“Instant action!” is how Andrew Griffith MP described the arrest of two people for drugs and weapons offences which took place immediately after his meeting with police in Pulborough on local anti-social behaviour (Friday 21st July).
The Arundel and South Downs MP chaired a roundtable meeting with local community members and stakeholders to address concerns raised by residents about frequent anti-social behaviour in Pulborough. The meeting brought together Sussex Police, neighbourhood wardens, Clarion housing, and representatives from parish, district, and county councils to discuss how to better deal with repeated incidences of vandalism and drugs related behaviour.
Carol Boniface, Teamleader for Pulborough Parish Neighbourhood Wardens, Gareth Liley and Lisa Clarke from Clarion Housing, Police Sergeant Brett Holden, Len Ellis-Brown, Pulborough Parish Council Chairman, Inspector Neil Durkan, County Councillor Charlotte Kenyon, Parish and District Councillor Paul Clarke all discussed the issues.
Sussex Police’s Inspector Neil Durkan and Police Sergeant Brett Holden gave a clear message that residents should always report incidents if they happen to witness any illegal activity. It is only through the reporting that the police can build a pattern of activity and apply more resources.
An order has recently been put in place that means there will be a greater police presence both in and around Pulborough to act as a deterrent of people engaging in anti-social behaviour.
Residents should call 101 to report a crime or call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life.
Social housing associations also have the power to evict residents if there are repeated incidents or evidence of illegal activity taking place in their properties. Lisa Clarke and Gareth Liley from Clarion Housing provided the meeting with an update of their work around ongoing reports of drug use in their properties .
Pulborough Parish Council will be reviewing the locations of their CCTV cameras to monitor known places where the trading and consumption of illegal substances takes place.
Immediately after the meeting, Inspector Neil Durkan and Police Sergeant Brett Holden stopped two youths on illegal electric scooters in Lower Street, Pulborough. A search was made, and the offenders were found to be carrying weapons and a significant amount of drugs. They were promptly arrested.
Andrew Griffith MP said:
“It was a timely result for Sussex Police, following our meeting to discuss the very issue of anti-social behaviour and drug dealing/drug use in Pulborough. Instant action!
“A minority of people are making life uncomfortable for other residents and which is why I thought it was important to address this by calling a community meeting with the local groups who can make a difference. But they need residents in Pulborough to report any illegal activity that they see.”
