Public Place Violent Crime
Definition
Violent offences committed in a public place where people see an act that they perceive to be violent. This includes all violent offences that occur in a public place, including incidents of domestic violence.
Prevention
The Safer Wealden Partnership has been working very hard to reduce all Public Place Violent Crime with particular emphasis on alcohol-fuelled disorder. These are some of our initiatives:
- With the help of the Joint Action Group, which includes representatives from the Wealden District Council and Police licensing teams, we have been able to gather evidence about problem licensed premises. This has enabled us to apply for variations and/or conditions of licences, and in extreme cases to have the licences withdrawn.
- The Partnership has not only been using enforcement but with regular visits, we have been giving support and education to members of the licensed trade about the law and steps they should be taking to avoid selling alcohol to young people.
- Throughout the District we have an enthusiastic Pub Watch scheme with many members from both rural and town areas. This has led to persistent troublemakers being banned.
- Joint patrols by Police and Nightclub door staff have helped identify and deter potential troublemakers thus making people feel safer in this environment.
- Crime data analysis has identified 'Red Routes' which are routes home from clubs and pubs which have been shown to have increased disorder and criminal damage. These are now monitored and patrolled regularly by Police and PCSOs on Thursday, Fridays and Saturday evenings.
- Regular alcohol test purchasing operations are carried out throughout the year; licensees selling to U18's are warned on the first occasion and if found to be persistently selling to U18's, are subject to a licensing review.
- Youth street drinking is addressed by stop-checks and confiscation of alcohol. This has led to youths disguising the alcohol by pouring it into soft drink bottles; alcohol dip sticks have helped to overcome this.
- The deployment of fixed and mobile CCTV has resulted in a decrease in violence and disorder in areas that have been identified as 'hot spots'. It has enabled Police to respond earlier and provide evidence for prosecution.
Wealden has four neighbourhood policing teams serving different areas of the community:
- Crowborough
- Uckfield
- Hailsham Urban
- Heathfield Rural
Just use the Sussex Police District Map (external link) to select Wealden, then click on the area you live in.