Phone app launched in Horsham to combat business crime
Funding from Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne is allowing 'Disc' to be offered to businesses in Horsham free of charge
A unique intelligence and information sharing app called Disc has been launched in Horsham to help tackle business crime.
Following recent successful launches of the app in towns such as Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill, funding from Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne is allowing Disc to be offered to retailers and business partners in Horsham, free of charge.
Registered users of the app can use it as a platform to alert one another about shoplifters or those committing anti-social behaviour. The app allows users to quickly share information, including a description of offenders, times they were last seen and even allows them to add images. The app also allows users to swiftly report crime to the police.
The aim of the app is to increase communication amongst retailers - it enables stores to manage exclusion or banning schemes as well as efficiently and effectively submit detailed reports, helping the police to catch offenders.
The number of users of the app is increasing across the county and in 2023 so far, the app has seen 4,043 crimes reported in Sussex and over 1,000 pieces of intelligence shared.
Last month, Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne visited Horsham town centre alongside Councillor Sam Raby, representatives from Horsham District Council and Sussex police officers to meet with local retailers and find out how Disc will benefit them and their local community.
The visit began with PCC Katy Bourne meeting Ben Hewson, the chair of Horsham’s Business Crime Reduction Partnership. Ben also owns The Bear, a traditional pub in Market Square.
Speaking about the launch of the app Ben Hewson said: “Disc enables businesses large and small to quickly and easily report and record crime using a secure, compliant platform.
This partnership between businesses, the police and Horsham District Council will reduce the occurrence of theft and anti-social behaviour and maintain a safe environment for visitors and staff.”
After, PCC Katy Bourne met with Gill Buchanan, the Swan Walk Centre Manager, as well as members of staff from Sainsburys, Tesco, Sports Direct and Gobsmack Comics. Retailers spoke about how the app will help them to work more closely with the police, enabling them to protect themselves, their property, staff and customers.
Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Disc not only helps retailers to be more aware of crime but they can be more prepared too.
“I know from speaking with many retailers, the fast-paced nature of their roles means they often don’t have time to be on the ‘phone reporting incidents and can’t always take time away from the shop floor but, for crime to be solved, it needs to be reported in the first place.
“This is why Disc is an important tool. Its user-friendly design means it is quick and easy for retailers to navigate, it’s GDPR compliant and is helping to drive down crime through the sharing of detailed information and intelligence.
“I’m delighted that Horsham is joining many other areas across Sussex who already successfully use Disc and I look forward to hearing more from retailers in the area once they’ve had time to get used to the new tool.”
Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Communities and Wellbeing Cllr Sam Raby commented: “It was a pleasure to meet up with PCC Katy Bourne, Sussex police officers and members of the Business Crime Reduction Partnership as we went on a tour of Horsham to speak with retailers and business owners about the benefits of the Disc app.
“We were really encouraged at how positively the app was being received as it would help businesses work more closely with each other and the police to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in and around their premises.”