Extra police patrols to tackle anti-social behaviour in West Sussex
Teams have been on late shifts in problem areas
A policing operation has been launched to tackle reports of anti social behaviour and criminality in various areas across West Sussex.
Extra officers from response, neighbourhood policing and the Tactical Enforcement Unit have been out on patrol on late shifts in areas where there have been regular reports of anti social and criminal behaviour including Bognor and Worthing.
In one week the officers have achieved carried out 100 interactions with youths and members of the public, issued dispersal orders, made arrests for assault, public disorder and being drunk and disorderly, and carried out referrals to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
West Sussex divisional commander Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges said:
"For policing to be effective we need to be able to respond quickly and effectively to emerging issues and in particular those that represent the greatest risk of harm to the public.
"In recent weeks across West Sussex we have experienced a number of incidents involving young people gathering in groups which has resulted in crime, anti-social behaviour and, in a minority of cases, serious violence.
"Understandably these incidents are of concern to local communities and present a risk to the young people involved whether they are the victims or those committing the offences.
"In order to bolster the existing work of the local Neighbourhood Policing Teams who are already addressing these issues with local partners, we have launched an operation to provide additional resources."
Operation Dozen will initially run for a three-month period with the specific aim of protecting young and vulnerable people.
Sussex Police has said it looks to engage with young people to divert them from criminality and harm and providing the community with reassurance that we are taking action and listening to their concerns.
Howard Hodges added that officers have received strong support from the public since the scheme was brought in:
"One member of the public in Bognor said she had been scared to go into the town centre because of her fears about anti social behaviour but she had been relieved to hear about our initiative and to learn that the force was taking reports of this seriously.
"Others have said how good it was see officers out on patrol in areas like Lamb Park in Durrington and Hotham Park in Bognor, where robust action by officers the day before had had a positive effect and improved people's behaviour.
"My staff and I are completely committed to protecting the public, catching criminals and delivering an outstanding service to the people of West Sussex.
"I am proud of what my teams have delivered thus far in relation to this particular operation and am confident that working together with our partners and the local community we will make a difference."