A scheme that has earned recognition is being highlighted as part of an initiative to address commercial criminal activity across the country.

Sussex Police is observing Business Crime Reduction Partnership Awareness Week by carrying out focused operations throughout the region.

The force’s commercial crime unit is meeting with traders and enterprises in Brighton and Hove, Eastbourne and Chichester during this period to encourage reporting of incidents and gain deeper insight into the difficulties confronting shop owners.

Katy Bourne, the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, stated that these partnerships are vital for connecting commercial ventures and retailers with law enforcement agencies to prevent criminal activity.

She explained that retail theft represents more than simply missing merchandise and financial losses for business owners, as it frequently brings heightened anti-social conduct, aggression directed at employees and customers choosing to avoid town centre shopping areas.

She added that this is the reason why commercial criminal activity receives serious attention in Sussex and why she is pleased to confirm a 69 per cent reduction in violent incidents and physical attacks on retail workers throughout 2024 to 2025, attributing this improvement to consistent effective collaboration between partner organisations.

The Brighton Business Crime Reduction Partnership group has increased its presence in the city centre through additional patrol activity.

The team has also delivered bystander awareness instruction for commercial enterprises and participated alongside Commissioner Bourne in the National Retail Crime Forum, which was presided over by the Policing Minister and held at the Home Office.