Worthing's police 'doing fine job' (From The Argus)

Worthing's police 'doing fine job'

11:08am Thursday 2nd October 2008 in News By Ben Parsons

Police have moved to reassure the public after the shock suspension of two senior officers was revealed yesterday.

Chief Inspector Sharon Rowe and Chief Inspector Jim Torbet were arrested on suspicion of stealing wine from Marks and Spencer at Holmbush in Shoreham.

Acting Chief Inspector Howard Hodges, who is taking over Chief Insp Rowe’s post as district commander for Worthing while the allegation is investigated, said it is “business as usual” for policing in the town.

He has run Worthing’s neighbourhood policing team for 19 months as an inspector.

He said: “I am confident of the local policing delivered to the people of Worthing. The crime rate in Worthing continues to fall, with a near 15% reduction in crime compared to this time last year.

“This equates to 633 fewer victims of crime and has been achieved through both quality policing and effective partnerships with our statutory partners and the local community.

“We continue to deliver an effective response to emergency incidents and reports of crime, while further embedding meaningful local policing to identify sustainable solutions to the issues that matter most to those who live, work and visit our town.”

Council leader Keith Mercer welcomed the statement.

He said: “It has been a bit of a shock. The council has worked very closely with Chief Insp Rowe and we have been very pleased with the community support initiatives that she has been responsible for.”

Tim Everett, chairman of Worthing crime and disorder reduction partnership, said: “Partnership working at all levels across the district is reaping significant rewards and there are many good examples, such as dealing with antisocial driving and street drinking, where it has been particularly successful.

“I am looking forward to building upon our successes thus far and continuing to make Worthing a safe and secure place to be.”

Police confirmed on Tuesday that two officers had been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and bailed pending an investigation.

Chief Insp Rowe, 44, joined Sussex Police in 1986. She became the first woman inspector in Brighton in 1998.

Before taking over as Worthing district commander she held the same position in Adur, policing Lancing, Shoreham and Southwick.

Chief Insp Torbet, 54, works in the force’s professional standards department, whose job is to investigate complaints and misconduct by police.

Brian Stockham, chairman of the Sussex Police Federation, said people should not jump to conclusions about the allegation until it has been fully investigated.