 for the year ending June, 2022.

The force said this is a 3.5 per cent decrease, compared to a seven per cent increase nationally over the same periods.

Chief Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw said: “Brighton and Hove is a safe place to live, work and visit and our officers, volunteers and staff work tirelessly to combat crime across the city.

“The figures show that overall reported crime in the city has in fact decreased for the year ending June, 2022, compared to pre-pandemic levels.

“Much of the year June, 2020, to June, 2021, was spent under varying degrees of lockdown and overall crime rates fell dramatically as a result.

“As a division we carry out a huge amount of work to keep people safe, with increased patrols around areas of concern and the night-time economy, as well as ongoing initiatives with our partners in the community to tackle the root causes of crime and anti-social behaviour, and safeguard vulnerable people.

“We also work with multiple agencies in the Business Crime Reduction Partnership to tackle business crime across the city.

“Protecting women and girls and reducing sexual offences is a key focus for the force and as a division we have carried out extensive proactive work to that end, in collaboration with community partners.

“As well as our increased, dedicated patrols, licensed venues have stepped up their security efforts, with increased searches at the door, extra training for staff, lids for cups, testing strips, on-site medics and safe spaces for people in distress.

“Taxi marshals are also in place at taxi ranks in the night-time economy to make sure vulnerable people can access transport safely after a night out, Night Safety Marshals provide extra pairs of eyes and ears on the ground and we help to operate a safe space in West Street where people in need can go for support.

“We would always encourage the public to report any crimes, concerns or suspicious activity as this allows officers to build a clear picture of the issues impacting our communities."

Crimes recorded in Brighton and Hove included:

  • 1,311 sexual offences, a rise of 30 per cent
  • 9,998 violent offences, a rise of 14 per cent
  • 2,638 incidents of criminal damage and arson, down nine per cent
  • 988 drug offences, down six per cent
  • 346 possession of weapons such as firearms or knives, up seven per cent
  • 3,573 public order offences, up 30 per cent
  • 8,477 theft offences, a rise of 19 per cent
  • 2,781 stalking and harassment offences, up 12 per cent