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Sussex Police are responsible for the crime response in the entire county but must avoid criminalising people where possible, an experienced Constable has revealed.
The police are trained to reassure the public and respond appropriately to all incidents of potential crime. However, they generally avoid arresting low-level suspects but would decide whether a warning, fine, or restorative outcome should be issued for certain offences against property or the community — e.g., infrequent damage, isolated shoplifting incidents, infractions, or anti-social behaviour. Although, the police have been known to take no action if they believe it not to be in the public interest.
Petty crime is relatively common in the South East and may be one of the most discussed topics in the entire region in regards to policing, crime, and the law.