Brighton city centre among most crime-ridden in England and Wales

This paper’s analysis of more than three million crime reports across the two nations exposes the heart of the city as one of the most crime-plagued.

Hotpots of criminality have been identified by comparing crime report figures in "LSOA areas" - or neighbourhoods - between March and August this year with Census population data.

This analysis puts the centre of Brighton in the top ten in England and Wales, ranking the LSOA neighbourhood eight for crime out of the 33,000 contained within the two nations.

The LSOA area

The neighbourhood ranks ahead of other town and city centres such as Leeds, Blackpool, Southampton and Nottingham.

In fact, more crime reports were recorded in that period than people living in the neighbourhood, which covers much of the central shopping district and seafront nightclubs.

The data from Sussex Police reveals hundreds of violent and sexual offences, scores of burglaries and nearly 400 cases of antisocial behaviour reported to the force.

In total, police received just shy of 1,800 crime reports in six months – more than the 1,623 people living in the neighbourhood, according to 2011 Census data.

Vandalism and violence are among the thousands of crimes reported in the neighbourhood

When comparing total crime reports to other neighbourhoods in England and Wales, this LSOA neighbourhood centre remains in the top 0.05 per cent.

The crime-ridden city centre is in stark contrast to Brighton and Hove's ranking against other authorities nationally. 

Using the crime reports per 100 Census population comparison, the city is ranked as the 62nd worst out of 340 authorities for crime. 

The analysis does not include Scotland or Northern Ireland. Police report figures for Greater Manchester are incomplete. If an LSOA neighbourhood has seen a large change in population since the 2011 Census, the area's figures may be distorted. 

Responding to the findings, Brighton and Hove’s Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw, said: “Brighton city centre is a bustling area packed full of the bars, clubs and businesses for which our city is famous, with a comparatively low number of residents.

Chief Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw said a huge amount of work is being done to keep people safe in the city centre

“As a division we carry out a huge amount of work to keep people safe, with increased patrols around the night-time economy and ongoing initiatives with our partners in the Violence Reduction Partnership to tackle the root causes of serious violence and bring perpetrators to justice.

“We also work with multiple agencies in the Business Crime Reduction Partnership to tackle business crime across the city.

“Brighton remains a safe place to live, work and visit. To report any crimes or concerns, please visit the Sussex Police website, dial 101 or call 999 in an emergency.”

Crackdown on city centre 'warzone'

Earlier this year, this paper reported how authorities had launched a crackdown on crime in Old Steine Gardens, which resides within this city neighbourhood.

This came amid claims the district had become a "warzone" plagued by alcoholism, rubbish, graffiti and open drug dealing through windows.

In September business manager Gary Farmer said: "I'd like to thank those few who have spoken to me on the matter and met with me in the area to take a look at the warzone that is our city centre."

Residents described their fears that Old Steine Gardens, home to several monuments of national historic significance, was becoming a "no-go area" after dark.

An email seen by The Argus revealed the area has now been taken on by a joint action group, with the council's safer communities manager making a number of recommendations.

A crackdown on antisocial behaviour has been launched at Old Steine Gardens

Outreach teams were asked to identify those sleeping rough and those who are accommodated.

Licensing was asked to "look at" specific shops in the area, which had reportedly been selling alcohol to people who are drunk.

Drug dealing is being investigated, with those who witness it encouraged to make reports, while the council has been asked to replace the streetlights.

What does the data show?

Between March and August this year, there were 1,798 crime reports in the city centre area, which encompasses the Old Steine Gardens, The Lanes, Churchill Square and Brighton beach.

This included 473 reports of violent and sexual offences - ranking this neighbourhood ninth for this type of crime in England and Wales.

How does this compare to the rest of the city?

We have also conducted the same analysis for all neighbourhoods across the city. 

Crime reports in the city centre LSOA neighbourhood far exceed those in other neighbourhoods across Brighton and Hove.