After nine months working the beat outside the city – except the Manhood peninsula, which has its own team – the Chichester Rural Neighbourhood Specialist Team has seen a massive reduction in anti-social behaviour reported in Southbourne and Tangmere.

And the eight-strong team of PCs and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) is determined to keep up the battle.

Sgt Spencer Roberson, who leads the team, said: "Since the formation of the Neighbourhood Specialist Teams, there has been a significant reduction of reported incidents of anti-social behaviour in Southbourne and Tangmere.

"Having dedicated police officers and PCSOs in place has enabled them to build and develop strong community links.

"My officers are working tirelessly with the community and our partners to identify and tackle the issues that matter most to local people."

The team has worked with community groups and parish and district councils to target those responsible for anti-social behaviour and divert youths away from getting involved in crime.

The development of a Country Watch Radio scheme has also helped by giving businesses a direct link with officers, leading to a number of arrests and tracing vulnerable missing persons.

Sgt Roberson is now seeking to increase the number of streets involved in Neighbourhood Watch schemes which are undergoing changes to strengthen the links with the police in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

Residents wanting to find out more about the scheme should pop into their police station.

New Neighbourhood Forums being introduced in the coming months are set to give residents an even greater say in the issues and crimes police should be targeting in their community.

"The forums will be community led and consist of a true representation of people who live and work in the area so local people can have a voice in the setting of local policing priorities," Sgt Roberson said.

The Chichester Rural Neighbourhood Specialist Team comprises:

n Fishbourne, Bosham, Southbourne and Westbourne: PC Andrew Rosier.

n Fishbourne and Bosham:

PCSO Bruce Ives.

n Southbourne and Westbourne:

PCSO Philip Court.

n Bosham and Southbourne:

Vacancy for PCSO.

n Tangmere and North Mundham: PC Andrea Beard and vacancy for PCSO.

n Lavant, Funtingdon and Boxgrove: PC Mark Hillman and PCSO Jason Lemm.

To contact your local officers call 0845 60 70 999, visit www.sussex.police.uk or pop into your police station.




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