Policing levels not adequate in Sussex

As a retired Sussex Police officer who was stationed at Horsham for the majority of my service, I was appalled to read the press feature in the West Sussex County Times entitled ‘Man pinned down after incident’. This occurred on February 1.

A police spokesman said: “Due to other incidents officers were not able to immediately attend and the suspects were allowed to leave.”

This is disgraceful. A member of the public witnessed shoplifting at Boots, had given chase some distance across Horsham Park, had managed to restrain the individual, and was then forced to let them go because no police resources could be made available to help him.

The man concerned, Nick Lewis, deserves a commendation for his public spirited attempt to combat crime.

He has been totally let down by Sussex Police, and possibly left himself open to a counter-allegation of assault by physically detaining the individual.

This incident demonstrates that policing levels are not adequate for the public to feel safe, and that low-level crime can take place without any real consequences for the criminal, but with very real consequences for any member of the public that tries to stop it.

This incident did not take place in the middle of the night in a rural district, but in the town centre during the daytime.

I think my past career permits me to say that a visible presence of uniformed constables in town is required in order to regain public confidence and respect.

It is clear that Nick Lewis has the aptitude and physical ability to be a police officer. Sussex Police should invite him to apply. Chief Constable Giles York and Katy Bourne please note.