Two convicted of vehicle crimes in Horsham

Police said Christopher Light and Darion Bates were arrested after being spotted acting suspiciously around vehicles in the town.

The pair were charged with vehicle crime related offences and appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ court last week.

Light, 39, of Andrews Road, Southwater, was arrested on Monday September 17 in Amundsen Road after a member of the public spotted him breaking into a car, officers said.

He was charged with theft from a motor vehicle and was given a 12 month conditional discharge and two fines - totaling £105 - after appearing at court on September 18.

The following day Bates, 51, Holmes Road, Horsham, was arrested in Fenby Close, after being spotted acting suspiciously around a car.

He was charged with three counts of vehicle interference and appeared at court the same day. He was given a 12 month community order, a rehabilitation activity requirement and a 12 month exclusion order from Fenby Close, police said.

Prevention Inspector Sarah Leadbeatter said: “We listened to the concerns of the residents in Horsham and wanted to robustly tackle the issue of theft from vehicles.

“We have seen success in this action and will continue to actively patrol these areas in a bid to stamp out this behaviour.

“We do ask motorists however, to help us with this action by reducing their risk of becoming a victim by removing any valuables from their vehicles, ensuring all windows and doors are locked and parking in brightly-lit areas.

“We’re also encouraging anyone who sees or hears anything suspicious, or who is unfortunate enough to become a victim of theft themselves, to report it to police immediately using 999. Other information that may be of help can be sent online or by phoning 101.”