Published using Home Office statistics released 8 October 2026

Race‑motivated hate crime has risen sharply across England and Wales, and the latest Home Office release confirms that West Sussex is part of this national pattern. While Pulborough does not receive neighbourhood‑level hate‑crime figures, the county and district trends offer a clear picture of the pressures facing local policing, community groups, and residents.

Key National Context

The Home Office’s annual bulletin (year ending March 2026) reports:

• 107,926 race hate crimes recorded nationally — a 9% rise on the previous year.
• Race remains the largest category of hate crime, accounting for 74% of all recorded hate‑crime offences.

These figures set the backdrop for understanding what is happening in West Sussex and Horsham District.

West Sussex & Horsham District: What We Know

Although the Home Office does not publish district‑level breakdowns, Sussex Police data feeds into the national totals and allows us to interpret local trends.

1. Sussex Police Recorded Hate Crime (County Level)

• Sussex Police reports contributed to the national rise in recorded race hate crime, with county‑level figures reflecting the same upward trajectory seen across England and Wales.
• Race hate crime is at its highest recorded level since 2012 when Metropolitan Police data is excluded.
• The rise in Sussex aligns with national spikes linked to public‑order incidents, protests, and wider geopolitical tensions.

2. Horsham District Context

Horsham District does not receive standalone hate‑crime statistics, but several indicators help us understand local relevance:

• Horsham District has seen significant increases in public‑order offences and anti‑social behaviour, categories where hate‑motivated incidents often occur but are only counted as hate crime when formally flagged.
• Sussex Police’s Community Safety Partnership data suggests that race‑related hostility remains the most common motivation in hate‑crime reports across the county.

3. Pulborough: Local Interpretation

Pulborough’s recent rise in anti‑social behaviour (+62% year‑on‑year, parish‑level reporting) overlaps with situations where racially motivated hostility can occur — from verbal abuse in public spaces to neighbour‑related disputes. While not all ASB incidents meet the threshold for hate crime, the national and county trends indicate that Pulborough is not insulated from these pressures.

Local factors likely influencing Pulborough’s exposure include:

• Increased footfall around transport hubs and the A29 corridor.
• Greater visibility of diverse communities in schools, workplaces, and public venues.
• Online hostility spilling into real‑world interactions, a trend highlighted in the national bulletin.

What Race Hate Crime Looks Like in West Sussex

Race hate crime includes offences perceived to be motivated by hostility towards a persons:

• Ethnicity
• Nationality
• Skin colour
• Cultural background

Common offence types nationally:

• Public order offences (53%) — including verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation.
• Violence against the person (40%) — ranging from harassment to physical assault.

Sussex Police reports similar patterns, with public‑order offences forming the bulk of hate‑crime demand.

Reporting Race Hate Crime in Pulborough

Residents can report hate crime through:

• 999 — if someone is in immediate danger
• 101 — non‑emergency reports
• Sussex Police online reporting portal
• Crimestoppers — anonymous reporting
• Third‑party reporting centres (community groups, youth services, faith organisations)
• Sussex Police encourages the use of What3Words for precise location reporting.

Support for Victims

Victims of race hate crime can access:

• Victim Support Sussex
• Community Safety Partnership services
• Local wellbeing and counselling services
• Pulborough community groups, including Neighbourhood Wardens and youth organisations

These services offer emotional support, practical advice, and help navigating police processes.

What Happens Next for Horsham District and Pulborough

With race hate crime at record levels nationally and rising within Sussex Police’s area, local agencies will be focusing on:

• Targeting hotspots identified through ASB and public‑order data
• Strengthening school and youth‑group awareness programmes
• Supporting victims through early intervention
• Working with community organisations to rebuild social norms that reject prejudice and hostility

For Pulborough specifically, this means closer collaboration between the Parish Council, Sussex Police neighbourhood teams, and local community groups to ensure residents feel safe and supported.

We Remain a Welcoming and Diverse Community

Race hate crime is rising — nationally, across Sussex, and in ways that affect everyday life in Pulborough. While our parish remains a welcoming and diverse community, the data released on 8 October 2026 makes clear that vigilance, reporting, and a community united are essential.