Calls for police action over Swastika vandalism

Bognor Regis Town Council says the number of crimes in Bognor Regis will only increase unless police take action

A town councillor has called on Sussex Police to "take more action" after Swastikas were drawn on and carved into more than 50 pieces of furniture in a park.

Paul Wells, of Bognor Regis Town Council, said the vandalism in Hotham Park was "horrendous", and claimed it was the latest in a spate of incidents in the area.

He added that the town faced a "downward spiral" unless there was a crackdown on crime.

Sussex Police said it had increased patrols and engagement in the area, and was working to gather evidence, catch offenders and address the underlying issues.

The damage to furniture in Hotham Park, which opened 78 years ago, had been appearing since the start of June, Mr Wells said.

But he said the vandalism was part of a wider problem in Bognor.

In April, a 20-year-old was stabbed to death near the pier, a 17-year-old was taken to hospital after being injured by a machete last month, and there was a series of recent connected burglaries and thefts.

Metodi Petrov Ivanov died after he was stabbed near the pier in Bognor on 4 April

"We have our problems in Bognor, but this is more of a general society issue," Mr Wells told BBC Radio Sussex.

He said the town council had set up the new Town Action Group, which will work with partners including Sussex Police to tackle some of the problems.

But Mr Wells added: "We want Sussex Police to take more action. We know their finances and resources are tight, but we've got to start addressing this problem otherwise we're on a downward spiral."

Ch Insp Will Keating-Jones said: "We understand the impact crime and anti-social behaviour has on Bognor's residents and businesses, and have introduced a range of new measures with our partners."

He said that as well as working with the action group, police would be introducing a specialist mobile vehicle at areas of increased crime or anti-social behaviour, "a method that has had proven success across the county", he added.

Anyone with information about the vandalism in Hotham Park is urged to contact police.