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Crawley: Town Centre Sees Surge in Arrests

Crawley Town Center has witnessed a surge in police activity and successful arrests following the implementation of two innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing police accessibility and combating crime.

The first week of operation for Crawley’s new community engagement pod has already shown positive results, according to Inspector Steve Turner. He highlighted that the pod has facilitated interaction with hundreds of residents on various issues and has been well-received by the public.

This engagement pod, staffed by police officers, PCSOs, council members, and representatives from the Business Crime Reduction Partnership, serves as a hub for community engagement, support, and reassurance. Its strategic placement in the High Street area not only aids those needing assistance but also serves as a deterrent to potential criminal activities.

In tandem with the ‘Stronger, Safer Crawley’ initiative, a partnership-driven effort, the police have intensified their focus on serious and organized crime in the town center. This combined approach has already led to a series of arrests, signaling a promising start to the initiatives.

Among the recent arrests, Kyle Matthews, 21, from Brighton, was apprehended on 31 October for the theft of a handbag containing valuable jewelry from a location in Queensway. Matthews is scheduled to appear at Crawley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 15 November.

Additional arrests in the town center include a 30-year-old man from Billingshurst for suspected possession of a Class A drug, a 32-year-old man from Charlwood on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, and a 13-year-old Crawley boy suspected of carrying a knife. Furthermore, 13 individuals were stopped and searched, leading to the seizure and recovery of drugs.

Inspector Steve Turner said: “We are already seeing the benefits and presence of the pod after just a week.”

“Our aim is to provide reassurance in the community and build a stronger, safer Crawley for everyone.”

One of our partners, Audio Active, is hosting music events for young people at the band stand in Crawley on Wednesday, 22 November and Monday, 11 December.

Superintendent Nick Dias, said: “Not only have they increased our presence in the town, but our new schemes aim to prevent crime in the area and this is one example of the many events which are coming up to help that.

“The community is our priority.”

Councillor Yasmin Khan, Cabinet member for Public Protection at Crawley Borough Council, said: “The community pod has had some encouraging early results in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

“The engagement that police, council staff and partners have seen is helping to make the area safe for all.”

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