PCC visits Horsham Pub Watch to discuss concerns in the town centre

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne recently visited Horsham Pub Watch to discuss concerns raised about crime and policing within the town.

Horsham boasts a vibrant mix of successful businesses, pubs, bars and restaurants, but recent concerns have emerged around incidents of violent and anti-social behaviour within the town’s night-time economy.

Staff and security teams in Horsham have faced incidents of violence linked to a group known locally for disruptive behaviour, frequently impacting members of the public attempting to enjoy their evenings in the town.

The meeting was held at The Rock, Horsham, a bustling bar in the heart of the bar/restaurant district. Members of Horsham Pub Watch shared their experiences with PCC Bourne, highlighting concerns and offering suggestions to strengthen the policing response and enhance safety in the town.

Also in attendance at the meeting was Sussex Police Chief Inspector James Davidson, two officers from the Neighbourhood Licensing Team and the local Sergeant. They provided the reassurance that, despite the concerns, Horsham District is one of the safest areas in Sussex. The group discussed specific cases known in the area and the Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) was able to provide updates on current investigations and recent arrests.

The local NPT run Operation Marble every Friday and Saturday evening, deploying dedicated officers to patrol and maintain a visible presence in hot-spot areas known for night-time disturbances. Some publicans expressed concerns that patrols should extend later into the night, noting that most violent incidents tend to occur around closing time at venues with later operating hours, such as 2am.

The group also discussed issues with reporting crime and police use of stop and search powers. PCC Bourne urged all members to make sure they are using DISC, an app where retailers can sign up to report crime to the police, receive police updates and share information with each other should they be facing a common issue. PCC Bourne also suggested to the group that Sussex Police provide an input on stop and search in the future to help members better understand where it can and can’t be used.

Speaking about the meeting, PCC Katy Bourne said: “I am pleased that this meeting resulted in Horsham Pub Watch feeling more reassured that Sussex Police is aware of the issues they are facing and taking action where required.

“I will continue to monitor activities in Horsham, with both the police and the Pub Watch team, to ensure tackling violence and anti-social behaviour in the night-time economy remains a priority.”