Horsham PCSOs honoured after tracking down bicycle burglar
Two Horsham police community support officers, who tracked down a burglar after a high-value bicycle was stolen, have received awards for their work.
Megan Lloyd and Damian Cecil, of Horsham Neighbourhood Policing Team, received commendations at Sussex Police’s West Sussex Divisional Awards. This was held at Arundel Castle on September 28.
The pair used their local knowledge to identify a suspect near Christ’s Hospital railway station, after being called to a burglary at a nearby home, police said. The incident happened in October 2025.
Police said an intruder had been reported breaking into the victim’s garden and garage before riding away on the bicycle.
The PCSOs searched the area and traced the suspect to a car park near the station, about 500 metres away, police said. Police said he was found with the stolen bicycle, latex gloves, a screwdriver and a key.
Police colleagues arrested him, and the bicycle was recovered and returned to its owner.
The force confirmed that Jack Page – now aged 33 – ‘pleaded guilty to burglary of a building other than a dwelling’.
Page, of no fixed address, was jailed for 12 months after appearing at Crawley Magistrates' Court on December 12, 2025.
Mr Cecil, who has been a PCSO since 2007, said: “Receiving the award made me feel appreciated, and it was a proud moment to have our work recognised.”
He said the case demonstrated the value of PCSOs’ local knowledge and their relationships within the community.
“We were able to identify the suspect and work closely with our colleagues, who responded quickly and arrested him,” he added.
"We also managed to recover and return the stolen property to the victim.
“It was a real team effort and highlights how effective community policing can be when everyone works together.”
Ms Lloyd has been a PCSO for three years.
She said: “Receiving this award has made me feel that the work we do doesn’t go unnoticed, and it is nice to have the opportunity to celebrate that from time to time.
“Keeping our communities safe is one of the reasons I choose to do this role, as well as being particularly passionate about supporting victims.”
Horsham Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Neil Durkan praised their ‘swift and decisive efforts’
“They showed outstanding dedication and professionalism to support colleagues and the victim in this case,” Inspector Durkan said.
The awards ceremony celebrated the courage, professionalism and public service of officers and staff across West Sussex. Those attending included High Sheriff of West Sussex, Gary Shipton.
West Sussex Divisional Commander Chief Superintendent Imran Asghar said: “Our annual awards recognise the incredible work of individual officers and staff and the professionalism of our teams working to serve the public.
“Every recipient has shown they are a credit to Sussex Police, and they have each made a huge difference to the communities in which they serve
"The awards highlight how day in, day out, our staff and officers rise to overcome complex challenges. From supporting sexual abuse victims across international borders, to saving lives in emergencies, I am proud of how they have distinguished themselves.
“Their dedication and service help the force to achieve our priorities: to protect communities, catch criminals, and to deliver an outstanding service.”