Safer streets, safer choices: Mid Sussex supports businesses and young people
- 02/07/2026
Mid Sussex District Council is investing in practical tools, education and partnership work to keep town centres safe, support local businesses and help young people make positive choices.
The Council’s role goes beyond responding to problems. By funding crime reporting technology, supporting schools and working with Sussex Police, it is helping prevent anti-social behaviour before it escalates.
During ASB Awareness Week, the Council is highlighting the work already taking place across Mid Sussex so residents can see how their council tax supports safer, more resilient communities.
Helping businesses protect staff, customers and town centres
The Mid Sussex Business Crime Partnership is funding the Disc crime reporting system to help over 400 businesses to report shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and other issues, share information securely and receive local safety alerts.
The system helps identify emerging crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) trends, so businesses can act quickly, protect staff and customers, and work together to keep town centres safe.
Richard Keel, Centre Manager at The Orchards Shopping Centre, said: “The system allows our frontline staff to proactively identify threats and deter low-level crime before it escalates. Ultimately, Disc has transformed our usually fragmented commercial district into a unified, resilient network.”
Helping young people make safer choices
Working with Sussex Police and education specialists the Council is delivering the Safer You programme to 700 Year 8 students at St Paul’s Catholic College, Sackville School and Downlands Community School, with more workshops planned.
The sessions use real-life scenarios and local mapping exercises to help young people understand risk, think about the impact of their choices and identify safe spaces in their communities.
A Year 8 student who took part said: “The session was very good, thank you. The most interesting part was the scenarios and understanding what prison is like.”
The Community Safety Partnership is also providing two virtual reality headsets to show the real-life consequences of knife crime, helping young people reflect on choices, understand the legal and emotional impact, and build empathy for victims in a safe, controlled environment.
Cllr Anne-Marie Cooke, Cabinet Member for Communities and Communications, said: “We want residents to know that their Council is taking action. From supporting businesses and schools to investing in prevention, by working with partners we are helping keep Mid Sussex safe, welcoming and resilient.”
See it, report it. Reporting anti-social behaviour helps the Council and its partners take action, support those affected and keep Mid Sussex safe. For more information on community safety in Mid Sussex, visit Anti-Social Behaviour and Crime - Mid Sussex District Council.
How to report concerns: If you are experiencing or witnessing ongoing ASB that is affecting your quality of life, you can report it to the Council: Anti-Social Behaviour and Crime - Mid Sussex District Council
For emergencies: Call 999. For non-emergencies or crime, call 101 or report online: www.sussex.police.uk