Pulborough Crime Update 2026: What Residents Should Know

Pulborough remains a low‑crime rural community, broadly in line with the rest of Horsham District. However, the latest data shows a shift in the types of incidents being reported — and a rise in issues affecting day‑to‑day quality of life.

This update summarises the most recent figures for Pulborough, Coldwaltham and Amberley, and explains what they mean for residents.

Overall Picture: Stable Crime Rate, Changing Pattern

Over the past 12 months, the local neighbourhood recorded 451 crimes, a 4% increase on the previous year. The overall rate — 55 crimes per 1,000 residents — remains close to the Horsham District average.

The change lies not in how much crime is happening, but what kind.

Anti‑Social Behaviour: The Fastest‑Growing Issue

Anti‑social behaviour (ASB) has risen by 62% year on year — significantly higher than the district‑wide trend. ASB includes noise disturbances, nuisance behaviour, minor vandalism and youth‑related issues. While often low‑level, these incidents can collectively affect neighbourhood wellbeing.

Violence & Sexual Offences: The Largest Category

Violence and sexual offences remain the most common crime type locally, accounting for around one‑third of all recorded incidents. This mirrors wider district patterns and covers a broad range of offences.

Positive Trends: Burglary and Public Order Down

Two categories show clear improvement:

• Burglary down 35%
• Public order offences down 46%

These reductions suggest targeted policing and community vigilance are having an impact.

Month‑by‑Month Trend

Crime levels have risen gradually through spring and summer:

• July 2026: 45
• June 2026: 44
• May 2026: 42
• April 2026: 42
• March 2026: 33

Seasonal increases are typical, with lighter evenings and more outdoor activity.

Why the Pattern Is Changing

Three factors appear to be influencing the current picture:

• Increased reporting through online tools
• District‑wide pressures, including rises in ASB, robbery and violence
• Localised hotspots where clusters of ASB affect statistics

What Residents Can Do

Pulborough’s strong community networks remain one of its greatest assets. Residents can help by:

• Reporting incidents promptly — 999 in emergencies, 101 for non‑urgent matters
• Staying informed via Sussex Police neighbourhood updates and Police.uk crime maps
• Strengthening neighbourhood connections through WhatsApp groups, Neighbourhood Watch and parish channels
• Protecting property with good lighting, secure sheds and visible deterrents
• Supporting youth engagement, which helps reduce ASB at its source

Case Study: Operation Scramble

Sussex Police has launched Operation Scramble, a force‑wide crackdown on the illegal use of e‑bikes and e‑scooters following rising community concerns.

In the 12 months to June 2026, police received 2,504 reports of illegal riding — a 53.7% increase on the previous year. Around 25.6% involved antisocial or dangerous riding, while 51.8% related to suspected drug activity.

Superintendent Jo Grantham said illegal e‑vehicle use “continues to be a problem in Sussex”, noting that both e‑bikes and e‑scooters pose significant risks when used irresponsibly. Five people were seriously injured in e‑scooter collisions in 2026, and three in e‑bike collisions.

Young people are disproportionately represented: 52.9% of identified riders were aged 25 or under, and 35.5% were teenagers or children. Police are therefore focusing on education and engagement with schools, colleges, parents and carers.

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said many residents are “fed up” with dangerous and antisocial riding and welcomed the operation as a robust response to public concerns.

Penalties for Illegal Riding

• £300 fine + six points for no insurance
• £100 fine + three–six points for incorrect licence
• Fines for pavement riding, mobile phone use and red‑light offences
• Drink‑driving penalties equivalent to car drivers
• Possible vehicle seizure for antisocial use (Section 59)

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

To take action on a reported incident, police need the What3Words (w3w) location, along with time, date and place.

Local Authority Focus

Police and Horsham District Council continue to prioritise:

• Targeted patrols in ASB hotspots
• Work with schools and youth groups
• Data‑led deployment based on monthly trends
• Joint action on environmental ASB such as vandalism and noise

Pulborough Neighbourhood Wardens

Pulborough’s Wardens, part of the Community Safety Team, work with all sections of the community — from elderly and vulnerable residents to young people and local businesses — to promote cohesion and resilience.

They:

• Hold enforcement powers
• Carry out high‑visibility patrols
• Operate under Horsham District Council’s accreditation with Sussex Police
• Can use certain police powers for low‑level ASB
• Can enforce environmental offences under HDC powers

The team focuses on prevention, tackling long‑term causes rather than just symptoms.

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

The Bottom Line

Pulborough remains a safe and connected rural community. Anti‑social behaviour is the key issue to watch, but burglary and public order offences have fallen significantly.

With strong reporting, active neighbourhood networks and continued partnership work, the village is well placed to address emerging challenges