Sompting residents asked to speak out over anti-social behaviour
Problems are still continuing despite police action
Sompting residents are being encouraged to report anti-social behaviour as part of a continued crackdown by Sussex Police.
Officers have said that problems are persisting around the Millfield area of the village, which contains a number of people known to be vulnerable.
That's despite three Partial Closure Order notices being served to properties in a bid to curb criminal activities.
Working with Adur Homes and Adur District Council, police have also obtained one Criminal Behaviour Order, and issued numerous Community Protection Warnings.
PCSO Kate Trevis, who works in the village, said:
“Working together, our aim is improve the lives of everyone living in this community by making it a safer place to live. But we need your help.
“We need you to come forward in order for us to take action as necessary. We recognise some people may feel concerned about reporting incidents to police, and that’s why we can offer ‘hearsay evidence’ – this is where a person who does not wish to be identified gives evidence to a third party to present in court on their behalf.
"This third party could be a housing officer, a PCSO or an antisocial behaviour officer, and any information would be presented in such a way to protect the person’s identity.”
Councillor Kevin Boram, Adur District Council’s Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing, said:
“Antisocial behaviour can have large and lasting impacts on neighbourhoods and communities which is why we have been working with the police and Adur Homes to crackdown on cases in Sompting.
“We can only keep on taking this positive action if we are provided with up-to-date information which is why I am encouraging residents to use the anonymous reporting tool on our website. It is only by working together that we can improve Sompting for everyone."
Incidents can be reported to Adur District Council anonymously.
People can also report a crime to Sussex Police online or by calling 101 in a non-emergency, or 999 in an emergency.