Working Together for a Safer Summer: Brighton BCRP and Sussex Police Host Pre-Summer Safety Meeting

As Brighton prepares for the busy summer season, Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP), alongside Sussex Police, brought together businesses, security teams and partner agencies for a Pre-Summer Safety Meeting focused on prevention, partnership, and early intervention.

The session highlighted the challenges experienced in previous summers, including large gatherings of young people, increased demand on emergency services, and serious incidents impacting both the night-time economy and wider community.

This year, the approach is clear: get ahead of risk before it escalates.

Through shared insight and intelligence, attendees were briefed on emerging trends, including youth-related activity across the city and a shift towards more sustained presence in seafront locations. Planned responses include increased high-visibility policing, early use of dispersal powers, and a coordinated multi-agency approach that balances enforcement with safeguarding.

A key theme throughout the session was the importance of recognising and responding to violence against women and girls (VAWG) and predatory behaviour. Attendees were encouraged to trust their instincts, intervene early where appropriate, and use clear, descriptive language when reporting behaviours to support effective intelligence sharing.

Importantly, the meeting reinforced the critical role that businesses play in creating safer environments.

Rather than simply highlighting where incidents occur, the data shared reflects something more powerful, active guardianship across the city. Each report, each radio call, and each intervention represents a moment where staff have noticed, acted, and helped prevent harm.

Prevention does not start at the seafront. It begins earlier, in venues, on the streets, and in those moments where something doesn’t feel right and someone chooses to act.

Simple actions, such as checking in with a vulnerable individual or sharing information with partners, can make a significant difference. This approach, often referred to as The Power of Hello, continues to underpin Brighton’s commitment to early intervention and community safety.

The message is clear: no single organisation can do this alone.

But through strong partnership working, shared responsibility, and a collective commitment to safety, Brighton continues to take proactive steps towards a safer, more welcoming city for all.