Eastbourne Business Crime Group has teamed up with Sussex Police and the University of Brighton to combat crime and anti-social behaviour.
In the first of a series of initiatives with the university, Sussex Police and the Eastbourne Business Crime Group’s Nightwatch will be present at the university’s Freshers’ Fair on Tuesday 26 September, providing advice and literature and chatting to new students about crime prevention and personal safety.
In organised seminars, students will be advised how they can minimise the risk of becoming a victim of crime as well as the consequences of anti-social behaviour through the Nightwatch scheme. It will be the first time in Eastbourne’s history that Sussex Police have taken part in the Student Union’s Freshers’ Week.
In addition, working in conjunction with the Crime Reduction Partnership, Nightwatch has produced a ‘Staying Safe in Eastbourne’ card that will be distributed to new students and available in all major clubs and bars in the town.
Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Councillor Ian Lucas says, “This is another great example of how, by working together, we can be much more effective at both reducing crime, and ensuring students are safe during their time in Eastbourne.”
Chris Islip, Chair of Nightwatch and Director of Sussex Cars says, “Having the University on board as a member of the group is a real asset. The direct links that can now be made to students via the university can really help the scheme reach its aim of reducing public place violent crime and anti-social behaviour in the town.”
The work taking place at the Freshers’ Fair is just the beginning of a stream of proposals being worked on by the university with Nightwatch and Sussex Police.
