Police patrols conducted in Newhaven following reports of anti-social behaviour

The officers spoke to locals and went house to house to speak to residents following reports of anti-social behaviour.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Lewes district, Justin Ingham said: “These patrols are to reduce the impact of anti-social behaviour (ASB) by targeting known hotspots and reports of ASB. Following a report of an altercation, we put on extra patrols to reassure the community and have an opportunity for community engagement. Should anyone want to speak to police about any ASB or other issues, then we are there in person.”

Research from the College of Policing states: “Officers patrolling places or passing through an area, regardless of the crime rate in that area, has no effect on crime reduction.”

However, they found that targeted police patrols in areas where crime is concentrated can have an effect on reducing crime, but this effect can also be short-lived.

The research shows that “targeted foot patrol improved public confidence in the police, perceptions of crime and feelings of safety – as well as reducing crime – when implemented alongside community engagement and problem-solving.”

Problem-solving policing refers to efforts to understand the root causes and conditions of crime in order to identify effective solutions.

The College of Policing also finds a public preference for a visible police presence, but such views were largely motivated by a desire to see a reduction in crime levels. In order to reduce crime they find that visible police presence must be targeted and combined with community engagement and problem solving efforts for a more lasting effect.

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