After meeting residents in Withdean, I went on to the Sussex Police Authority public meeting at Brighton Racecourse.

There was a good turnout and there was a positive spirit in the meeting. Sussex Police have clearly put a lot of thought into their approach and everyone felt the Local Action Teams initiative was proving a tremendous success.

It was a powerful demonstration of how effective partnerships can help build strong communities and I'd urge everyone to get involved in their Local Action Team.

While I was there, I asked how best residents could report the problem of drug-dealing without fear of retribution. This was raised by several residents on the doorstep in Brighton Pavilion, especially those with young families worried about their children being approached by dealers.

The police said many people were afraid to report crime, but local residents should be reassured that the police spent a period of time building up evidence first and didn't rush in "all sirens blazing" immediately. This means it won't be obvious who reported it.

If you have a problem with drug-dealing in your area, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and give information anonymously.

You can also contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 or via their website www.sussex.police.uk. If it's an emergency, call 999.

I'll be working hard with local residents and the police to stamp out drug-dealing in Brighton.

Tags: Drug Crime

Posted on October 5, 2007 in Crime.