Sussex Police launches Specialist Enforcement Unit to cut crime

Sussex Police has set up the Specialist Enforcement Unit on the roads across the county.

It has so far already enjoyed success with 25 arrests being made and 16 vehicles being seized as London drugs gangs and violent offenders have been targeted.

Tens of thousands of pounds worth of cash and drugs have also been seized.

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said the unit has both marked and unmarked vehicles to track down criminals.

Meanwhile Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne likened officers' determination to that of actor Liam Neeson in the 2009 film Taken, saying they have a “particular skill set” to find criminals.

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It follows the creation of tactical enforcement units last year to find the most-wanted criminals and bring them to justice.

The new SEU is focussed on the county’s road networks, and also includes expert investigators so high profile gangs and suspects are stopped before they reach our streets.

Sussex Police has launched the new unit to hunt down drugs gangs and violent criminals on our roads

Chief Constable Jo Shiner said: “Argus readers and residents in Sussex do want to see us getting tough. 

“We will be proportionate and ethical of course, but we need to be tough to tackle county lines drug dealers, burglars and those bringing weapons and violence to Sussex.

“This is about being proactive, it is far better to prevent crime and the misery it brings than dealing with it when it has already happened.

Sussex Police Chief Constable Jo Shiner

“Our officers are using smart technology for hunting those criminals bringing misery to our communities.”

She said officers are also trained to provide support to youngsters who may have found themselves caught up in gangs.

Cash has been seized from suspected drug dealers in Sussex

Since January 4 the unit has made 93 seizures of class A drugs including crack and heroin and during one job alone they seized £10,000 worth of cocaine, £20,000 cash.

Katy Bourne said she hopes to continue boosting funds for the police, with a small rise in the police council tax precept.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne says officers are determined to make a difference

She said 70 per cent of respondents said they agreed to pay more for policing, but said that now residents will want to see results.

Proposals for a rise in council tax could amount to a further £15 per year for an average band D property, she said.

She said: “I look forward to seeing this team in action in the near future once it is safe to do so. 

“In the meantime, I will be receiving regular updates, including details of the criminals they catch on our roads.”