I am grateful to the well over 1,000 residents who responded to the crime survey on my website (www.jeremyquin.com).
I have already discussed the results with the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne and will be sharing them in full with the Chief Constable.
Statistically Horsham has lower levels of crime than Sussex as a whole, and is far below national averages.
However especially since the development of “County Lines” every community is vulnerable and it’s vital that we have the resources deployed locally to ensure we maintain our deserved reputation for being a safe place to live, work and go out. I am keen that as Sussex Police expands (as it is – with hundreds of new officers being recruited) we see the evidence on our streets.
Most residents feel very safe in Horsham during the day, much less so (though this would be reflected nationally) at night. There is a desire to see a greater visibility of policing and a range of very helpful comments – including on easier crime reporting. A new system is being introduced locally to help businesses report concerns and I am keen the police have easy access to community intelligence. Much of what is reported on social media is inaccurate and does not help police build a picture or effectively allocate resources.
It’s only relatively recently that Horsham has expanded its night time economy with several venues open beyond traditional licensing hours. This increases policing requirements but its great that residents and visitors have options after 11pm in the centre of Horsham. From personal experience, out with the police, those (largely young) who are out later in the evening are pleased to see the police who have strong back-up and are currently supported by “dispersal orders”.
There is a plan in place and just as the police have proved with the car “meets” near Kilnwood Vale we can stop illegal behaviour with the right plan and sufficient determination. The issues that have caused concern in the town centre remain very much the exception but as the District Commander set out in our meeting with her on Friday there is a total commitment that these incidents will are clamped down.