Business Crime Update 2026: What Pulborough Traders Need to Know

Pulborough’s business community continues to operate in a relatively low‑crime environment compared with larger centres in Horsham District. However, recent data shows notable shifts in the types of offences affecting shops, hospitality venues and commercial premises — particularly around anti‑social behaviour and low‑level theft.

This briefing summarises the latest business‑relevant crime trends for Pulborough, Coldwaltham and Amberley, and sets out what local traders should be aware of.

District Overview: Shoplifting and ASB Leading Business‑Related Crime

Across Horsham District, shoplifting remains the most common business‑specific offence, accounting for a significant proportion of all retail‑related crime. Anti‑social behaviour (ASB) also continues to rise district‑wide, affecting town centres, hospitality venues and public‑facing businesses.

Other business‑impacting categories include:

• Criminal damage to shopfronts, signage and vehicles
• Other theft, including tools, stock and equipment
• Commercial burglary, which remains low but still relevant for rural businesses

Pulborough Snapshot: Lower Crime, But Rising Disruption

The Pulborough policing area (Billingshurst, Shipley, Pulborough & Coldwaltham) recorded the following business‑relevant offences in the most recent monthly data:

• Shoplifting: 9 incidents
• Anti‑social behaviour: 21 incidents
• Criminal damage & arson: rising year‑on‑year (+22%)
• Commercial burglary: down 35%

While Pulborough’s shoplifting levels remain far lower than Horsham town, ASB and criminal damage are increasing faster locally than district averages.

Key Issues Affecting Local Businesses

1. Shoplifting

Incidents remain modest but persistent. Convenience stores, small retailers and village‑centre shops are most affected.

2. Anti‑Social Behaviour

ASB has risen sharply (+62% year‑on‑year). For businesses, this often presents as:

• Loitering or nuisance behaviour near shopfronts
• Youth‑related disturbances
• E‑bike and e‑scooter misuse
• Evening‑economy disruption

3. Criminal Damage

Damage to windows, signage, vehicles and outdoor equipment has increased. This is often linked to ASB hotspots.

4. Burglary

Commercial burglary is significantly down, a positive trend for business security.

Case Study 1: Operation Scramble — Impact on Local Traders

Sussex Police has launched Operation Scramble, targeting illegal e‑bike and e‑scooter use — an issue increasingly linked to ASB and suspected drug activity around business premises.

In the 12 months to June 2026, police received 2,504 reports of illegal riding — a 53.7% increase. Young people account for the majority of identified riders, prompting a focus on education and engagement.

More information: https://www.sussex.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/advice-escooters/

Businesses experiencing e‑vehicle‑related ASB are encouraged to report incidents with What3Words, time, date and location.

Case Study 2: Operation STOP — GPS Tagging Cuts Shoplifting Across Sussex

A new GPS‑tagging scheme aimed at prolific shoplifters is delivering striking reductions in repeat offending and giving retailers renewed confidence that action is being taken.

Operation STOP, launched in East Sussex in 2025 and now operating across Sussex, combines GPS tracking with intensive rehabilitation support to tackle the underlying causes of persistent shop theft. The initiative is led by Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne, working with Sussex Police, East Sussex County Council, the Probation Service, Change Grow Live (CGL) and the Co‑op.

How the Scheme Works

Offenders are fitted with GPS tags as part of Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs), allowing police to monitor movements in real time and identify when individuals enter exclusion zones such as high streets, retail parks or specific stores.

Alongside enforcement, offenders receive tailored support, including addiction treatment, mental‑health interventions and help with housing, employment and stability. The approach aims to reduce reoffending by addressing the root causes of shop theft rather than relying solely on punitive measures.

Results: Offending Drops Significantly

An independent evaluation by the Centre for Public Innovation found that all eight offenders in the initial cohort reduced their offending, and five committed no further crimes after being tagged.

Why It’s Working

• Real‑time monitoring: Police can quickly identify breaches and gather strong evidence.
• Rehabilitation at the centre: Support services tackle addiction, trauma, homelessness and other drivers of repeat theft.
• Strong partnership model: Retailers, police, probation teams and support agencies share intelligence and coordinate interventions.

Support Behind the Scenes

The scheme includes a Business Crime Navigator, funded by Southern Co‑op, the Probation Service and East Sussex County Council. The Navigator helps offenders access housing, healthcare, substance‑misuse services and employment support — key factors in reducing repeat offending.

Impact for Local Retailers

For businesses across Sussex — including those in Pulborough — Operation STOP offers:

• Greater confidence that persistent offenders are being monitored
• Stronger evidence for police investigations
• Reduced disruption from repeat shoplifters
• A safer trading environment for staff and customers

The project currently has capacity for 30 GPS tags across East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove, with plans to expand as the pilot continues.

What Pulborough Businesses Can Do

• Strengthen reporting
• Use 101 for non‑urgent incidents
• Use 999 for emergencies
• Provide What3Words for precise locations
• Improve deterrence
• Maintain good lighting
• Use visible CCTV or door‑mounted cameras
• Secure outdoor stock, tools and equipment
• Work with local networks
• Join local business WhatsApp groups
• Engage with Neighbourhood Watch
• Share intelligence with neighbouring traders
• Support youth engagement
• Local youth provision and positive activities help reduce ASB at its source.

Pulborough Neighbourhood Wardens: Support for Businesses

Pulborough’s Wardens work closely with traders, hospitality venues and commercial landlords to address ASB and environmental offences. They:

• Carry out high‑visibility patrols
• Hold enforcement powers
• Are accredited by Sussex Police
• Can act on low‑level ASB and environmental offences
• Work preventatively with partner agencies

Contact Pulborough Wardens: Carol: 07584 337475 Lottie: 07584 337476 mailto:pulborough.wardens@horsham.gov.uk

Pulborough remains a safe place to run a business

Pulborough remains a safe and supportive place to run a business. Shoplifting levels are relatively low, and commercial burglary continues to fall. The main challenge for traders is the rise in anti‑social behaviour and associated low‑level disruption — issues that can be effectively managed through strong reporting, good deterrence measures and close partnership with Wardens and Sussex Police