Brighton and Hove's most dangerous streets mapped

Figures from Data.Police.UK analysed by The Argus show how the number of reported violence and sexual offences in Brighton and Hove averages at 866 incidents per month.

This figure overtopped 1,000 in August 2022, when reported incidents peaked at 1,006 in that month. 

Violence and sexual offences, as defined by the Data.Police.UK website, include offences against the person such as common assaults, grievous bodily harm and sexual offences. They also include the most serious offences including rape and murder.

Outcomes

Analysis by The Argus shows in the six months to April 2024, of the 5,111 violence and sexual offences reported, 1,797, or 35 per cent, ended with the suspect unable to be prosecuted.

The Police Crime website said: "The police and the Crown Prosecution Service have to make an assessment of the evidence available, whether it is witness, forensic or even hearsay.

"In circumstances where there is insufficient evidence, the decision may be taken to focus resources on those offences which are capable of being charged and prosecuted.

"There might be a number of reasons why no further action was possible. Some cases are just undetectable. However, cases can be reopened if more evidence becomes available."

Sussex Police said the force is unable to comment on these figures because it records and deals with violence and sexual offences separately. 

A view of Brighton from above Queen's Park (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

The Argus compared this data to a similar area, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The area's population is 1.45 times larger than Brighton and Hove's.

In the same period, November 2023 to April 2024, there were 5,839 violence and sexual offences reported in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. More than 59 per cent, or 3,478, reported incidents ended with the suspect unable to be prosecuted. 

In Brighton and Hove, incidents are concentrated in the city centre but occur across the city, from Portslade to Rottingdean.

Hotspots include North Street, West Street and Marine Parade. 

READ MORE: City's shoplifting epidemic laid bare 

'Vibrant' city is 'safe', despite increase in reported crime during summer

Superintendent Petra Lazar, of Sussex Police, said: “Brighton and Hove is a safe place and we work tirelessly with our partners to make sure that remains the case all year round.

“Brighton is a vibrant city and, with more activity during the summer months, it is not uncommon to see an increase in reported crime.

“This is a trend that is mirrored across the country and every year we have plans in place to respond quickly and effectively to any increases in demand.

“Throughout the summer our officers will maintain a visible presence for reassurance and to respond to any incidents swiftly."

North Street is one of the city's crime hotspots (Image: Andrew Gardener / The Argus)

'Awaiting court outcome'

Of the 5,111 violence and sexual offences reported in Brighton and Hove from November 2023 to April 2024, 17 per cent, or 909 incidents, ended with no suspect identified.

1,721 reports remain under investigation at the time of writing.

176 incidents are awaiting a court outcome.

'We're here to keep you safe', says Superintendent

Sussex Police has dedicated patrols around nightclubs and the seafront and a drone is flown over the beach and West Street on Friday and Saturday nights.

Supt Lazar added: “We will also continue to work alongside our partners to make sure we are targeting our resources at the areas most in need, and providing the specific solutions for the issues facing our communities.

“That includes dedicated patrols around the night-time economy and the seafront, including a drone at night to spot vulnerable people on the beach.

“We’re here to keep you safe. Please report any crimes or concerns to police online or via 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”