Chief Inspector Hodges - Horsham April Update

Horsham District Monthly Update - What we did in April!

Serving Sussex - how we will deliver policing to Horsham District - is broken down into three pillars; namely Keeping People Safe, Neighbourhood Policing and Best Use of Resources. To reflect this update will be structured alongside the three key themes supporting each pillar.

Keeping People Safe

Catching criminals - 

A prolific offender from Horsham pleaded guilty in court on the 7^th May to two offences of attempted robbery. He was sentenced to 12 months in prison for the first offence and 27 months in prison for the second. These sentences will run concurrently but will keep a dangerous criminal off our streets for a good while to come

Four Horsham burglaries (Henfield, Horsham, Storrington and Pulborough) were solved as part of Operation Saunton - 24 offences committed by a group of burglars across West Sussex. This is an excellent result which will result in further arrests and significant custodial sentences.

Cutting crime - 

The UK Peace Index, produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace, revealed that Horsham is the 14^th most peaceful place in England and Wales. The index has measured peacefulness between 2003 and 2012 in relation to the absence of violence or the absence of a fear of violence alongside actual levels of crime per 100,000 head of population, for example violent crime, weapon crime and offences relating to public disorder. This measure is set against socio-economic factors i.e. income, employment, health, education, living environment and education.

Dealing with critical incidents - 

On the 22^nd April 2013 intelligence was received that a male may have grenades and a gun in the kitchen under the sink at his home address in Horsham. The male was known to suffer mental health issues. A warrant was executed at his home which was searched. The male was found to be in possession of paint ball grenades, an 8 inch lock knife, various throwing knives and a gas powered air pistol.  We are working with the relevant agencies to ensure that he is supported with his needs and can present no further danger to the public.

On the 30th April 2013 a large fight was reported in South Holmes Road, Horsham. Police received numerous reports of a large altercation between a group of males with weapons including a firearm. An effective police response lead to the arrest of 5 local males and appears to relate to a feud between families lasting more than three years with a drug related undertone. Roffey, and in particular the area of South Holmes Road, is a priority for the Neighbourhood Policing Team in relation to these issues and increased visibility is being provided in the area.

Neighbourhood Policing

Being Visible and Accessible - 

PCSO Carol Boniface has been dealing with anti social driving in the area of Mill Lane car park in Storrington.  4-5 drivers are causing problems in the car park during evening times to include loud music, revving engines and sometimes racing around the car park.  Both Carol and PC Burt spent 3 evenings engaging with the drivers within the car park highlighting the noise issues with them.  This appears to have worked so far as we have received no further related calls from the residents.  

Providing a Quality Response - 

On the 19^th April Police were called to aggressive female self harming. Staff tried to assist and she threatened to slash their throats. Taser was drawn as the female continued to be aggressive and non compliant. The knife was safely taken from her and she was safely arrested with no further injuries to any parties. 

Working With Communities - 

PCSO Carol Boniface was actively working with Community Speedwatch with 2 new sites now at Meadowside j/w A283 in Storrington and another site on the Amberley Road a bit further west.

PCSO Tracy Bicknell conducted a Street Briefing on the 18^th April Holbrook outside the shops in Coltsfoot Drive. This provided the opportunity for lots of members of the public to stop, meet their local officers and ask questions.

Best Use of Resources

With Motivated and Capable People - 

Katy Bourne, the Police and Crime Commissioner, visited the Community Office in Southwater which provided her with an excellent opportunity to see first hand the great work that the volunteers do in this community and for them to hear more of her vision for additional volunteering across Sussex.

Being Productive and Effective - 

The District has suffered three further burglaries to Coop stores in mid April. The first offence occurred on the 13^th April in Rudgwick with two further offences occurring in the early hours of the 16^th April in both Partridge Green and Cowfold. All of the offences are being linked and investigated by the West Sussex Priority Crime Team. These breaks are part of a wider issue covering both Surrey and the wider South East region. Blood was recovered from the scene of the Cowfold break which it is hoped will yield a significant forensic opportunity to identify those responsible.

Spending Wisely - 

Sussex Police made a number of charitable donations from the Police Property Act Fund in April 2013 relating to both YMCA Football Club, Friends of Upper Beeding School and the Holbrook Community Centre - well done PCSOs Bicknell, Hull and Cecil.