Hello

This week I hosted a meeting for representatives from each of Sussex's Community Safety Partnerships (CSPs).

CSPs bring together key local organisations - such as the police, fire and rescue services, local authorities, health partners, the voluntary sector and others - to tackle crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour in their local communities.

They operate on the principle that no single agency can address all the factors that drive crime, making collaboration essential for developing effective local safety strategies.

CSPs are important because they combine local knowledge, professional expertise and shared resources to address the issues that matter most to residents. They support information‑sharing frameworks, plan strategic responses to local crime trends, reduce reoffending and help coordinate complex areas of work such as domestic abuse and substance misuse.

This week's meeting included an input from Sussex Police's Road Safety Team, providing partners around the table with an opportunity to ask questions about the police's enforcement and education activities - and to share examples of their own work and best practice.

Our CSPs embody coordinated, community‑focused problem‑solving, reflecting the shared commitment across Sussex to keep residents safe and supported.

Cracking Down on County Lines

County Lines Intensification Week is a national week of action focused on tackling organised criminal networks that move illegal drugs across county borders. 

Sussex is one of the most affected importer areas for county lines activity – and that’s why this week of action is so important for us.

Illegal county lines operations bring violence, anti‑social behaviour and the exploitation of vulnerable people – including our children – and we are determined to stop them.

You can watch how Sussex Police is disrupting county lines in this video.

Last year, Sussex Police made 150 arrests, disrupted 598 county lines and carried out 42 cuckooing disruptions. During the last national intensification week alone, officers made 65 arrests, conducted 113 stop‑and‑searches and seized 77kg of drugs and 19 weapons. 

During the most recent intensification week, Sussex Police teams across every division worked together to pursue offenders, shut down drug lines, seize dangerous weapons and safeguard those at risk. Officers executed warrants, increased patrols in public spaces, delivered school inputs, and worked with hotels and transport hubs to help prevent exploitation.

I joined officers in Brighton during an arrest warrant linked to a suspected county lines operation. Seeing their professionalism and determination first‑hand reinforced just how vital this work is.

Tackling county lines is a year‑round commitment, delivered locally through a comprehensive action plan that focuses on prevention, protection, community resilience and the relentless pursuit of offenders.

This week has been an important opportunity to highlight that ongoing work and I want to thank Sussex Police for their dedicated efforts. If you have concerns about county lines activity, please report it to Sussex Police on 101, text 65999 or visit the Sussex Police website. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

Katy Bourne OBE
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner