Hello

During Stalking Awareness Week, I want to shine a light on the vital work taking place across Sussex to tackle stalking by focusing on prevention, early intervention and behaviour change.

Stalking is a devastating crime. It is often hidden but its impact on victims can be profound and long‑lasting. Too many people are forced to live in fear and that is why tackling stalking – and preventing it from escalating into serious harm – remains one of my clear priorities as your Police & Crime Commissioner.

A key part of our Sussex approach is the Compulsive and Obsessive Behaviour Intervention (COBI) programme, delivered locally by Interventions Alliance, which I am pleased to fund.

Unlike traditional responses that only react once harm has occurred, COBI works directly with individuals displaying stalking behaviours, helping them to recognise, understand and change their actions – while always keeping victim safety at the centre. By addressing the root causes of stalking behaviour and intervening at the earliest opportunity, COBI is helping to reduce repeat offending and prevent further harm and forms part of a wider, multi‑agency response across Sussex that focuses on accountability, prevention and long‑term change.

Over the last financial year, 27 people were referred into the programme, with 18 completing either the six‑week or twelve‑week interventions. I’m particularly encouraged that programme completions have increased by 64%, demonstrating the growing reach and impact of this evidence‑led work.

Behind these figures are real people and real lives. One recent case shows how early intervention, combined with strong safeguards such as Stalking Protection Orders, can help individuals develop insight into their behaviour and take steps towards meaningful change.

I remain fully committed to investing in evidence‑based interventions that put victims first, challenge harmful behaviour and make Sussex safer for everyone.

Backing Community Action to Improve Road Safety

Keeping our roads safe is one of the issues residents raise with me most often, which is why I was pleased to recently join a Community Speedwatch (CSW) group in Wisborough Green to see first‑hand the difference local volunteers are making.

Sussex now has the largest CSW scheme in the country, with more than 3,300 volunteers across 360 groups helping to deter speeding and improve road safety in towns and villages across the county.

Last year alone, CSW volunteers recorded over 43,000 instances of speeding, including more than 2,600 cases of excessive speeding.

CSW is proven to work. Drivers caught speeding receive a warning letter, and compliance is high - in 2025, over 95% of motorists adjusted their behaviour after receiving a notification. This shows that community‑led action can make a real and lasting impact.

Sadly, some volunteers have faced abuse while carrying out their duties. To better protect them, Sussex Police has introduced body‑worn video cameras for Speedwatch sessions. Since their introduction, there has been a 70% reduction in abuse, helping volunteers feel safer while continuing their vital work.

I am hugely grateful to all our volunteers who give their time to make Sussex’s roads safer. Their dedication is helping to reduce anti‑social driving and protect everyone who lives, works and travels in our county.

Katy Bourne OBE
Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner