Brighton crowds, seaside towns and quiet villages make Sussex a great place to live and visit — but crime happens here too. This page gives clear, useful steps you can use right away: how to protect yourself, where to report different crimes, and who helps victims across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove.
If you’re in immediate danger or a crime is happening now, call 999. For non-urgent matters, contact Sussex Police on 101 or use their online reporting form. If you’ve been scammed online or had money stolen digitally, report it to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) — they handle fraud across the UK and feed cases to the right police teams.
First, check everyone’s safety and get medical help if needed. Then preserve evidence: don’t wash blood-stained clothes, keep damaged locks as they are, and take photos of injuries or property damage. If a theft involves your bank cards, freeze them immediately via your bank’s app and flag any suspicious transactions. Write down times, dates, locations and names of witnesses — details matter when police investigate.
If the incident involved a vehicle, note the registration, direction of travel and any dashcam footage. For assaults or sexual offences, ask for a forensic exam at hospital — it’s free and preserves evidence even if you’re undecided about pressing charges right away.
In busy spots like Brighton seafront, Hove promenades or event areas, keep valuables out of sight and use a zipped bag worn across your body. Avoid using your phone on the move in crowded places — it’s an easy target for thieves. If you use taxis at night, pick licensed cabs, check the driver ID or book via a reputable app and share your trip with someone you trust.
At home, simple locks and good lighting reduce risk. Consider security marking for bikes and gadgets (a coat of identifiable paint or a unique code) and register high-value items — it helps recovery and police ID. Join or start a Neighbourhood Watch and follow local safer neighbourhood teams on social media for alerts about local scams, burglaries or suspicious activity.
If you’re a victim, you don’t have to handle this alone. Contact Victim Support (0808 168 9111) for free emotional and practical help. Local police teams can also point you to crime prevention advice, local victim services and property marking schemes.
Keep local numbers saved: 999 for emergency, 101 for non-emergency Sussex Police, Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 for fraud, and Victim Support 0808 168 9111. When in doubt, report what happened — it helps police spot patterns and keeps your community safer.
Want updates specific to your area? Search for your town’s "Safer Neighbourhood Team" via the Sussex Police website or follow local council and police pages for real-time alerts and safety events in your community.
