Gscene News Archive

Sussex Police recently recorded a brief rise in the number of reported homophobic incidents occurring in the Dukes Mound area. The force believes that this has now been brought under control through proactive policing and a series of arrests.

A significant amount of time has been devoted to keeping users of the area safe by officers across the city. Investigation is ongoing but at present there have been seven arrests with conditions being imposed on suspects to prevent them returning to the area. Reported Hate Crime incidents in the area have returned to extremely low levels.

The site was visited numerous times by the city’s LGBT Liaison Officer to talk to men who used the popular cruising site. After these discussions uniformed police patrols formed a part of the operation to prevent homophobic incidents and identify those responsible. Positive feedback has been received on how these were carried out. Now that the incidents have subsided, police activity in the area will gradually return to normal levels for the time of year.

The Police Anti Victimisation Unit plays a key role in investigating hate crime and it has been active in supporting victims, securing evidence and dealing with suspects connected with Dukes Mound.

Last year there was a drop in the number of reported LGBT hate incidents in Brighton, however reporting has now returned to a level consistent with previous years. While there have been high profile critical incidents in other parts of the UK, there have been no critical reported LGBT hate incidents in Brighton this year.

Nick Antjoule, Brighton’s LGBT Liaison Officer said:
“During the ten years I have been working with the guys at Dukes Mound through various organisations, this is the strongest I have ever seen their relationship with the police. It can be a real tightrope act to keep guys who use cruising grounds safe while maintaining their confidence in us, so I’m very proud of what we have achieved. I would also like to thank Terrence Higgins Trust who’s help has been invaluable to giving us a platform to connect with Dukes Mound users.”

Pictured:
Nick Antjoule, Sussex Police, civilian LGBT Liaison Officer