On Friday 10th February, Jeremy Quin Member of Parliament for Horsham welcomed the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne to Horsham for direct discussions about events in the Town Centre.
The Commissioner then joined a meeting with the Police District Commander, Chief Inspector Sarah Leadbeatter, representatives from Horsham District Council and a representative of local licensees which Mr Quin had convened on police progress against plan for dealing with the incidents.
The meeting was productive with Chief Inspector Leadbeatter setting out the ongoing police activity to clamp down on unacceptable behaviour in the town centre. Additional police resources, which Mr Quin had seen in person on night patrol the previous week, and dispersal orders, are having a positive effect. Arrests have been made where warranted and the police continue to build intelligence on the individuals responsible for incidents that have caused concern.
Jeremy Quin said “Compared to the rest of Sussex, let alone more widely, Horsham continues to be a low crime area and generally a safe place to live, work and go out. We all want to ensure it stays that way. The vast majority of young people locally are thoroughly law-abiding and welcome the increased police presence. Police tactics are having an effect and the Police are determined to clamp down on what have been deeply concerning incidents. We will continue to monitor progress closely.”
In 2022 Sussex Police recruited an additional net 196 new officers and plans to recruit a further 176 this year. The Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner is very much driving this recruitment and knows the community is keen to see more police officers as the expansion continues.
PCC Katy Bourne said “I am very aware of public concern and am determined that Horsham retains its well deserved reputation for having comparatively low levels of crime. Last week’s meeting was informative and important for me to hear the views of residents. It is clear that they require a more visible policing presence and better communication within the town centre so I am pleased to hear that Dispersal Orders are being implemented when antisocial behaviour or criminal activity are being reported.
“It is imperative that Sussex Police continue to build up their intelligence picture across Horsham and neighbouring towns in order to allow them to tackle issues. I have also requested the Community Safety Partnership in Horsham work alongside local businesses and Sussex Police to get a grasp on current issues.
“Over the last two years, additional officers have joined Sussex Police and the same will be true this year. That includes new police officers and PCSOs joining the neighbourhood policing team in Horsham where visibility will be a priority.
“It is important if anyone witnesses or is a victim of a crime, that they report this through the appropriate channels rather than social media. We can all help the police by reporting incidents.”
Jeremy Quin will continue to work with the Police and monitor incidents in the town centre, further meetings will be held as the operation develops.
Photo Credit: District Commander Chief Inspector Leadbeatter, Paul Anderson Director of Communities at HDC, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, Jeremy Quin MP for Horsham, Sam Clayton local licensee, Councillor Tricia Youtan and Nick Jenkin Community Safety at HDC.