At the beginning of this year, a new team launched in Eastbourne working alongside police and partners to help keep people safe at night.
Come rain or shine, since their launch, the Night Safety Marshals have already supported over 135 vulnerable women and over 60 vulnerable men. The team helps to reunite them with friends and family, contact the police, or assist them in getting home safely. They have also responded to and helped with around 30 medical incidents.
In addition to providing support to individuals, the team has highlighted and resolved more than 30 incidents of public disorder. Their efforts have significantly contributed to lowering the levels of crime linked to the night-time economy in the town centre over the weekend.
Launched in January 2024, the Night Safety Marshals aim to provide an additional visible presence in the town, helping with the early identification and dispersal of emerging risks. Operating from 8pm to 4am on Friday and Saturday nights, the marshals patrol areas of Eastbourne town centre, visit night-time venues, and support community members while they are out in the town.
The marshals also provide support to police and key partners, including Street Pastors, Security Industry Authority (SIA) door staff at licensed premises, and members of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).
Since their first introduction in Brighton and Hove, teams of Night Safety Marshals can now be found across Sussex, acting as extra eyes and ears to help keep the communities safe.
Inspector Sarah Taylor, from Eastbourne’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, commented:
“We continue to extend our thanks to the team of Night Safety Marshals for their support in helping to protect our community from violence and crime, particularly during the night-time economy and over the weekends.
“Everybody has the right to enjoy a night out, and Eastbourne is, and will continue to be, a safe place to do this.
“We already have a range of measures in place to support this work, including dedicated cars, targeted patrols, and close partnership working with licensed premises to promote other safety schemes in the town. The Night Safety Marshals have been a very welcome addition to our town centre in the last seven months and will further support our work to protect vulnerable people and catch offenders as we head into the summer.”
Inspector Taylor also added, “If you or someone you know is a victim of crime or need assistance on a night out, speak to a police officer, bar staff, Night Safety Marshal, or call 999 in an emergency.”
With the continued efforts of the Night Safety Marshals, Eastbourne aims to remain a safe and enjoyable place for everyone during night-time activities.
