Police increase presence to tackle youth crime

Sussex Police has introduced a police box to Chichester City centre to increase its presence

Officers have "stepped up" efforts to confront youth crime and anti-social behaviour in Chichester city centre, Sussex Police said.

The force said it was in response to an increase in reports of youth crime, and in order to try to make residents feel safer.

Teams are "patrolling and maintaining a presence in hot spot areas, targeting individuals who commit criminality and impact the local communities", a spokesperson said.

Ch Insp Will Keating-Jones, from the Arun and Chichester neighbourhood policing team, said: "We recognise how anti-social behaviour can impact communities and that's why we will continue to work with partners to tackle these issues".

Mr Keating-Jones added: "We are continually engaged with residents and affected businesses to understand their concerns."

Sussex Police says youth crime has increased in Chichester over the last six months

Sussex Police recently installed a police box in the city centre to give themselves a more visible presence.

Rebecca Parkhouse, who owns The Bazaar gift shop, said: "For a long time there has been an issue with drunk behaviour and fighting."

She added: "If there are more police out and about it will help."

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.